CBSE helpline numbers ringing off the hook

New Delhi, May 22 (IANS) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) helpline has been flooded with calls from anxious students and parents ever since the class twelfth results for Delhi, Guwahati and Allahabad regions were declared early Friday.

One of the main questions - from those who were not able to secure the 33 percent pass percentage in the first go - was when the compartmental exams would be held.

Several students had questions about their eligibility for college courses and career options, CBSE counsellors said.

'I have received anxious calls from parents and students inquiring about compartmental exams. Students want to know the date of the exam as well as that of the results,' said Geetanjali Kumar, counsellor at the Hansraj School here.

Another counsellor, Meenakshi Thakkar said: 'Many students want to apply to Delhi University and their doubts were about the expected cut off list and their chances of getting through the course they desire.'

For P.C Bose, a retired deputy director (Education) and a member of CBSE board, there has not been a moment's calm since 8 a.m.

'My phone started ringing since eight in the morning. Earlier the doubts of the students were about the timing of the declaration of results. But as soon as the results were declared, students called to inquire about the toppers in their region and also about the career options that will be available to them now,' Bose said.

For counsellor Anita Sharma, the day began early tending to anxious students.

'There has been a tremendous increase in the number of phone calls since yesterday. I have been talking since 5.10 a.m. this morning,' said Sharma, who is also the principal of the Sanatan Dharma Public School.

Many students were not completely satisfied with their results, the counsellors said.

'Apart from mathematics, physics and history, students were especially upset with results in commerce subjects as well,' Sharma said.

The CBSE helpline was launched on May 20 to help students overcome anxiety and stress after the board results. There are 18 helpline centres in India and three abroad - in Dubai, Doha (Qatar) and Kuwait.