The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has come up with a novel idea to help students cope with examination-related stress. It has made a nine-minute film that tells students to take it easy during exams and offers them tips to deal with anxiety. The film titled 'Smile Your Way Through Exams' has been uploaded on the board's website.

The film begins with students preparing for examinations with anxiety writ large on their faces. They share various feelings and situations, like lack of concentration, sleeplessness, muscle tension and bouts of crying, which they go through during examinations.

As the movie progresses, it gives handy tips to students on how to handle the pressure. Gardening, talking to parents, playing games, understanding the source of stress are some of the useful tips students are shown sharing with their counterparts.

The film also emphasises on the advantage of practising yoga, deep-breathing exercises and meditation to counter nervousness and to be at peace with oneself.

The board has kept in mind the rising competition and expectations of parents. Parents have been urged to not mount too much of pressure on children and instead set realistic goals for them.

Schools are all praises for the film, both for its content and presentation. Dr Rakesh Sachdeva, principal, DAV Model School, Sector-15, said: "It is a very good gesture on part of the board. It has understood the need for helping students. The film will definitely spread the message across because it is topical and the treatment is fresh."

Counsellor Punita Singh agrees: "Students go through a variety of emotions during examinations. It is essential for the parents to understand them and not burden them with unlikely situations. The message is given in a

very youthful way and the film should score high with parents too."