Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) Don’t get panicky if you failed to get that 90 percent dream score in Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) Class 12 exams. Skill-based vocational courses could be the mantra for average performers in board exams, according to career counsellors.
“I think students with average scores in board exams can follow their heart and pursue their dreams rather than going for conventional courses. Actually the vocational courses are more in demand these days for they help in honing students skills,” career counsellor Geetanjali Kumar told IANS.

She said students in the band of 60 to 80 percent marks can go for language courses, jewellery designing, interior designing, travel and ticketing, animation, computer designing, event management, journalism, radio jockey, fashion designing — and the list goes on.

“After doing these skill based courses, students will get hands-on experience which will add on to their professional experience. Besides, they can go for routine courses through distance learning from IGNOU or other private universities. These students will be better equipped to play the role of multi-taskers and can do very well in their lives,” said Kumar, who has been motivating students and parents to think out of the box.

The CBSE in its counselling manual has also appealed to students that board results are not the ultimate decisive factor in their lives and it is more important to choose the next options.

“Find out and update with wide and varied career choices. Invariably the decision should not be based or influenced by the friends. For an average performer or below average, skill-based vocational courses are best choice,” the manual said.

Leela Dewan, coordinator of the helpline ‘Snehi’ for board students, said: “We talk to the parents and make them understand that it is not the end of the world. There are private institutes, polytechnics and professional courses. We advise them to go for the course and not the college. It is important for the child to pursue what he/she is interested in.”

Most of the counsellors feel that after board results the parents should take their child to professional career counsellors for it will help in adjudging their skills and guiding them in a better way.

“Counselling is a must for all students for it gives them a focused approach post-results and helps in reducing stress. Students do better after school because of maturity and greater focus, course of interest, rise and awareness level and exposure to options,” said counsellor Deepti Singh.