Help is just a call away

Exam helpline for SSC and HSC students in full action

Last year, the Sate Board of Education launched helpline numbers for SSC and HSC students just a day before the SSC exam. Many students thought it was pointless launching it so late. Thankfully, this year the helpline numbers 022-27893756 and 27881075 started on February 14 ie well before the exams begin. HSC examinations will begin on February 21 and SSC exams on March 1. By calling on this helpline students will find solutions to all examination related queries. The helpline provides assistance to students all over Maharashtra and will be functional till March 28. Students can call anytime between 9am and 7pm.
Vijay Deshmukh, teacher and counsellor answering calls on the helpline number, informs, “In two days, we have received more than 50 calls from students and parents. We help students get their seat number, centre and the name of the school/college.”
RR Bhise, divisional secretary of the State Board, Mumbai, says, “Both kids and parents can avail assistance through the helpline. The website www.sscboardmumbai.in also provides important information about the exams.”

Did you know?
It has been five years since the helpline number has been launched but not many students are aware of it. Swapnil Kedare, an SSC student from Vashi says, “I have not heard of any such helpline number. It is indeed a good provision but I suppose there is hardly any awareness among students. I hope this is promoted in a better way so that students can benefit from it.”

Some more help
This year, there are additions to the special provisions made for students appearing for board exams. Under one such provision, if a student is unable to reach the exam centre, due to an emergency, he/she can contact the helpline number and the operator will give details about the nearest exam centre where the student can appear for that day’s paper. The student simply has to inform the Supervisor of the centre, who will further inform the original exam centre and the problem will be solved. This facility can be availed only once, to avoid misuse by students.

--Indira Thakur