The CBSE Board Exam is probably the most important academic exam of one’s life. Class 10 marks pave the way to career-altering streams such as Science, Commerce, or Arts, whereas Class 12 marks can determine the college admission, scholarships, and professional experience that follow.

With so much on the plate, it is no surprise that students undergo tremendous pressure before, during, and even after the board exams.

When the CBSE results are announced, the emotional response can range extremely — from ecstasy to hysteria. It’s essential for parents to address such reactions as usual, without passing any judgment.

The Immediate Response: Think Before You Act

As soon as the 10th CBSE & 12th CBSE results are out, most of the parents’ initial response often determines the emotional trajectory of all that comes next.

Some children scores well, while some does not. But irrespective of the scores, your child must be made to feel accepted and cherished for who they are — and not merely what appears on the mark sheet.

Rather than leaping into comparisons or advice, wait and simply be there. Provide a hug, smile, or comforting words. Avoid using statements like “I told you so” or “If only you’d tried harder.” Instead, say things like, “You did well”, “and I’m proud of your efforts” or “let’s explore the way forward together.”

Parents Role in Emotional Support

The day of CBSE results can be very stressful for students. They may feel self-doubt, apprehension of being judged, or uncertainty about the future.

In such times, parents can provide the best emotional support to their child as they are their safe space where they feel the most secure.

This is how parents can give good emotional support, immediately post the exam results:

• Celebrating efforts: Regardless of your child’s scores, recognize and appreciate their effort, grit, and devotion. Tell them that they had worked hard for the exam and that you are proud of them.
• Validating emotions: Let them know their emotions are real, by letting them feel and express their feelings freely. Every child goes through a roller coaster of emotions as it’s one of the biggest days of their lives.
• Highlighting strengths: Appreciate them for good grades in the subjects they did well at while motivating them to do better next time in the ones they didn’t.

Dealing With Disappointment Constructively

Not all students will perform well in the board exams. Some may underperform due to various reasons. In case of poor performance, disappointment is inevitable.

A parent’s role comes into play at this stage of not allowing emotions to get overwhelmed. In fact, it’s the most crucial time when a child would want their parent to be on their side.

• Don’t Compare: Comparing grades with other children often leads to hurt feelings making the child feel worthless and unloved by parents.
• Plan for re-exam: The Central Board of Secondary Education of India gives 3 attempts to the students to re-appear for the underperformed subjects in boards. If improvement is required, help your child study well for the re-exam or compartment exam.
• Share stories: Boost their morale with the success stories of late bloomers. This will change their perspective towards their own self.
• Model Resilience: Talk about how you faced setbacks in your academic journey and came back stronger. Your attitude as a parent determines the way in which your child views challenges and learning.

Social Pressure and Expectations

In a world where high school achievement is so exaggerated, students and parents find themselves at times compelled to fulfil unrealizable expectations of the society. The need to “keep up” causes anxiety, comparison, and even sickness even to an adult.

Parents ought to understand that there are not set of standards in order to be successful in life. Academic marks never quantify intellect of a child nor can they decide on how the child will do in his life ahead. Grades are just a reflection of how a child performed in that one particular exam.

Instead, appreciate their uniqueness and assist them in creating a path that aligns their passion and interests.

The Role of Communication

Open and honest communication is the foundation of well-adjusted parent-child relationships — particularly at stressful times like exam results.

• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of “Why did you not do better?” say “How do you feel about the results?”
• Be a good listener: Occasionally your child just needs to be heard without judgment or advice.
• Check-In regularly: Make it a habit to discuss something other than school-related subjects — hobbies, friends, goals, and feelings.

Strong communication builds trust and enables you to determine whether your child requires outside assistance such as mentoring or counselling.

Planning Ahead

After 10th CBSE results, students generally struggle to select the appropriate academic stream. Similarly, after 12 CBSE results, they have to make important decisions about college courses, entrance tests, or other streams.

As a parent, your advice is priceless here — but it must be informed, not dictatorial.

• Establish realistic goals: Plan short-term and long-term career goals together. In case of confusion, opt for career guidance from experts to help your child.
• Get informed: Help them in research admission procedures, requirements, and deadline for different courses and colleges.
• Help from extended family: Encourage your child to talk to their older siblings or cousins who are pursuing college degrees. It’s very helpful to talk through someone who has been through the same path recently.
• Stay involved: Stay involved in your child’s development but let them grow independently.
• Foster lifelong learning: Reading, internships, and skill acquisition do not end with the CBSE Board Exam. Encourage them to continue learning.

Your continued support can leave a lasting imprint on their confidence and success ahead.

While parents play a crucial role, teachers also have the power to guide students through this phase, especially those preparing for re-exams. By organizing special support classes for students who need to reappear, teachers can help boost their confidence and performance.

Central Provincial School is a shining example of such commitment. By offering personalized attention and academic support tailored to each student’s board exam needs, the school has proudly achieved a 100% result in both the 10th and 12th CBSE Board Exams in 2025.

The period following the CBSE Board Exams is about much more than just marks and merit lists — it’s a time of transition, reflection, and fresh beginnings. As a parent, your role goes far beyond offering advice or analysis — it lies in offering empathy, emotional support, and unwavering love, giving your child the strength to move forward with confidence.