SSC Students need Counselling

Teachers feel that while the test results point out aptitudes and careers the students can opt for, there is not much authentic information available about how to go about it. “In the past, the test has suggested to many students to opt for civil services or some art forms. However, there isn’t any guidance on how one must work towards it. This is especially true for students in the rural areas where there aren’t enough examples of people with off-beat careers. Several students ditch the suggestion made by aptitude tests, not just of the department’s but also private ones, and opt for traditional courses.

Started this four years ago, the interest identification test is conducted for the education department by the Shyamchi Aai Foundation and introduced the element of aptitude test only last year. While the exam was conducted using a mobile app last year, it has again given schools the option to go for computer-based pattern this year. Schools have got until January 18 to administer the test.

Teachers also want the state government to strengthen the post-test counselling. “The test and it’s results are only one part of helping students identify their career choices. The test is not tailor-made to identify every student’s interest and aptitude and the government should work to keeping a yearlong helpline for students to access career guidance. Only then will the test serve a real purpose.
Currently, the foundation has trained counsellors who are available for the students for a defined period post the announcement of test results.

In 2018, over 16 lakh students had taken the test.