On social media, students are sharing similar experiences that have gone viral, sparking widespread conversations about the role of parenting during the exam season.
Hyderabad: A family in Karnataka organised a cake-cutting event to encourage and express support for their son, who had failed in all six subjects in their board exams.
A Reddit threat speaks of parents not pulling up their son who had secured marks in the mid-70s, against “Sharmaji ka beta” securing in the 95s.
With several school board examination results recently announced, many parents are choosing to respond with emotional support and encouragement, irrespective of the marks secured. Students say such positive reinforcement has helped them feel more confident and less anxious, with their efforts being acknowledged rather than only their scores.
“We are beginning to see a healthy shift in parenting, where academic results are no longer the sole lens through which a child’s worth is measured,” said psychologist Ravali Lagineni. “When parents choose to stand by their children regardless of marks, they reinforce the idea that their child’s value is not tied to grades.”
Several students shared their personal experiences about how their parents supported them during the tense period of the board exam results. A CBSE Class 10 student, who scored 84 per cent and requested anonymity, said, “My mother expected slightly higher marks but was still happy. My father told me that marks won’t matter in real life and that even people who score less can lead good lives. On my result day, they ordered cake and pizza to congratulate me. I’m glad they accepted my performance with joy.”
Narra Surya Vara Prasad, who secured 64 per cent in Class 10, said, “My parents gifted me an iPhone 16e after my results to motivate me. I’m very happy. They made me feel like I could do better and gave me another chance to prove myself. They asked me to concentrate on my Intermediate studies, and I will try my best.”
Another student, S. Thanishka, recalled how her parents comforted her after a difficult exam experience. “I told my parents about the tough papers. From that moment, they supported me till the results were declared. I cleared the exams with 62 per cent, though I had feared failing. They surprised me with a pet dog, something I had wanted for a long time.”
Aratrika Sanyal, who failed in Mathematics, said her father took her out for dinner on the day the results were declared. “I was upset and expected a scolding. But he took me out and explained the importance of failure and why it shouldn’t bother me.”
Such parental attitudes are being welcomed by educators and mental health experts. “Encouraging children to do their best within their capacity, regardless of marks, is a welcome development,” said Dr B. Ebnezar, vice chairperson of the Hyderabad Sahodaya Schools Complex. “Exams are a part of life, not life itself. Even if one fails, there is always an opportunity to improve,” he explained.
On social media, students are sharing similar experiences that have gone viral, sparking widespread conversations about the role of parenting during the exam season. In Karnataka, a boy who scored just 32 per cent and failed six subjects in the Class 10 board exams was celebrated by his parents, who cut a cake to encourage him. In another case, a CBSE Class 12 student shared a screenshot of his father’s cool one-word reaction—“Chill”—after he scored 84 per cent. The post gained significant traction on Reddit.
These stories, now being widely discussed online, reflect a growing recognition that exams are not the only measure of a child’s potential—and that compassion and support are just as important in shaping their future.
