Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told students appearing in the board exams to remain positive, and not to come under pressure of expectations.
The 13th edition of the prime minister's radio programme "Mann Ki Baat" focused on the upcoming board exams and also had guest speakers, including ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, chess champion Vishwanathan Anand, religious preacher Morari Bapu and celebrated scientist C.N.R Rao.
However, against expectations, the prime minister did not speak on the ongoing row around the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the suicide of Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula and other issues related to students and education that have been creating an uproar in parliament.
In his message to the students Modi said: "Do not get burdened under the expectations of others. Set your own targets."
"Why should we compete with others, why not compete with oneself? Break your own previous record."
Tendulkar in his message also urged students to remain positive.
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"Positive thoughts will be followed by positive results," Tendulkar said.
"I would say that you must set a target for yourself and do not come under the pressure of someone else's expectations. Work hard, but set a realistic achievable target for yourself," Tendulkar said.
Anand said the problems of board exams are much like the challenges we face later in life.
"Exams are very much like problems you face later in life... The most important thing is to stay calm. It is very much like a game of chess," he said.
"If you stay calm and you are well nourished and have slept well, then you will find that your brain recalls the right answer at the right moment. So stay calm. It is very important not to put too much pressure on yourself," he said.
Scientist C.N.R. Rao reminded students that there are many opportunities in the country.
"Decide what you want to do in life and don't give it up," he said.
Preacher Morari Bapu in his message urged students to concentrate on the exams, and accept the results as and how they come.
Prime Minister Modi also suggested to the students to leave enough time in hand so that they do not have to rush to reach the exam centre.
He also emphasised on the need to have a sound sleep.
The Class 12 exams of the Central Board of Secondary Education are to start on March 1 and of Class 10 on March 2.