CHENNAI: As final exams near, the toll free helpline 14417 is buzzing with calls for assistance. The helpline, set up for students, received more than 15,000 calls in the past two months. Officials said they were expecting more calls in the coming days.“We received the maximum number of calls during the examination months in March and May last year,” said Francis Joseph, team head, 14417 education information centre.Joseph said the centre would rope in subject teachers to attend calls and answer queries regarding the syllabus. Teachers will be brought to the centre based on the exam timetable. “For example if there is Chemistry exam, we will have a teacher a day before it to speak to students and clarify doubts. This will help students a lot,” he said.The five-seater call centre was set up last March. It is operated by registering officers who provide students with exam-related information and career guidance. Counsellors assist to students who complain of stress. In the past one year, the centre received more than 1.42 lakh assistance calls from students from all over the state.The highest number of calls, 34,755, was received in May followed by 26,000 in March. Counsellors at the centre said a large number of calls was related to stress and guidance. “Last month we had queries on hall tickets,” said a counsellor.The centre is planning to note down grievances regarding inadequate infrastructure and other amenities at schools and pass it on to the concerned authorities.Schools too are taking steps to help students beat stress. “Our teachers have been interacting with children on a daily basis, ensuring that they are calm and write the exams well. We know the students individually and can provide them better assistance,” said P Padma, principal, Government Girls High School, T Nagar.

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