These students couldn't learn math; CBSE said never mind

A CBSE scheme that offers alternative subjects has proved to be a game-changer for students who just could not learn mathematics.

Students struggling to learn any subject get an option to pursue alternatives that range from fine arts to commerce.

Consider the case of 15-year-old Arhaan (name changed), who found learning mathematics no less than a nightmare. He spent extra hours in school, while his parents put in special efforts to help him, but nothing worked. It then emerged that he has math learning disability.

"We tried our best to help him out, but he found it hard to learn math even as a child. We tutored him for two hours at home, but he would not pass the test," said Suresh, Arhaan's father. "That is when we realised he had math learning disability."

It was through a family friend that Arhaan's mother learnt the CBSE gives students the option to study an alternative subject provided the disability is clinically proved.

"When the tests confirmed he had a learning disability, we were in for a shock. Our older son is an engineer. We could not believe the younger one was below par," Suresh said. "But it did not matter. We realised his strength lies elsewhere."

Arhaan's alma mater, Delhi Public School, gave him Information Technology and Finance to study when he was in Class 9. The efforts paid off. He scored 84.2% in the CBSE Class 10 exams.

Suresh said he was glad the CBSE has such an option. "A lot of children struggle in studies without being aware of this scheme. These options can help them," he added.

Arhaan wants to study commerce and is also interested in multimedia.

Zahid (name changed) had a similar issue. He had a challenge learning mathematics and Hindi. He approached the Spastics Society of Karnataka and got a certificate confirming the disability. "We knew the difficulty he was going through," said Sabira Sharif, his mother.

Zahid got painting and computers as his main subject. He scored 77% in the board exam. "He is passionate about animation and drawing. He also likes painting. I am the kind of mother who would not force him into doing something that he found difficult," she said.

She continued: "There is already so much competition, but I told him just to do his best. I understood that he is talented in a different way. He will purse animation."