As Class 10 board examinations begin across India, many Catholic schools continue a long-standing practice: taking students to churches and Marian shrines for special prayer services ahead of the tests.
In Odisha, eastern India, Christian students gathered in parishes, mission stations, and educational institutions across the state before the High School Certificate (HSC) examinations, which began on February 19 and run until March 2, 2026. More than 561,000 students are appearing for the exams this year.
Students, accompanied by parents and teachers, prayed the Rosary, listened to Scripture readings, and attended Holy Mass and Eucharistic adoration. The services focused on seeking wisdom, clarity of mind, and calmness during a period widely regarded as academically and emotionally demanding.
In the Archdiocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Fr. Pradosh Chandra Nayak, Vicar General, addressed students during one such gathering. Quoting James 2:26, “Faith without works is dead,” he reminded them that prayer must be accompanied by disciplined study and perseverance.
“Faith gives inner peace and strength,” he said, while encouraging students to remain focused and avoid distractions. Referring to the Gospel account of the Wedding at Cana, he noted the significance of Mary’s intercession and urged students to approach their examinations with confidence and preparation.
At St. Catherine’s Convent Hostel in Kandhamal district, the Daughters of Charity organized prayers for board candidates. Sr. Prassana Nayak, the hostel’s superintendent, said seeking Mary’s intercession before examinations has long been part of Christian family life in the region. She prayed for students’ health, concentration, and ability to perform to the best of their capacity.
Students also shared their perspectives. Sasmita Nayak, a Class 10 student from St. Catherine’s Minority Girls’ High School in Raikia, said prayer helped her remain steady during the examination period. Raj Montri, a student of Vijay High School and resident of Bishop Tobar Boys’ Hostel run by the archdiocese, described Mary as the “Seat of Wisdom” and expressed hope that her intercession would support his efforts.
Odisha has six Catholic dioceses, Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Balasore, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Rayagada, and church leaders said prayers were offered for all students appearing for the examinations, regardless of religion.
Christians make up about 2.77 percent of Odisha’s population of 42 million, while Hindus and Indigenous communities account for nearly 90 percent. Despite being a minority, the Church runs a significant number of educational institutions in the state.
Across India, similar prayer services are held annually in Catholic schools before board examinations. While the format may vary, the emphasis remains consistent: spiritual preparation alongside academic effort, offering students structured moments of reflection before one of the most important stages of their school life.
