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Minister of State for Human Resource Development, D. Purandeswari, has appealed to all parents and the society for active involvement in an effort of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to minimize the exam stress on students.

The NCERT is studying the adverse effects of the present examination system to determine whether it can force a student to commit suicide.

This was informed by Purandeswari during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.

The NCERT has not yet made any recommendations on the study on adverse affects on students due to pressure of examinations, under the present education system.

When asked about the 16,000 reported suicides by students between 2004 and 2006, Purandeswari said, "We do realize children are under stress and strain but exams are not the lone cause of suicides".

"Suicides were a result of various other factors. Socio-economic factors add to the stress... anxiety of parents at times transfer to the child. Counseling and helpline for parents and students have been initiated and since September this year, web-based counseling has also been started", Purandeswari added.

NCERT has also taken up the subject of examination reforms with the state education boards. All universities across the country have also been advised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to suggest academic reforms.