CBSE, or the Central Board of Secondary Education, conducts the board exams for Class 10 and Class 12 students every year. Due to the Covid-19 crisis, the Board decided to conduct the exams in two sessions for the 2021-22 academic year. The exams were also conducted on a reduced syllabus. The CBSE board exams are extremely important for students, and the results of these exams decide their academic future.
Students need to score high marks in Class 10 and Class 12 board exams to pursue higher education in their field of choice. Preparing for the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams can be very stressful. But with the right learning and preparation strategies, students can ace the CBSE Board exams and score higher marks. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts or points to help you get ready for the board exams in the right way.
Things to Do to Prepare for the Exams
- Start early: You’ve probably heard the saying, “The early bird catches the worm.” This is applicable to students who are appearing for the board exams too. Set a target and start preparing early to achieve your target. The CBSE syllabus is vast; you cannot cover all of it at once, and even if you do, you won’t remember it. Starting early helps you cover the syllabus and also gives you enough time to revise often.
- Study plan: An effective study plan is one of the most important steps in preparing for the CBSE board exams. Create a study timetable, assigning more time to subjects you find difficult. Try to keep your study plan in line with your classroom learning. Revise what you have learnt every 3-4 days and test yourself to check your understanding. Use technology along with your textbooks and learn through interactive videos and infographics to make learning more interesting.
- Exam pattern: Study the CBSE exam pattern thoroughly before the exam. This will give you an insight into the CBSE marking scheme, the different kinds of questions asked, the exam duration etc. This will help you face the exam more confidently.
- Cultivate healthy habits: While you prepare for the exam, it is also extremely important to take care of your mental and physical health. Preparing for exams can be a stressful and worrisome time. Too much stress can lead to a nervous breakdown and hamper your performance. So while preparing for exams, make sure to eat healthily and cultivate healthy habits like exercising. Go for a walk or meditate to refresh your minds. Give yourself small breaks in between to calm yourself. Also, make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. A healthy body and mind will help your mind absorb more information and learn more.
- Question papers: Solving question papers is another important step you cannot ignore while preparing for the board exams. Previous years’ question papers and sample papers like CBSE sample paper Maths class 10 help students understand the exam pattern. It also helps them revise and practice writing exams. This boosts their confidence and improves their time management skills.
- NCERT books: Referring to the NCERT books and question papers is a must when you’re preparing for the CBSE board exams. Most of the questions in the CBSE board exams are from the NCERT books. Referring to these books while you prepare for the board exams is a surefire way to score high marks.
Things to Avoid While Preparing for the Exams
- Procrastination: One of the worst things you can do while preparing for board exams is procrastinating. Do not delay or procrastinate, assuming you can study for the board exams in just a few months. Since the syllabus is vast, you won’t be able to cover all of it in just a few days or weeks. If you procrastinate, the syllabus piles up, leading to last-minute cramming and panic. You could also end up with no time to finish the syllabus and be unprepared for the exam. This could affect your performance and lead to low scores, which could affect your academic future.
- Following too many guides: If you ask around, everyone recommends a different guide to score high marks. Don’t be fooled by this and follow too many guides. You’ll only end up confused and unprepared. Most of the questions in the board exams are from the NCERT books. This is the best guide to cracking the CBSE board exams. Stick to one guide and practice often from it.
- Stress: Exam time is stressful, but excessive stress can be harmful. Anxiety and exam fear is natural, but with the right learning practices, you won’t have to stress too much.
- Negative thinking: Negative thinking is counter-productive and will lead to more stress. Practise positive thinking and have faith in your abilities. This will help you calm down and improves your performance too.