3 IITians Share 5 Important Tips to Follow Before Board Exams #BlogaberryCC

The most important part of a student's life that can be termed a milestone and that shows where they actually stand in their foundation-building stage is surely the Board exams. Often, students go through fear and anxiety before the exams. Today, I have a few tried-and-tested tips from IITians, Asit, Monojit and Mayank, who have shared their opinions that may help students, especially before their Board Exams.

Q.1: What should be the pattern of study before the exam date?

Monojit says, "Before exam day, students should mainly focus on revising important concepts and topics they tend to forget. Instead of starting new topics, they should keep their revision light and focused." He also emphasises taking short breaks and staying relaxed to maintain a positive mindset.

Mayank has some important points to add." Start with the most difficult topics when the mind is fresh. Also, following a rotating schedule may ensure that no subjects are left untouched. The day before the exam, keep it light with gentle revision."

Q. 2: Should there be a study schedule to be followed before exams?

As per Monojit, students should study a mix of subjects rather than focusing on one for a long time. "This helps prevent boredom and keeps the mind active, improving the overall effectiveness of study time. The day can be divided into 1-2-hour study slots, with short breaks in between to maintain concentration and avoid fatigue. Analytical or practice-based learning can be studied later in the day," he adds. 

According to Mayank, setting a consistent wake-up and study time every day is important for getting the body into a rhythm. "Always keep buffer time in your schedule for topics that take longer than expected." He advises students to stick to a plan as much as possible while also being kind to themselves. 

Q.3: What are some tips to keep the mind cool and stay out of exam anxiety?

As per Asit, almost every student feels nervous before exams. A few simple habits help control it:

• Avoid comparing your preparation with others

• Take short breaks between study sessions.

• Practice deep breathing for a few minutes.

• Sleep properly before the exam.

• Avoid last-minute panic discussions with friends.

Monojit says, "Concentrating on the process of learning often helps the mind stay calmer and more confident." He refers to the saying, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts." Keeping this perspective can help students approach exams with a calmer and more balanced mind.

"Limit social media during stressful days, as it adds unnecessary pressure. Talk to parents, friends or any teacher if anxiety feels too heavy to carry alone." - Mayank has to say.

Q 4. How important is it to keep the mind and body healthy before exams? Any special tips?

Asit shares some simple things that help:

• Get 6–7 hours of proper sleep.

• Eat light and balanced food.

• Drink enough water

• Take short walks or light exercise.

• Avoid studying for very long hours at a time.

"A healthy body supports a calm and focused mind, which ultimately helps students perform better in exams," adds Monojit. 

Mayank advises getting fresh air for at least 15-20 minutes daily. He adds," Avoid too much caffeine, as it can increase anxiety and disturb your sleep."

5. General tips for examinees

Asit says, "One exam does not define your entire future. Do your best, stay calm, and trust your preparation." He has listed:

• Read the question paper carefully before starting.

• Attempt questions you know well first

• Manage your time properly during the exam.

• Write clear and structured answers.

• Keep your handwriting neat and readable.

• If you don't know an answer, don't panic — move to the next question.

Monojit says, " Students should approach exams with confidence, preparation, and a positive mindset." He adds, " Most importantly, give your best effort and treat exams as an opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned, not something to fear."

Mayank stresses reading the question paper carefully for the first few minutes and attempting the questions that the student is most confident about to build momentum. He concludes by saying, " Remember that lakhs of students appear for board exams every year and come out just fine — so will you."

The students are pursuing their PhD at IIT Bombay and have shared their valuable suggestions for Memoviesmore.

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge with the theme word Exam.