Expert Advice on Areas to Brush Up and Guidelines to Remember.
Authored by Ms. Jyotee Naair, Founder of CareerVversity

Board exams are the most crucial part of academic excellence, and strategic revision is the key to acing exams. Now, the time is really crucial for 10th and 12th class students to prepare themselves for the exam. Revising effectively requires a focused approach to achieve a high score. Simply studying or reading textbooks is not enough—you should target preparation that will optimize your marks. Class 10th students should concentrate on understanding the basic concepts, while 12th students must focus on core subjects. Here are tips from experts to help you ensure that your preparation is effective for the exam.
- Create a Revision Plan: A well-structured revision plan is crucial for efficient preparation. Divide your time based on subject difficulty and proficiency in each topic. Focus more on challenging subjects and dedicate time to revising core concepts.
- Focus on Key Areas and High-Weightage Topics: Not all topics carry equal marks. Start identifying high-weighted topics or chapters from the syllabus and focus on them precisely. Look at past years’ question papers and recognize the patterns and questions that have been frequently asked.
- Practice Time Management with Mock Tests: Time management is crucial during exams. Practice solving previous years’ question papers and sample papers within the allotted time. This will improve your speed and accuracy. It will also help you analyze your performance and identify weak areas for revision accordingly.
- Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition: Passive reading is not effective for long-term memory. Instead, use active recall by quizzing yourself on what you have studied without looking at notes for better understanding. Combine this with spaced repetition to reinforce learning. Make mind maps or use flashcards for a quick review of concepts.
- Work on Your Presentation Skills: A good presentation helps you achieve extra marks. Write your answers neatly, highlight key points, and use diagrams where applicable. Also, practice writing answers within a given word limit and underline important points to make your answer more attractive and stand out.
- Clarify Doubts and Strengthen Weak Areas: Do not leave any doubt unresolved; clarify them immediately for better understanding. Seek help from your teachers, friends, or online resources to strengthen concepts. Pay extra attention to mistakes you have previously made to avoid repeating them. Maintain a separate notebook for difficult topics and revise them frequently.
- Take Care of Your Health: Maintaining physical as well as mental well-being plays a significant role in exam performance. Ensure that you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and stay hydrated before the exam. Taking short breaks during study sessions will help prevent fatigue.
- Stay Positive and Confident: A positive mindset is essential for success. Avoid last-minute cramming and trust what you have studied without pressuring yourself. Confidence comes from consistent efforts and revision. Practice deep breathing to stay calm. Before the exam, checklists should include revising important formulas, diagrams, and definitions, reviewing past question papers, and cross-checking your exam kit (admit card, stationery, etc.). Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
By following these guidelines, students can prepare effectively for their board exams and achieve an optimum score. Remember, consistency and smart revision are the keys to success.