Boards are regarded as ‘the decider’ in almost every Indian household. A sense of terror and nervousness comes free of cost with the hefty package of boards. You might as well Google for ‘tips to deal with boards and stress’ when the only tip you need is to stop attaching so much importance to it. Your board results decide which college you go to, accepted. Your board results decide what life you will lead, not accepted at all. It is not about intelligence. In reality, it is about how well you prepare. January is the time you absolutely start studying if you haven’t yet. Here are some tips I can offer you just 2 months before boards.
Get question papers and answer sheets
The first thing you do after reading this post is – download previous years’ question papers. Basically, google is your best friend till death does you apart. So why not make constructive use of it? You can download previous years’ question papers for any subject and get them printed. Once you’re done with your course, take a look at the toppers’ answer sheets as well. Make sure you notice how to frame your answers, what length is required, and what sequence is made.
Solve as many question papers as possible
I noticed that many question papers have at least 3-10 questions that have appeared previously. Now, when you know about this ‘scam’ by the CBSE, why not benefit from it? Once you finish with your syllabus, take a clear notebook, pen(s), a timer/clock, a question paper, and go! Solving question papers is the best way to prepare and learn simultaneously. It not only gives you an idea of the kind of questions that come but also helps you to time yourself in the right way. You will get to know about the topics you don’t remember yet.
Go for a neat presentation
The one most important thing I learnt from my boards experience was that neatness earns you marks. It doesn’t matter if your handwriting is rubbish. The real deal is the content. But imagine an examiner, already tired af after checking 50 copies, who opens your answer sheet with a tidy and clear presentation. Won’t it be impressive? If you can write fast and neat, make sure that you use both black and blue pens. But this is not compulsory if you think changing inks will not let you finish on time. Leave at least 2 lines after every answer because there’s no scarcity of answer sheets, right?
Things to look out for
– Do not write your roll numbers on the maps, graphs, etc.
– Do not use ink/gel pens to fill the front OMR sheets. The ink might spread and spoil it. Good quality ball pens are recommended.
– Do not write in a confusing sequence. If you plan to write any answer later, write a small note after the previous question about the whereabouts of the left question. (Page numbers are mentioned in board sheets)
– Don’t forget to fill in the supplementary sheet details
Mathematics
Yes, the most dreaded subject that ever existed. First of all, do not worry even a bit about what the CBSE plans to do with you this year. It’s going to be alright and I mean it. Secondly, if you are a Maths student, i know you have studied and struggled a lot till now. Now, the reason why I dedicated a separate bullet point to Maths is that I know what it takes in the last two months to get good marks in Maths. I recommend you to buy or download the PDF for XamIdea and RD Sharma (if you haven’t already). The only thing special about these 2 books is the kind of questions they offer.
Now the only practical funda is work harder now, so that you can study relaxingly then. Plan your studies according to the subjects you’re weak in and the boards time-table. Also, do not just sit there for hours. Study for an hour, take a break for half an hour. Walk around, eat fruits and chocolates, go for parties and hangouts, watch your favorite movie again, bake a cake, go for a bike ride, but please do not just stay inside. A maximum of 10 hours is an ideal study time. Good luck and rock it!