Board exams may seem like you are climbing a mountain. All students experience situations where they lack exam motivation and find it extremely difficult to concentrate. Don't panic, though—you are not alone in this venture, and there are easily adopted methods to maintain your level of student motivation high during your preparation time.
Why Do Students Lose Motivation During Board Exams?
We should understand the reasons behind the lack of motivation during board exam preparation before we discuss solutions.
Typical demotivational causes:
- Feeling Intimidated by the Syllabus: The big syllabus can leave the feeling that there is much to learn and little time.
- The Fear of Failure: Worrying about performance can also cause stress, which will eliminate your desire to study.
- Diffusion of Vision: The absence of clear goals can easily leave students at a loss as to the right point to begin.
- Comparison: This involves examining your classmates who perform better and drawing a comparison.
Building Strong Exam Motivation: The Foundation
Set Clear and Small Goals
Instead of thinking, "I need to score 95%," break it down:
- "I will finish chemistry chapter 1 today."
- "I will solve 10 math problems this evening."
- "I will write history notes in 2 hours."
Smaller goals are the ones that are attained more easily and provide you with the fast wins necessary to increase feelings of confidence.
Create a Study Schedule That Works
Morning Schedule (6 AM - 10 AM)
- Start with the most challenging topic when your mind is fresh.
- Take 10-minute hourly intervals.
- Have a healthy breakfast.
Afternoon Schedule (2 PM - 6 PM)
- Revise the items you like better.
- Do last year's questions.
- Go through what you read in the morning.
Evening Schedule (7 PM - 10 PM)
- Light Revision of light material.
- Write notes of key points.
- Prepare for the next day.
Make Your Study Space Motivating
The environment you study in is a significant factor in not losing focus:
- Clean up your desk.
- Get plenty of light and air.
- Put inspirational quotes or objectives on the wall.
- Do not use (phone, TV).
Tips used in Practice (Staying focused during preparation)
The 25-5 Rule for Better Focus
Read 25 minutes, then rest 5 minutes. This helps keep your brain cells healthy. Complete a 30-minute break after four cycles.
Use Active Learning Methods
Instead of just reading:
- Make colourful mind maps
- Teach concepts to family members
- Record yourself explaining topics.
- Solve practice questions daily.
Make flashcards for:
- Important formulas
- Key dates in history
- Difficult vocabulary
- Scientific terms
Beat Distractions
Digital Distractions:
- When studying, leave your phone in another room.
- Use website blockers if you study online.
- Tell family members about your study hours.
Mental Distractions:
- Note the worrying thoughts on a paper.
- Have a 5-minute deep breathing period.
- Play gentle music when needed to concentrate.
Maintaining Student Motivation Through Tough Times
When You Feel Like Giving Up
Remember Your Why
- Record the rationale behind why you wish you had done well in boards.
- Consider your ideal college or field.
- Remember how proud your family will be.
Celebrate Small Wins
- Give a little reward to each chapter completed.
- Report your progress to your friends and family.
- Keep a progress journal.
Learn from Mistakes
- Don't worry about incorrect answers.
- See mistakes as learning opportunities.
- Ask teachers to help you understand better.
Dealing with Bad Days
Everyone has days when nothing seems to work. Here's what to do:
Take a Complete Break
- Go for a walk outside
- Talk to friends or family
- Do something you enjoy for 1-2 hours
Start Fresh the Next Day
- Don't carry yesterday's stress to today.
- Begin with an easy topic to build confidence
- Remind yourself that bad days are normal
Get Support
- Discuss with parents how you feel.
- Learn with your inspired friends.
- Seek their teacher's aid when flustered.
- Developing Good Study Habits.
Take Care of Your Body
Eat Brain-Friendly Foods:
- Nuts and seeds for better memory
- Fresh fruits for energy
- Plenty of water throughout the day
- Avoid too much junk food
Exercise Regularly:
- 30 minutes of walking daily
- Simple stretching between study sessions
- Play your favourite sport on weekends
Sleep Well:
- Always go to bed at the same time.
- Get 7-8 hours of sleep
- Do not study late at night.
Mental Health During Exams
Stress Management:
- Breathe deeply when you are worried.
- Meditate for 10 minutes a day.
- Share your emotions with social support.
Positive Self-Talk:
- Replace "I cannot do it" with "I am learning step by step."
- Rather than saying I'm not smart enough, I'm getting better every day.
- Replacement "This is too hard" with "This is difficult but feasible.
Time Management for Better Results
Planning Your Study Days
Weekly Planning:
- List all subjects you need to cover
- Give more time to complex subjects
- Keep one day for complete Revision
Daily Planning:
- Write your study plan the night before
- Include breaks and meal times
- Be realistic about what you can finish.
Revision Strategies That Work
First Revision (1 month before exams):
- Go through all the chapters quickly
- Make short notes of important points
- Identify topics that need more attention
Second Revision (2 weeks before exams):
- Focus on difficult topics
- Solve more practice questions
- Memorise essential formulas and facts
Final Revision (1 week before exams):
- Read your short notes only
- Practice previous year papers
- Stay calm and confident.
Building Your Support System
Family Support
- Share your study schedule with parents.
- Ask for help with daily tasks so you can focus on studies.
- Talk about your concerns and feelings regularly.
Friend Circle
- Study with friends who are serious about exams.
- Help each other with complex topics
- Avoid friends who distract you from studies.
Teacher Guidance
- Ask questions in class without hesitation
- Get extra help for subjects you find hard.
- Follow the study methods your teachers suggest.
Final Tips for Exam Success
The Week Before Exams
- Stick to your revision plan
- Don't try to learn new topics.
- Keep your confidence high
- Prepare all the materials you need for exams
During the Exam
- Read all questions carefully.
- Start with easy questions to build confidence.
- Manage your time well
- Stay calm, even if you don't know some answers.
After Each Exam
- Don't discuss answers with friends.
- Focus on preparing for the next exam
- Take care of your health and rest well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I stay motivated when I see others studying more than I?
A: One should remember that all people have different studying habits and speeds. Look at your own progress and do not compare. It is essential to put in effort, rather than just keeping up with the number of hours other people study.
Q: What should I do if I lose motivation completely?
A: Have a brief break, speak to somebody that you can count on, and do not forget to set goals. Taking a day off can make you stronger. Don't be hard on yourself.
Q: How can I stay focused for long study sessions?
A: Break your study time into smaller chunks with regular breaks. Use the 25-5 rule and change subjects every few hours to keep your mind engaged.
Q: Is it normal to feel scared about board exams?
A: Yes, it's completely normal. Most students feel nervous about board exams. The key is to use this nervousness as energy to study better and stay prepared.
Q: How do I handle pressure from family and friends?
A: Keep a direct line with your family about your mood. Establish an achievable set of expectations and request that the counterparts support rather than pressurise them.
Q: What if I don't understand a topic even after trying many times?
A: Don't give up. Try different learning methods, such as videos or group study, or ask your teacher for help. Sometimes a different explanation makes everything clear.
Q: How many hours should I study daily for board exams?
A: The quality of study is superior to the quantity of study. 6-8 hours of attentive learning is superior to 12 hours of interrupted research. Find what works best for you.
Q: Can I still do well if I start preparation late?
A: Yes, but you must be clever. First, specialise in what is essential, resort to brief notes, and prioritise training over reading the details.
Remember: You've Got This!
Board exams matter, but they are not the determining factor for your whole future. The critical moments are having the right motivation to take exams, appropriate planning, and giving adequate effort, which can help one to reach their desires. Staying focused on the preparation is an ability that will see you not only through examinations but also in life.
All of the successful students have encountered the same problems that you are going through now. What is different here is that they have found their coping mechanisms to remain in it and persevere. You are equipped to achieve anything; you need to believe in yourself and take it one step at a time.
You will feel that these efforts will work, and you will soon be writing about your happy trip. Until then, remain firm, focused, and motivated to help your students. You are nearer to your own ends than you suppose!
Why Mentrovert?
Require one-on-one board exam preparation? At Mentrovert, we recognise the challenges students face during this critical period. We have highly qualified counsellors who offer personalised counselling, study tips, and mental health services to help you stay focused. We provide support in several areas, including exam stress, study planning, and career guidance, among others. Get in touch with us to obtain our expert counselling services tailored to the students of your type.
