Class 10 board exams are a critical phase in the journey of every student. These tests determine your future academic path and may be overwhelming. The good news, though, is that you will obtain extraordinary results with the right mindset and the proper preparation for the exams. This guide offers practical tips on studying that actually work for students like you.
Class 10 board exams are your first major academic challenge. The outcome of your results is used to determine the class 11 stream choice, college choice and even scholarships. Although these exams are essential, they should not be a source of stress. Stick to thinking of them as the opportunity to illustrate what you have learnt throughout the years.
This can cause anxiety about these exams among many students many months prior. Keep in mind that millions of students attend Class 10 board exams annually, and the vast majority of them perform well. It is all about being smartly prepared, rather than overstudying.
Start Early, Not Last Minute
You need to start preparing for your exams 3-4 months prior to exams. Early introduction provides time to learn all the topics in a non-rushed manner and try to avoid common mistakes that students often make.
Develop a daily schedule with:
Make Your Schedule Flexible
Next, do not make a schedule that cannot be adhered to. In case you are a morning person, you should save challenging subjects for an early time. Assuming you tend to work better during the night, then keep time. You must plan your time to fit your timing within your body and not struggle.
Know What You're Getting Into
It is important to ensure that you have the most updated CBSE or syllabus in your state board before you commence your preparation. Knowledge of exam patterns assists you in knowing how to prepare better.
Look for:
Focus on High-Weightage Topics
Some chapters carry more marks than others. Identify these topics and give them extra attention during the implementation of your study tips. This doesn't mean ignoring other chapters, but bright students know where to invest their time more effectively.
Your Best Exam Preparation Tool
Previous year papers are gold for Class 10 board exam preparation. They show you exactly what type of questions appear in exams.
Benefits of solving past papers:
How to Use Question Papers Effectively
Solve at least 5-7 previous year papers for each subject. Time yourself while solving to match actual exam conditions. After completing each paper, check your answers and note down mistakes. Learn from these errors – they're your best teachers.
Create Your Personal Study Material
Reading the textbooks is also essential; however, to aid your memory, you can make short notes so that you will remember. Your brain does this in your own words, retaining and processing that information at a higher level.
What to include in your notes:
Use Visual Learning Techniques.
Add colours, diagrams, and mind maps to your notes. Visual elements make boring topics enjoyable and easier to remember during exam preparation. For subjects like science and social studies, drawing labelled diagrams helps tremendously.
Your Primary Resource
Class 10 board exams are based on the NCERT books. These textbooks are the sources of most questions or are derived from concepts discussed in books.
Don't Overlook the Templates and Practice
Many students ignore solved cases in the NCERT books. Popular applications of these examples are used as exam questions with minor variations. Answer all the exercise questions at the chapter's end. These items are broadly crafted, each to align with scores on the board exams.
Study Smart, Not Just Hard
Breaking away from study in the real sense only lowers your productivity. Your brain has to rest to clear and store information.
Follow the study pattern:
Sleep is Not Optional
Many students, during exam preparation, deprive themselves of sleep. This is a huge mistake. Memory consolidation occurs in your brain when you are asleep. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day, including the time of examination.
Eat Well and Stay Active
Eating well and exercising will enhance concentration and memory. Eat lots of fruits and nuts, and drink lots of water. 20 minutes daily of exercise or yoga makes a difference.
Don't Let Confusion Pile Up
When you don't understand a concept, get it cleared right away. Waiting until the last moment creates unnecessary pressure.
Where to seek help:
No Question is Stupid
Many students hesitate to ask doubts, thinking others might judge them. Remember, if you have a doubt, several other students likely have the same question. Teachers appreciate students who ask questions because it shows they're paying attention.
Speed and Presentation Matter
Many students know the answers but struggle to write them correctly in exams. Regular writing practice solves this problem.
Why answer writing practice helps:
Follow the marking scheme.
When practising answers, keep the marking scheme in mind. A 3-mark question needs three key points, not a full-page answer. A 5-mark question requires a detailed explanation with examples. Understanding this saves time and earns full marks.
Revision is Key to Retention
Learning something once isn't enough. Regular revision ensures you remember information during the Class 10 board exams.
Follow a Revision Timetable
Create a separate revision schedule for the last month:
Don't Study New Topics Last Minute
In the final week before exams, only revise what you've already studied. Learning new topics at this stage creates confusion and Stress.
Your Mindset Matters
Exam preparation isn't just about studying – it's also about maintaining the right mental state. Stress and anxiety can block your memory and reduce performance. It is important to stay positive and stress-free during board exams for better performance.
Practise Stress Management
Simple techniques that help:
Believe in Your Preparation
You've studied hard, followed your study tips, and prepared well. Trust yourself. Negative thoughts like "I'll fail" or "I'm not good enough" only harm your performance. Replace them with positive affirmations.
Study 5-6 hours a day, 3-4 months prior to examinations. Concentrate on quality, and not on hours. Breaks and gradual increases in study time should be taken. Meals and sleep are noteworthy.
Begin with the more difficult or longer topics, such as maths and science. Learn every subject regularly, allocating a more extended period to the subjects you struggle with.
Be consistent. Complete the NCERT, practice past papers, revise regularly, write clearly, and manage your time effectively. Stay calm and confident.
Not really. The curriculum is succinct, and the queries are straightforward. An exam is something you can manage with constant preparation and practice.
Practice timed papers. During exams, answer simple questions before proceeding to the more difficult ones; time per mark is a checkpoint and should not result in time wastage, especially when given 10-15 minutes to revise some questions.
Class 10 board elections are stressful and lonely at times. It may be a complex topic, with pressure and a dilemma about the future, but you are not alone in handling it. Mentrovert provides online career guidance and counselling to choose the right career that suits you, as well as professional care to students in Classes 9-12.
Our counsellors are available to provide guidance on study plans, stress management, career direction, and one-on-one counselling services. We will also offer free sessions to younger students who require help and have financial limitations. Your success and well-being take precedence at Mentrovert.
Call today and be ready.
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