Success in board exams depends on how effectively you write your answers. Due to some minor mistakes while writing the exams, students often fail to succeed, despite preparing well. Avoiding these mistakes will bring you success.
All the time and effort you put into your preparation pay off only when you deliver in the board exams. This article highlights the key mistakes you should avoid while writing your Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.
1. Spending Too Much Time on One Question
While answering questions, students strive to achieve perfection. Though it can be a good trait, in some situations, getting stuck with a difficult question or spending too much time on one question can put you under pressure at the last minute. As a result, you will rush through the exam in panic.
So, time management is indispensable while writing board exams. Write mock exams during exam prep to get time management by trial and error. It helps you identify the amount of time you can afford to spend on each section and question. You can use some sample papers for practising.
While writing the exams, always try to spend only the required amount of time on the questions. This lets you manage time optimally and cover all the questions.
2. Panicking at Tough Questions
Almost every exam paper has a few tricky or unexpected questions. Panicking will not make them easier, it will only cloud your thinking. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and remind yourself that you have prepared well.
Attempt the questions you are confident about first, and answer difficult questions later. This helps you relax and gives you the confidence to recall better and answer the tough questions with ease.
3. Poor Time Management
Time is valuable in any exam. Managing your time properly is just as important as knowing the answers; it is the key to completing your exam successfully. So, keep track of time throughout the exam. Start by scanning the entire paper, then allocate time wisely to each section based on marks and difficulty
Practicing with mock tests and timed exercises beforehand can help build speed and confidence.
4. Untidy or Disorganized Answers
Presentation matters. Even the best answer loses its impact if it is written in an untidy manner. Untidy handwriting, scratched-out words, and unorganised answers frustrate examiners.
Write neatly, leave margins, highlight important terms, and number your answers clearly. A well-presented paper is easier to read and creates a positive impression, which can influence how generously your answers are marked.
5. Getting Distracted in the Exam Hall
Exam halls are filled with small distractions, from classmates asking for extra sheets to the sound of footsteps. Even the stress on other students’ faces can distract you.
These distractions will affect you only if you pay attention to them. If you keep looking around, you will waste precious minutes and lose focus. Train yourself to concentrate fully on your paper. Pretend that you are the only person in the room, and block out anything that does not concern you.
6. Misreading Questions or Instructions
Many students rush into writing as soon as they get the paper, only to realise later that they misread a question or missed an important instruction. Failing to notice something important can come back to bite you, as it will force you to revise the answers, causing a ripple effect in time management. To avoid wasting time making corrections later:
-
Use the first five minutes to go through the entire paper carefully. Identify the questions you are most confident about.
-
Plan the order in which you will answer
-
Note any special instructions, such as “attempt any 5 out of 7.”
7. Skipping Reviews and Revision Before Submitting
Finishing early does not mean your job is done. Some students hand over their answer sheets 10-15 minutes before the time is up; that is a lost opportunity. Reviewing the answers helps you identify the mistakes and allows you to revise the answers if required and correct the mistakes.
Therefore, always use the remaining time to revise. Check for spelling errors, calculation mistakes, or incomplete steps. Even small corrections can help you gain extra marks. Think of revision as polishing your hard work.
8. Letting Anxiety Take Over
A calm mind helps you recall better and perform your best. Stay calm and beat exam anxiety.
It is natural to feel nervous, but letting anxiety take over can cause you to forget even the answers you have prepared well. The key is to stay composed.
Take deep breaths, pause for a moment if you feel overwhelmed, and refocus on the question in front of you. Regular practice of meditation and short relaxation techniques can also help reduce stress.
9. Messy or Unplanned Rough Work
For subjects like Math, Physics, or Chemistry, rough work is essential. For instance, you may need to do some calculations that you cannot write in your answer sheet; you can write them only on a rough sheet, which you will not attach to your answer sheet. This rough sheet not only helps you organise your thoughts but also serves as proof of your method.
Always do rough work neatly on the designated rough sheets. If you make a calculation mistake, you can go back to the rough sheet and trace it quickly. In case you had to write them on the main answer sheet, make sure to check whether you have erased the rough work.
10. Comparing Your Answers with Others
After the exam, many students start discussing, which eventually leads to comparisons. Remember, you are on your very own path, and no matter how your exam goes, it does not define your worth or make you any less than others.
Do not compare your answers with those of others. Instead, leave the exam hall with a clear mind; relax, and shift your focus towards preparing for the next exam.
Final Thoughts
Hard work during exam prep and writing your exam well go hand in hand; both are equally important for success. Many factors hold you back from delivering in board exams. If you can identify and avoid them, success will be yours. By steering clear of distractions while writing exams, you can approach your exam with focus and clarity. Study Smart for the CBSE board exam and face it with confidence.
FAQs
Revise smartly, practice past papers, and manage your time well in the exam hall. Focus on accuracy and presentation to maximise marks.
Stay hydrated, take deep breaths, and stretch lightly before the exam. While writing, keep a steady pace to avoid fatigue.
Prepare consistently, practice relaxation techniques, and remind yourself that exams test effort, not your worth. Confidence grows with preparation.
Avoid panicking, wasting time on one question, untidy writing, and comparing yourself with others. Stay focused only on your paper.
Stay calm, revise only key points or formulas, and avoid cramming. Eat light, breathe deeply, and keep your mind steady for the test.
Leave a comment