For those of you taking board exams this year, as crunch time nears, you are probably being bombarded with all kinds of advice — from well-meaning teachers, parents, seniors, friends, various exam prep guides, tuition centres, the media. They all seem to have opinions, or suggestions to offer. But don’t just take it from us or them. Instead, read on, for the sage advice of those who have been there, done that, with the ranks to show for their hard work.
Aadyaa Maddi – All-India 1st, ISC 2016,Lilavatibai Podar Senior Secondary School, Santacruz, Mumbai
Percentage: 99.2
Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English and Computer Science
Everyone should make their own strategies for studying and stick to what suits them best. For instance, I went through my textbooks thoroughly and didn’t follow a schedule. But, I studied what interested me the most. That worked for me, but it might not work for someone else. Ask your teachers and friends for help when you are having trouble with a subject, and use resources like the Internet to go beyond books. When you study, even if for a short while, make sure what you are studying has your full attention and enjoy it. It is important to have extracurricular activities because they are a means of good stress release. Learn from every mistake you make. Learning matters the most.
Atreyo Pal – Maharashtra 3rd, ISC 2016 ,Lilavatibai Podar Senior Secondary School, Santacruz, Mumbai
Percentage: 98.75
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Environmental Science and English
I found it useful to divide my study schedule into small parts subject-wise and follow it. This helped break the boredom of studying a single subject and I could do a small part of another subject at will. It also helped me finish detailed revision of subjects. Beyond this, I continued my usual tennis coaching thrice a week and played music for at least half an hour, to ease the monotony.
Ajish Sekar – All-India 3rd, CBSE 2016, Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan, K.K. Nagar, Chennai
Percentage: 99
Subjects: English, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics
Be attentive in class. By concentrating in class, almost half of your preparation is complete. All that remains is to brush up the facts and to revise concepts. During prep time, have a proper timetable and follow it strictly. Analyse yourself and find an appropriate study pattern. For example, some prefer studying at night, while some do it in the morning; some prefer writing down things to learn while yet others prefer reading out loud. Before facing the final exam, it is essential to solve sample papers to get lots of practice. Ensure that you allot some time for relaxation to calm down.
Arkadeb Sengupta, All-India 3rd (jointly), Kolkata 1st (jointly), ISC 2016,Don Bosco School, Park Circus, Kolkata
Percentage: 99
Subjects: English, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science
Put in your best effort. Results are 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration. Whenever in doubt, take advice from your teachers. Draw on their experience. Situations will seem easier when you consider the sheer number of compatriots you have. Try to feel good about yourself and your studies. On days immediately before exams, don’t stress yourself. Don’t worry about your results, even for a second. There are far too many factors outside your control that finally influence the outcome. Maintain a tidy answer script. Draw ending lines. Avoid step-jumps in calculations. That way, you will make less mistakes. Most importantly feel happy. The fact that you are writing this exam means you have learnt a lot these 12 or 10 years.
Kavita Desai – All-India 3rd (jointly), Kolkata 1st (jointly), ISC 2016 ,Bhawanipur Gujarati Education Society School, Kolkata
Percentage: 99
Subjects: English, Computer Science, Accounts, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Economics
There is no well-defined formula for success. If you set an aim and work hard to achieve it, your actions will be rewarded. I believe in “studying less but studying smart.” Activities other than studying are equally important for rejuvenation.
Mansi Puggal – All-India 2nd, ISC 2016 , Jamnabai Narsee School, Juhu, Mumbai
Percentage: 99.2
Subjects: Sociology, Psychology, Mathematics, Economics, English
At this point of time, all students already know the content of their topics and it is just about well-organised revision. Math is about constant practice. Sociology and psychology require a specific structure of answers with introductions, conclusions and particular points in the body. For economics, your textbook is your bible. If you are well-versed with it, there is little scope of losing marks. For English literature, reference to context questions require brief details while essay-type answers need long yet relevant descriptions. For language, grammar rules must be revised frequently while composition requires one to cover all aspects of the question while maintaining a high quality of vocabulary. Do not get overwhelmed by the hype that is created around your board exams.
Palak Goyal – All-India 2nd, CBSE 2016, Tagore Public School, Pehowa, Kurukshetra, Haryana
Percentage: 99.2
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physical Education, English
Stick to NCERT textbooks. Practise last year’s question papers to get an idea of the pattern. Make clean notes for revision in the last days. Do not leave out any topic from within the chapter.
Be careful with your weak areas — take out your answer sheets of pre-boards, class tests and re-examine your answers. List out your mistakes for each subject. If your handwriting is messy, try to improve it. Take time management seriously and work smart. Do not underestimate English.
Sukriti Gupta – All-India 1st, CBSE 2016, Montfort School, Ashok Vihar, Delhi
Percentage: 99.4
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, English
I was regular in my studies and whenever I had any doubt in any subject, I used to take help from my teachers. This helped me in understanding the basic concepts. Focus on your studies without being unduly worried about the results.
I solved many previous years’ papers and sample papers in February. I used to attempt these within the time limit allowed and get the answer sheet checked by my teachers. They guided me about what important points/keywords had been left out in my answers. This helped me refine my answers. I also read the NCERT textbooks for theoretical clarity. I stayed away from social media as it minimised distractions.
