Key Takeaways:
· Focus on high-priority topics instead of trying to cover everything.
· Active recall and the Feynman Technique improve retention.
· Short breaks and proper sleep help your memory and focus.
· Stress management is as important as studying.
· Use past papers strategically to understand patterns, not just practice questions.
Board exams, whether CBSE, ICSE or state boards, are stressful in the last few days. You probably feel rushed or nervous. That’s normal. Trying to do everything at once usually makes things worse. Instead, stick to what matters most. Here are some simple, practical ways to prepare without overthinking.
It would be wise to revise every chapter of every subject. Choose topics or chapters that have assigned high marks and the topics you find tricky. Go through the sample question papers or mock test papers to review the mistakes. Pay attention to understanding key points as trying to memorize everything will harm you more than benefitting you. It is better to know most topics perfectly than to know each topic halfway. It makes revision faster and less stressful. Board exams on core ideas, so covering these first is smart. It will also give you confidence because you will feel prepared for the questions that matter.
If there is a topic that you find challenging, don’t try to read it again or again. For example, in history, see how one event led to another, or in science, connect formulas to real-life examples. When your brain sees patterns, recall becomes easier under stress. Understanding beats rote memorization, and it makes answering application-based questions much simpler. Even a few “aha” moments can make you feel more confident about topics you thought were tricky.
Close your book and try to explain a topic out loud. Pretend you’re teaching a friend. Writing answers or drawing diagrams from memory works too. It feels harder than just reading, that’s why it works. Testing yourself shows what you actually know. It also helps you spot weak spots you can still revise. During the exam, recalling facts will feel smoother because your brain practiced pulling them out on its own.
Studying for hours without stopping will tire you out quickly. Study 25-30 minutes, then take 5 minutes to step away. This is the Pomodoro method. Stretch, walk, or just sit quietly. Don’t scroll social media as that will make you feel tired mentally or you may lose track of time. Short breaks help your brain stay sharp. You’ll get through revision without feeling drained. Even small pauses make it easier to focus when you return. It also prevents your mind from mixing things up or forgetting formulas.
Skipping sleep doesn’t help. Sleep lets your brain store what you’ve learned. Aim for 6-7 hours. A power nap of 20-30 minutes can also help. Being awake and alert is as important as studying. When you’re tired, you forget things easily and make silly mistakes. Sleep is part of preparation, not a break from it.
It’s normal to feel nervous. But don’t let it take over. Break revision into small, manageable steps. Focus on finishing one thing at a time.
Take a few deep breaths or a short walk if you feel tense. Perfection isn’t possible. Your effort matters more. Little wins, like remembering a formula or solving a problem, make a difference. A calm mind works better than a stressed one.
Know your timing, route, and what to carry. Pack your stationery and any allowed calculators the night before. Eat light, familiar food.
Small things make mornings easier. When you feel prepared, you can concentrate on questions instead of worrying about forgetting things. A smooth start can improve how the whole exam feels.
Even small achievements matter. Finishing a chapter, remembering a formula, or solving a problem counts.
Noticing these wins helps you feel progress. It keeps motivation up. In the last days, small victories help you see that effort is adding up.
Past papers are helpful if used right. Don’t try to finish all of them. Focus on patterns and repeated questions. Check why answers are right or wrong.
Boards often repeat question types. Understanding logic is better than memorizing. One or two papers per subject is enough if you use them wisely. Time yourself. It also shows which areas need a quick review.
Don’t waste energy worrying about things outside your control. Drink water, eat well, and take breaks.
Focus on effort and clarity. You can’t control every question, but you can control how prepared you are and how you think during the exam. Staying calm matters as much as knowing content.
Q1: Is 5 hours of sleep enough?
No. 6-7 hours is better. Short naps help too.
Q2: How many past papers should I attempt?
1-2 per subject is enough if you focus on patterns and key questions.
Q3: Can I learn a new topic in the last 2 days?
Only if it’s small and important. Otherwise, stick to what you already know.
