Strategy for Class 10 Students Preparing for the Upcoming Boards Exams

Hi there! As someone who has recently completed the class 10 board examination, I can offer some valuable insights and advice to students preparing for their upcoming exams.

Remember, board exams are just one of the important exams in your life. While they carry significant weight due to societal and familial expectations, they are not the most critical exam you'll face. They are more like a cakewalk and a stepping stone in your academic journey. However, they do reflect your attitude towards societal, peer, and parental pressures. Hence, they are a great opportunity to show your resilience and commitment.

Set a Timetable for Yourself

Basic Idea: Creating a timetable is essential for effective preparation. However, it's not about rigid timings but rather understanding the balance between subjects. For instance, if you wish to study Mathematics, Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), and Social Science (SST) alternately, you should have a good amount of practice in these subjects every day. Similarly, balance this with English and Hindi, which might require less frequent but consistent practice.

Task Lists: Instead of creating time slots, make a list of tasks that you need to achieve daily or weekly. This flexibility will help you adapt to unexpected situations and ensure you reach your goals without stress.

Do Not Fall for Peer Pressure

Many of my peers bought additional reference books and studied extra material, but by the end, they could barely finish the NCERT books. It's crucial to stick to the NCERT textbooks, as the exam questions are largely derived from these resources.

Trust that NCERT is more than enough. Extra books might seem helpful initially but eventually become a hindrance. Instead, wait and observe for a few months to see if your peers continue their extended studies. It's a tough competition but 99.9% will not sustain their efforts beyond three months.

Study from a Trusted Source

Consistency is key. Jumping from one teacher or resource to another can lead to a waste of time. It's better to practice one resource thoroughly rather than superficially exploring multiple ones. For class 10, sticking to NCERT is highly recommended, as it already contains everything you need for most exam questions.

Do Not Create Backlogs

Creating backlogs can become a significant challenge. Projects and homeworks are usually the main culprits for these backlogs. However, if your school is not strict on attendance, you can manage it better. Ensure that backlogs are not a constant source of stress, as small amounts can quickly grow and become overwhelming over time.

Enjoy Your Time

Enjoy your last year of fun. While it's tempting to focus intensely on your studies, it's important to balance academics with social activities and enjoyment. Excessive pressure at this age can have long-term negative effects. Unfortunately, some of my friends were more competitive and missed out on the enjoyment of their final year. This competitive spirit can lead to anxiety, lack of confidence, and even jealousy, ultimately causing more pain than it solves.

The best advice I can give is to have fun and learn to work hard during class 10. Balancing these two aspects is crucial and will serve you well in the long run.