The Unexpected Joy: Achieving More Than Expected in ICSE Board Exams

I recently took the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) board exams in 2024. Before the results came out, the tension was immense. I had meticulously calculated my potential scores after every exam and was aiming for around 90 in total. However, there was always a looming fear of scoring below that mark due to any unforeseen issues in a particular exam. On the result day, I was thrilled to learn that I scored 91.6 out of 100, which was exactly what I had anticipated and hoped for.

Math was not in the Best Five – Since I had Computer Science as my application subject, it carries a significant weight. Although my mathematics score came a little lower than I had calculated, I understood that sometimes my calculations might have misled me. In Computer Science, I scored a bit higher than expected, while in Biology, I fell short of my initial prediction, scoring less than I believed I would have. For Biology, it was our last exam, and I considered rechecking my answers, but ultimately, I decided it wouldn’t change the overall percentage significantly, so I left it as is.

Rest of the Subjects – The rest of my subjects either closely matched or exactly matched the scores I had predicted. This experience taught me to be cautious about expectations and to focus more on consistency rather than the sum total of marks.

ICSE Board Exams vs. My Learning Journey

It's worth noting that ICSE exams are not as daunting as they might seem. With just one to two hours of daily study and attending all classes throughout the year, it is entirely possible to score above 95—even 99 or 100, if one is dedicated. Unfortunately, this is not my case. I was one of those students who started preparing only two weeks before the exams, and as a result, I ended up scoring 91.6.

However, the good news is that my expectations were not always aligned with the results. In previous instances, I scored lower than what I had anticipated, but that experience taught me the value of not overestimating one's capabilities in a particular exam.

Confessions of an Average Student

While I may not have been the most diligent student, I can share that achieving such a score was not impossible. If you are in the same boat as I was, and you are feeling overwhelmed with the exams coming up, here are a few tips that might ease your mind:

Develop a realistic study plan and stick to it. Attend all classes to fully grasp the subjects. Practice previous years' question papers and sample papers. Stay calm and avoid last-minute cramming. Review your weak areas and focus on them during the preparation phase.

Remember, while aim high, be practical about your expectations. Celebrate the joy of achieving more than you initially thought you could. And if you miss the mark, use it as a learning opportunity to improve for the next time.

Conclusion: Every student's journey is unique, and although I may have been a late starter, the journey to success is still within reach. Embrace the joy of achieving more than you expected, and use it as motivation to excel in your future endeavors.