"Boards Test Your Strategy Too": My Plan for Students in the Final Weeks

SMPL
New Delhi [India], February 10: With board examinations approaching, many students are thinking the same thing: "How do I get marks in the final stretch?" Over the years, after working with lakhs of students through my platforms, I have realised that board exams are not just about how long you study. They are about how strategically you prepare and how clearly you present your answers.
Board exams are a strategy test, not just an intelligence test.
One of the biggest mistakes students make is assuming that knowing the answers is enough. It isn't. If you know the answer but fail to present it in the way the examiner expects, marks are lost. Clarity, structure, and presentation matter just as much as subject knowledge.
As I often tell students, "The examiner only sees your answer sheet -- not your effort, not your tension, only your presentation."
How to Use the Remaining Days Effectively
To make the most of your remaining preparation time, I suggest dividing it in a 1:2:1 ratio. For example, if you have 40 days:
* First 10 Days: Focus on easy and high-weightage chapters to secure marks early and build confidence.
* Middle 20 Days: Concentrate on tough, complex, and lengthy chapters.
* Final 10 Days: Do not learn new content. Use this period exclusively for practice, timed tests, and answer writing.
A major mistake students make is passive learning, watching videos without actively solving questions. Real preparation happens when you pause and attempt questions yourself. While watching a lecture, try to solve the problem before the teacher does. Mark your NCERT, add notes in the margins, and create tangible points that your mind can recall under pressure.
Sample Question Papers (SQPs) are more important than Previous Year Questions (PYQs) because CBSE introduced competency-based questions in 2022 that reflect real-life application. While NCERT remains essential, it covers approximately 50% of the pattern. You must supplement it with sample papers and official marking schemes to understand how answers are evaluated.
Subject-Specific Tactics
* Social Science: Prioritise Civics and Economics since these sections are generally scoring and easier to complete.
* Mathematics: Basic level students should stick closely to NCERT exercises; Standard level students need broader practice.
* Other Subjects: Treat certain subjects like Physical Education or IT as scoring topics that can be revised in the final days using focused practice.
Start with the section you know best to build momentum. The "First Five" rule attempting your first 5-10 answers confidently, sets a positive tone. Your handwriting does not need to be beautiful, but it must be clean and readable. Use margins, draw boxes around final answers, and prefer pointers over long paragraphs.
Practice completing a three-hour paper in about 2.5 hours at home to build time management. This will help you avoid leaving questions incomplete during the actual exam.
To Parents
Support matters more than pressure. Excessive pressure can increase anxiety, whereas a calm, well-rested student performs more confidently. Ensure proper sleep, short breaks, and balanced routines.
Board exams are important, but they are also structured and predictable. With the right approach, consistent practice, and clear presentation, students can convert their preparation into strong results.
About Padhle Akshay
I am Akshay Kumar, educator and founder of Padhle Akshay, a learning platform dedicated to helping students prepare effectively for board examinations. What began as a YouTube channel offering pragmatic notes and curated practice material has grown into a national education resource. Since 2020, my content has reached millions of students with clear explanations, strategy-focused lessons, and real exam-oriented guidance.
I scored 94% in my own board exams without external tuition, and this experience inspires my mission to make quality guidance accessible to all students, regardless of background. My platforms emphasise exam strategy, active learning, and answer presentation -- helping learners not just study, but perform.
For more resources and guidance, visit: https://padhleakshay.com/
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