Hey Students, Experts are Here to Answer Your Board Exam Queries

From peer pressure to making it into a dream college, here are some queries on Board exams answered by professionals

With professional counsellor Akshay Agarwal on board, we have answered some of your queries.

(Photo: Arnica Kala/The Quint)

The countdown to Board exams has begun and we are sure, you have a lot of exam-related questions that you want someone to answer. To ease off the pressure, The Quint, along with counsellor Akshay Agarwal is here to answer your queries.

All you need to do is to send in your questions to us at [e-mail] or you could WhatsApp at 9999008335.

I often zone out during my preparation. How can I focus on my studies?

– Tarun Nair, Class 12

Dear Tarun,

You need to make a detailed action plan for your syllabus. Often, it happens that we move ahead without planning or strategy and hence we end up feeling ‘zoned out’. Make sure you write down the whole syllabus and make pointers about what to study in a particular chapter. This will help you feel connected with the syllabus and as a result, the chances of feeling ‘zoned out’ or being distracted will be minimised.

All the best!

My friends and I talk about colleges we want to join in DU after our class 12 and the course we want to take. But what if my numbers are not good enough and I don’t make it but my friends do? This thought keeps coming in my mind and I get distracted.

– Arpita Sen, Class 12

Hi Arpita,

We understand your concern and appreciate it. At this age, we often give due importance to our friendship and it becomes the focus of our thoughts. As you move ahead in life, friendships will stay irrespective of colleges and you will make new friends as well.

Also, a college isn’t the only parameter to decide one’s friendship. At this point of time, try to shift your focus towards revision and try to achieve your set targets.

All the best and we hope you get the desired college.

Sometimes, the dates for two exams are too close, it raises my anxiety. I feel I would crumble under the pressure. How do I maximise my productivity in these days?

– Adil Das Gupta, Class 12

Dear Adil,

We understand your point and the reasoning behind it. It might make you nervous to know that there is only a short gap between two exams but Adil we also need to understand that the gap between exams is only for revision. Hence, what we can do is make a schedule right away and focus a little more on those subjects for which there isn’t much time for revision.

And do remember that these exams are just a very small part of life. Make a time-table for yourself and you will feel better.

All the best! We hope you will do well.

Even before appearing for exams, the high cut-offs loom large and I feel I am setting unrealistic goals I may not be able to achieve. How can I stop these ‘goals’ from getting the better of me?

– Devika Saluja, Class 12

Hi Devika, it is amazing to do goal-setting in life and you are doing it, so we congratulate you. But also, we should understand that our goal should be SMART.

S - Specific

M - Measurable

A - Attainable

R - Realistic

T - Time-bound

Our goal should be realistic and we should know that we can achieve it. We must analyse our past and make a goal accordingly.

Do remember that our competition is not with anyone else but with ourselves, so set your goals as per your calibre. Make sure you believe in your goal and that you can achieve it. You can also modify it so that you feel comfortable.

My friends often tell me that they’ve switched off from social media and even TV. Would you advise us to only focus on studies and keep away from distractions?

– Sanjana Rishi, Class 12

Hi Sanjana,

Yes we should definitely reduce the use of media at this point of time so that our energy and concentration can be put to studies. But a complete cutoff might not be a very good option either as we need a little refreshment too.

So ideally, spending 5 to 10 minutes a day (on social media) is reasonable but beyond that, it would not be a good option as it might become a source of distraction.

It’s just a matter of few days and the sacrifice is worth it. All the best.