10 Common Mistakes in Board Exams & How to Avoid Them (A Must-Read Guide for CBSE/State Board Students) By [CHANDAN CHAUHAN] | studentsathi.in

Board exams (CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards) are a crucial milestone in every student's academic journey. However, even well-prepared students often lose marks due to avoidable mistakes. Based on analysis of topper answer sheets and examiner feedback, here are the 10 most common errors students make—and proven strategies to avoid them!

📝 Mistake 1: Ignoring NCERT for Theory

❌ Error: Relying only on reference books.

✅ Fix:

• 90% of CBSE/board questions come directly from NCERT.

• Highlight definitions, diagrams, and examples in NCERT.

• For State Boards, focus on state-prescribed textbooks.

⏰ Mistake 2: Poor Time Management

❌ Error: Spending too long on 1 question.

✅ Fix:

• Follow 15-20-25 rule:

1. 15 mins reading question paper.                                          
2. 20 mins per short-answer question.
3. 25 mins per long-answer question.
4. Wear a watch to track time!

✍️ Mistake 3: Messy Handwriting & Presentation

❌ Error: Illegible answers or overcrowded sheets.

✅ Fix:

• Use headings/subheadings with underline.

• Leave 2-finger spacing between lines.

• Draw margins with a pencil (erase later).

📊 Mistake 4: Not Drawing Diagrams

❌ Error: Skipping diagrams in Science/Biology.

✅ Fix:

• Labeled diagrams = Free marks!

• Practice: Human heart (Biology).                                                           Ray diagrams (Physics).                                                           Chemical reactions (Chemistry).

📖 Mistake 5: Misreading Questions

❌ Error: Answering what you think vs. what’s asked.

✅ Fix:

• Underline keywords (e.g., "define," "compare," "list").

• Example:

"Explain" → Detailed answer.

"State" → 1-2 line answer.

📑 Mistake 6: Incomplete Revision

❌ Error: Only reading, not recalling.

✅ Fix:

• Active recall: Write answers without notes.

• Use flashcards for formulas/dates.

• Revise with previous years’ papers.

😰 Mistake 7: Exam Hall Panic

❌ Error: Blanking out during exams.

✅ Fix:

• 5-5-5 breathing: Inhale (5 sec), hold (5 sec), exhale (5 sec).

• Attempt easiest questions first to build confidence.

📝 Mistake 8: Not Showing Steps (Maths/Science)

❌ Error: Jumping to final answers.

✅ Fix:

• Even wrong answers with correct steps get partial marks.

• Write formulas first, then calculations.

📘 Mistake 9: Last-Minute Cramming

❌ Error: Studying new topics 1 day before.

✅ Fix:

• 24 hours before exam:

1. Only review short notes/mind maps.
2. Sleep 7+ hours (memory consolidation!).

🔍 Mistake 10: Not Checking Answers

❌ Error: Submitting early without rechecking.

✅ Fix:

• Reserve 15 mins to:

1. Verify calculations.
2. Correct spelling errors.
3. Match question numbers.

🎯 Bonus: Topper’s Checklist

✔ NCERT = Bible for boards.

✔ Write practice papers under timed conditions.

✔ Eat dark chocolate (boosts focus!).

Final Thought

Avoiding these mistakes can boost your score by 10-15%! Remember: Board exams test smart work as much as hard work.

Which mistake do YOU make most? Comment below!

#BoardExams #ExamTips #CBSE  studentsathi

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