Stress from pre-board exams among students: how to minimize exam stress?

Class 12th Board exams 2024 will begin from February 15 which continues till April 02, 2024 will be held by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). CBSE is a national-level educational board in India. It runs under the Union Government of India’s Ministry of Education and was established in 1962. Headquarter of CBSE is in New Delhi. Students who will appear in the examination undergo their pre-board examination before the final board examination to get an overview about the real exam. Many students experience exam stress due to a lack of confidence in their preparations and the fear of results.

English is one of the common language subjects in all the three streams of 12th class – humanities, science, and commerce. Examination of English will be held on February 22, 2024 which is conducted by CBSE.

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Purpose of pre-board examination:

The main purpose is to assist pupils in self-evaluation. It means helping them to assess their ability and take an overview about the examination. It helps them to prepare for board examination in a better way.

Exam stress:

The worry of falling an upcoming examination or test is known as exam stress, which also leads to stress among children. Many children face exam stress early as well as during examination. Sometimes it causes physical symptoms like headache and stomach. With physical symptoms students also face, nervousness, worry as well as fear. Exam stress is defined as the feeling of stress as well as pressure for exam.

Symptoms of exam stress:

1. Negative thoughts
2. Headache
3. Stomach ache
4. Sleep issues
5. Restlessness
6. Eating issues
7. Problem in concentrating
8. Helpless
9. Inattentive etc.

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Tips to overcome exam stress:

Exam Preparation:

Exam stress can be decreased with proper preparation which makes you feel more prepared as well as confident in your understanding of the subject. It makes you feel less pressure on your shoulder. By doing this you may concentrate your mind on something beneficial as well as avoid being overly negative. Begin your study preparation very well in advance to make you feel confident and prepared. For better preparation make your study schedule and divide the syllabus into small and manageable parts to learn and understand properly. Revise your lecture notes on a regular basis and get clarification on your doubts.

Get familiar with the situation of the exam:

Get familiar with the format of in advance. Work with your classmates to get prepared for the examination. Get aware about the exam format whether it is open-ended or multiple choices. What is the time duration? How many questions will be asked? What tool or resources are required during examination?

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A well-being lifestyle:

Make sure to get enough sleep or rest. Stress as well as anxiety can be caused by the lack of sleep or sleep disturbance. Follow a proper healthy food diet chart to ensure that your body as well as mind gets the proper nutrients they need. Regular physical activities may also help to decrease stress levels.

Improve your self-confidence:

One of the main causes of exam stress is poor self-confidence or sense of self. Try to learn how to conquer your worries by carefully boosting your self-assurance or self-confidence as well as quieting your inner critic. Recognize your self-worth and enjoy or appreciate your achievements. Consider your early achievements and success to make you feel at ease so that you can easily perform well in exams.

Breathing & relaxation techniques:

To relax your nervous system and calm yourself, engage in deep breathing exercises. Muscle relaxation techniques help you to reduce your tension.

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Mindfulness & meditation:

Exam stress can be reduced by practicing mindfulness and meditation. It can improve attention, reduce anxiety as well as enhance mental health. Regular practicing mindfulness and meditation enhance focus as well as attention, which improve academic performance. And also promote resilience; lessen negative thoughts, better self-awareness, good sleep as well as mood regulation.

Practice previous paper:

Practice with previous exam papers to make yourself comfortable and aware with the format of test. This might enhance your self-confidence.