Copyright news18
By Devyani Mungali For every Class 12 student, the last three months before the Board Examinations feel like the final overs of a long match. You have been practising for years, and now it is time to play your best game. Remember, you do not need to bowl a hundred perfect balls; you just need ten good ones to win the match. Similarly, consistent focus and smart effort over these last three months can make all the difference between average and excellent results. Balance Boards And Entrance Exams Smartly Many students preparing for the Board Examinations are also getting ready for entrance exams such as JEE, NEET, CUET, or design and law entrances. The key is to strike the right balance, as both complement each other more than you might think. Avoid switching focus completely to one side. Divide your week, perhaps four days for board-centric revision and two days for entrance-style practice. That way, you remain exam-ready without overloading yourself. Use The “Topic Matrix” To Prioritise Revision With vast syllabi, deciding what to study first can be confusing. Use this simple Topic Matrix to guide your plan: Description Liked & Easy Topics you enjoy and understand well Revise quickly; maintain confidence Liked but Difficult Concepts you like but struggle with Focus and seek help from teachers; practice till you master them. Don’t Like but Easy Simple but less interesting areas Revise regularly to avoid careless mistakes. Don’t Like & Difficult Tough and uninteresting topics Cover basic concepts; don’t leave them entirely — aim for partial mastery. Try to cover as much as possible from all four quadrants, but give extra attention to the “Liked but Difficult” and “Don’t Like but Easy” categories, as they offer maximum scoring potential with a bit of effort. Plan For Three Effective Rounds Of Revision Revision is your biggest strength during these months. Plan for three structured rounds. First Revision (Foundation Stage): Go through every chapter systematically. Revisit notes, highlight key points, and mark areas that need rework. Make formula sheets, timelines, reaction lists, or summary tables. Second Revision (Practice Stage): Focus on solving sample papers, PYQs, and mock tests. Time yourself, simulate exam conditions, and check for recurring errors. Third Revision (Final Stage): Only revise summaries, formulas, and difficult sections. Keep this round light and confidence-boosting. Avoid cramming new topics at this point. This three-step cycle ensures that by the time exams arrive, you have gone through your entire syllabus multiple times with increasing efficiency and confidence. Focus On Conceptual Understanding Boards test clarity, not memorisation. Instead of mugging up, focus on the “why” and “how” behind every concept. In subjects such as Physics or Chemistry, understand the derivations and applications. In Mathematics, practise step-by-step problem-solving. In Humanities and Languages, focus on structure, examples, and relevance. The more you understand, the less you need to memorise, and that makes revision faster. Practise Like It Is The Real Exam Solving papers under timed conditions is the best form of training. Dedicate every weekend to attempting one full paper, handwritten, within the time limit, and without distractions. After each test, evaluate honestly. Did you finish on time? Which questions slowed you down? Were your answers well organised? Learn from each attempt; improvement in practice equals confidence in the final exam. Manage Your Time And Energy Wisely Create a realistic daily timetable. You do not need to study for twelve hours a day; instead, aim for focused sessions. Try the 50–10 rule: study for fifty minutes, then take a ten-minute break. Avoid long continuous hours that lead to fatigue. Mornings are best for heavy subjects, while evenings can be used for revision or lighter tasks. Keep at least one slot daily for self-assessment or paper-solving. And remember, consistency beats intensity. Even two well-spent hours every day for three months can transform your results. Avoid Panic And Comparison This is the phase when students often panic by comparing themselves with their peers. Avoid that trap. Every student has a different learning style, pace, and set of strengths. Focus on your own progress. Instead of saying “I haven’t done enough,” start saying “I’m improving every day.” Keep a progress tracker and tick off chapters as you revise; it builds confidence and motivation. Take Care Of Your Mind And Body Board preparation is not just about the mind; your physical and emotional health matter equally. Eat well, stay hydrated, and sleep for at least seven hours daily. Include some physical activity or relaxation. Even a fifteen-minute walk can clear your mind. When anxiety hits, pause and breathe. You have already done the hard work; now it is about fine-tuning and believing in yourself. ALSO READ: Last 3 Months Before Boards: What Class 10 Students Should Focus On Small Wins Matter In cricket, not every ball gets a wicket, but those few crucial deliveries turn the match. The same applies here. Even if you cannot perfect every chapter, focus on making your “good deliveries” count: strong concepts, good presentation, accurate answers, and calm composure. These will help you win your academic innings. Stay Positive And Believe In Your Preparation The last three months are your launchpad, not your battlefield. Every bit of effort adds up. Visualise success by walking confidently into the exam hall, answering smoothly, and leaving with a smile of satisfaction. When you believe in your preparation, your mind works at its best. So stay determined, stay focused, and remember, you do not need perfection; you just need your best ten good balls. In Conclusion The final stretch before the boards is not about panic or pressure; it is about strategy and steadiness. Revise smartly, balance your board and entrance focus, use the topic matrix to guide priorities, plan three revisions, and most importantly, believe in your ability. You have played this game for twelve years; now it is time to finish strong, one good ball at a time. (The author is the Founder Director & Trustee of Sanskriti Group of Schools. The views expressed above are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.)
