Kid preparing for exam

Kid preparing for exam

A Neuropsychiatrist, Dr Suresh VC of Suraksha Mind Care explains how to come up trumps this exam season which is the most stressful for students. Follow these easy steps to perform well at the end of this academic year.
§ Organize your study material: textbooks, notes, lectures in a proper order.
§ The early bird catches the worm, goes the saying. So, it’s a good idea to start NOW!
§ Make a realistic study plan to get better results.
§ Prioritize subjects and topics and manage time based on the level of difficulty.
§ Understand the topic and note key points.
§ Condense material to summary sheets or mind maps or flash cards.
§ Set a Target for revision and Practice for better performance.
The important thing is to focus on understanding the subject and not just memorise.
As exams test one’s understanding of key concepts and analysis of each subject and your ability to use or apply them, it is important for students to organize themselves, revise chapters and rehearse well. Here are more tips on how to stay fit, the do’s and the don’t’s.

Stay Fit & Healthy

1. Be flexible with your study schedule; Take breaks, Reward yourself and Don’t lose focus!
2. Avoid distractions.
3. Practice relaxation techniques or simple exercises.
4. Lead a healthy lifestyle by eating well, sleeping adequately and staying fit.
5. Minimize the use of gadgets, mobile phones or social media.

Exam Day

1. Sleep well and get up with a positive attitude.
2. Have a healthy breakfast.
3. Reach the exam hall well in advance.
4. Don’t get into unnecessary discussions or arguments before entering the hall.
5. Keep calm and ace the test!

At the Exam Hall

1. Read the whole question and understand what is being asked.
2. Start answering the question which you are thorough with. It will build your confidence.
3. Answer to the point.
4. Manage your time effectively.
5. Make an effort to attempt all the questions.
6. Spare ten minutes for reviewing your answer sheet (incomplete answers, unanswered questions, numbering etc).

Valuable Tips
Don’t spend ages looking at the exam timetable or your revision notes. Exam timetables should not become a reason to avoid revision.
The key to dealing effectively with exam stress/anxiety is to work on what you have control over including on how you study and what you study and not worry about what you can’t control such as the kind of questions that may appear or how your classmates perform.
Dr. Suresh VC, Neuropsychiatrist practices at Suraksha Mind Care, Doddaballpura, Bangalore rural