Avoid These 5 Mistakes Exams, Or Regret it later

Exams! The only time students suddenly turn religious, praying for “out of syllabus” questions to magically disappear. Whether you’re a topper, an “I’ll start tomorrow” planner, or the one who flips pages faster than the speed of light in the last 5 minutes, we all make mistakes in exams.

4/2/20253 min read

The struggle is real! One moment, you’re confidently highlighting notes, and the next, you’re staring at the question paper like it’s written in an alien language. We’ve all been there; scribbling random formulas, hoping the examiner gives marks for creativity. But hey, let’s fix those silly mistakes before they cost you your dream score! 

Here are 5 mistakes every student makes in exams (and how you can avoid them!):

1. Not Reading the Question Properly

You’re zooming through the paper like Usain Bolt, answering everything in record time. You feel like a genius. Until... you step out of the exam hall and your friend asks, “Did you notice it said ‘Explain with examples’?” And that’s when your soul leaves your body. 😭

How to Avoid This:

  • Have a solid CBSE board exam study plan.

  • Break your subjects into daily targets and stick to them like your life depends on it (because, well, your marks kinda do).

  • Make use of CBSE coaching in your city if you joined any; if you need extra help because last-minute panic sessions are so last season.

2. Spending Too Much Time on One Question

You start writing a 5-mark answer like it’s a Shakespearean novel. The clock’s ticking, and you’re still stuck on that one question, while the rest of the paper looks at you like:

“Bhai, hume bhi likh lo!” 😭

How to Avoid This:

  • Follow the best strategies for CBSE board exams—start revising at least 3 weeks before the exams.

  • Make flashcards, notes, and mind maps instead of relying on panic-fueled cramming.

  • If you're looking for expert guidance, consider enrolling in 10th standard CBSE coaching or attending online CBSE coaching classes in India to fine-tune your revision strategy.

3. Ignoring Diagrams and Neat Presentation

CBSE teachers are not archaeologists trying to decode hieroglyphics! If your answer sheet looks like it was written by a toddler in a hurry, expect half the marks missing.

How to Avoid This:

  • Master time management for CBSE exams. Allocate time based on the marks weightage:

📌 1-mark questions? 30 seconds max

📌 3-5 mark questions? 5-7 minutes

📌 10-mark questions? 12-15 minutes

  • Practice previous years' papers with a timer to develop a natural rhythm.

  • Practice tests and MCQs more, more and more, ask for more tests in your classes or school as well.

4. Leaving MCQs to Guesswork

MCQs should be free marks, but some of us treat them like a lucky draw. You circle “C” for all 10 questions, thinking “C for Champion”—only to realize later that “C” was the wrong answer every single time. 😭

How to Avoid This:

  • Use the first 15 minutes to read the question paper properly.

  • Underline keywords like explain, justify, compare to understand exactly what’s being asked.

  • Don’t let your brain auto-pilot into “I’ve seen this question before” mode and start writing nonsense.

5. Skipping the Revision

You’ve finished early, and instead of revising, you’re busy calculating how much time you’ll get to play after school. You submit your paper with full confidence, only to realize later that you wrote 7 × 9 = 72.

How to Avoid This:

  • Keep your handwriting legible (at least pretend to write neatly in the first few pages 🙃).

  • Use headings, bullet points, and underline key terms for better readability.

  • Maintain proper margins so your paper doesn’t look like a chaotic crime scene.

  • For more CBSE board exam preparation tips, personalized coaching, and expert strategies,

Check out our 9th and 10th CBSE tuition and CBSE coaching class for a well-structured study plan.

Final Thoughts:

Exams don’t have to be a nightmare if you prepare wisely! Whether it’s time management for CBSE exams, structured learning at CBSE ICSE coaching, or personalized help from 10th standard CBSE Board exams, or your regular exams, your STRATEGY matters.

Need expert help? Join Joshis Academy of Excellence, the best coaching classes for CBSE in Pune! We offer online & offline CBSE coaching classes in Pune and offline support to ensure you’re fully prepared to ace your exams. Don’t just aim to pass, aim for excellence! 🚀

Now go study (and yes, take breaks but Instagram can wait, okay?)