Understand the syllabus & exam-pattern
- Familiarise yourself with the full syllabus of all subjects – know what chapters, topics, internal assessments, and weightages are involved.
- Understand the question-paper format: types of questions (MCQ, short answer, long answer), marks per question, and any competency-based questions. The Times of India+2India Today+2
- Use the official textbooks (for CBSE, mainly the NCERT Textbooks) as your foundation — many questions are drawn directly from them. blog.matrixhighschool.org+1
2. Create a realistic, balanced study schedule
- Make a timetable that covers all subjects, giving more time to the ones you find difficult, while ensuring you still revise the easier ones. India Today+1
- Use study blocks of ~40-50 minutes followed by 5-10 minute breaks to maintain concentration. For example the “40-10 rule” is suggested. blog.matrixhighschool.org
- Be consistent: daily study, regular revision beats last-minute cramming. Deeksha Vedantu
3. Focus on concepts & quality rather than just hours
- Rather than studying endless hours with low focus, aim for active learning: understanding, recalling, applying. One student even attributed a 2-hour daily focused routine to scoring top marks. The Times of India
- Use techniques like active recall (test yourself without looking at notes) and spaced repetition (revisit topics at intervals) to retain better. Deeksha Vedantu+1
- Avoid rote-learning alone. For CBSE especially, there is increasing weightage on conceptual and higher-order thinking questions. The Times of India
4. Use good materials & note-making
- Primary: NCERT textbooks for each subject. Solve all the in-text questions and exercises. CBSE 360+1
- Supplement: Use sample papers, previous years’ question papers (PYQs), and mock tests. They help you understand pattern, time management, recurring questions. blog.matrixhighschool.org+1
- Make your own concise notes: formulas, definitions, key points, diagrams, timelines (for History/Social Science). These notes are gold for quick revision. Deeksha Vedantu+1
- Use visual aids like mind-maps, flowcharts especially for subjects like Social Science, Science. Oswaal Books
5. Subject-wise strategy (some quick pointers)
- Mathematics: Focus on understanding theorems, formulas; practise many problems from different areas; timed practice to build speed. idealcentres.in
- Science: Thorough reading of NCERT; focus on diagrams, experiments, definitions; practise numerical questions wherever applicable. idealcentres.in
- Social Science (History, Geography, Civics, Economics): Create timelines for History, map-work for Geography, understand key terms in Civics/Economics. Use structured answers. Oswaal Books
- Languages (English/Hindi/other): Focus on grammar, writing skills (essay, letter, report), literature (themes, characters, poetry devices) as per the syllabus. Oswaal Books
6. Practice under exam-conditions & analyse mistakes
- Regularly solve full sample papers under timed conditions to simulate the board exam environment. blog.matrixhighschool.org+1
- After each test, analyse your mistakes: where did you lose marks (time issues, careless mistakes, weak concept) and fix those areas. Oswaal Books
- Focus on presentation: neat handwriting, structured answers, proper headings/labels especially in long answers and diagrams. My Exam
7. Health, mindset & exam-day strategy
- Maintain good sleep, healthy diet, some physical activity. A healthy mind and body support better concentration. blog.matrixhighschool.org+1
- Manage stress: celebrate small wins, keep perspective, avoid last-minute panic. Regular revision and familiarity reduce anxiety. Oswaal Books
- On exam day: Read the entire paper first, decide which questions you’ll attempt first, allocate time smartly, don’t get stuck too long on one question. My Exam
📅 Sample Timeline: Last 4-6 Months (for reference)
- Months 4-6 before exam: Complete all chapters of every subject with understanding; make notes; start solving moderate exercises.
- Months 2-3 before exam: Begin full-length mock tests & past paper practice; focus on difficult topics; revise notes and visual aids.
- Last 30 days: Intensive revision. For example: First ~15 days focus on weak areas and NCERT exercises; next ~10 days focus on solving past papers and timed tests; final ~5 days focus on light revision of key formulas, diagrams, and relax the mind. blog.matrixhighschool.org
🎯 Do’s & Don’ts (Quick List)
Do:
- Use NCERT as your base.
- Make a study timetable and stick to it.
- Regularly revise.
- Solve PYQs and mock tests.
- Focus on understanding, not just memorising.
- Take care of health and mental wellbeing.
Don’t: