Year end / Board examinations are just two months away. Those who have the habit of regular study look forward to the exams with confidence and hope. For others, it is a time of anxiety and worry. But, they too have to get through the examinations. It is hoped that the points given below shall be of help to them:

1. More than sixty days in hand, it is time you started your study earnestly. A well defined work culture for a period of two months (before the examinations) and a  period of 20 to 25 days (during the examinations) shall ensure your success in the examinations.
2. Prepare an examination time table in which allot time for at least two subjects of study per day. Follow the time table without fail.
3. you may set aside anything between 4 to 5 hours everyday for study
4. If it is school holiday, you may increase the study hours to 6 to 8 hours per day
5. Include in your study ‘read, recall, write & recite’ cycle of activities
6. Among the voluminous materials – textbook, guide book, teacher notes, question bank, solved previous year question papers, school-given study materials and your tutorial class reading materials – you need to to choose the material you can depend upon for study. More the material more will be your fear of study
7. If you are sure that combined study with your friend(s) does not digress to ‘gossip, time wasting and merry making exercise’ which will kill your study hours, go for it. Else, sit tight and study alone
8. wherever you feel you require clarification in concepts in your subject of study, jot it down and seek your teacher’s help. Gaps in understanding may undermine your study efforts. Hence you need to seek your teacher/friend/reference material help. But go for an option which will give you quick solution
9. Your physical well being is very important during examination preparation and examination days. Ensure nutritious diet and adequate exercises – bending, stretching, skipping – everyday.
10. Sleep is an important factor which will help you get rejuvenated for study. Hence, come what may, have a good night sleep for at least 6 to 7 hours a day
11. Examinations test your mind – a mind filled with confidence can do wonders. Hence, it is important that you pep up your mind with encouraging thoughts and words of wisdom.

There is a couplet in Tamil written by the Great Saint Tiruvalluvar two thousand years ago, which says

“Though fate-divine should make your labour vain;

Effort its labour’s sure reward will gain”

(The meaning of this couplet is Although it be said that, through fate, it cannot be attained, yet labour, with bodily exertion, will yield its reward)

My best wishes to millions of students who are preparing for various examinations!