Students prepare for board examinations in Patna. Picture by Ashok Sinha

It’s that time of the year again when stress gets the best of even the brightest of students.

However, a calm mind and expert advice goes a long way in preparing for the exams and even beyond those.

The board examinations are a fortnight away and pupils are busy revising whatever they have studied. At the same time, they are under pressure to perform well. The ICSE exams are slated to begin on March 3, while the ISC would begin on February 21. The Central Board of Secondary Education exams for classes X and XII would start on March 1.

Kanishka, a Class X student of Radiant International School is a bit tense regarding his exams. He said: “I am revising the syllabus and following a routine for the past three weeks. At present, I am studying for seven hours but I’ll increase the duration from March 1. At the same time, I know that health is very important.”

He said he was eating more salads, green vegetables and items like rice, pulses and chapatis. He is having milk twice a day. He, however, has not stopped watching television.

Udit Prakash, a commerce student of Jesus and Mary Academy, Patna City, believes in selective and group study. “It’s useless to be stressed now. One should remain calm and in case of a problem, I talk to my teachers or friends,” he said.

Psychologist Binda Singh feels parents should not compare their kids with other students. Singh said: “If a comparison is made, the child would panic. Children, too, should not worry if some other child says that he/she studies the whole night or something. Every child has his or her own mental calibre. Parents should take care of their diet and make them realise that exams are not something to be afraid of.”

Singh added: “Studying through the night should be avoided and least five to six hours of sleep is required. Deep breathing should be done for a few minutes if needed (when stressed).”

Dinesh Kumar, associate professor of psychology, College of Commerce, said: “Comparison among students in no manner should be done. Parents should always encourage the child. Healthy diet, deep breathing and exercise help.”

Neetu Singh, whose child is preparing to appear for the Class XII CBSE exams, said: “I feel that it’s my exams and I therefore keep encouraging my child.”