How can you cope with exams?

There is no need to feel jittery with a cool heated and systematic approach you can crack them with confidence. Here are a few tips

There is no better time than now to start studying! Don't put off for even an hour later what you can do now. Do not cry about the time you've wasted till now-accept that it can't be brought back. But make the most of what is Left

Schedule your day

To make the best of your time, you must start with a good timetable. Your timetable should have a little time for leisure and enough rest too.

Set day-to-day goals

Not even the best brains can cram the whole syllabus a day before the examination. What is needed is consistent effort, regular practice and thorough revisions. Nobody knows better than you how much you can really do in a day-set your goals accordingly. For example, if you can comfortably do just two lessons a day, don't force yourself to do one more it won't register well. 'Start small and you can gradually increase your quota.

Prepare a plan of action. Identify subject units which you have mastered and therefore may require only one reading.

Estimate how many hours you need to devote to the subjects that you have not mastered. Out of the hours available to you in a day, decide how many hours you can allot for each of the 3 or 4 subjects you intend to study in a day.

*While reading your notes, underline important points and jot them down for quick references.

Do not choose to study only one subject throughout the day. It will be monotonous and you may lose concentration. A 2-hour study of Algebra could be followed by a 1-hour study of English.

Take a break

Don't blame yourself if you can't concentrate for more than 45 minutes. But be sincere in those 45 minutes-you should not cheat or let your mind wander. You'll see that you will be able to concentrate better and for longer periods. In between take breaks-take a quick walk around the neighbourhood, listen to music or play with your pet.

Sit quietly with eyes closed and watch your breathing. This simple technique helps you to relax.

High-scoring food chart

*Two helpings of oranges or lemonade (lemon juice) to take care of your Vitamin C requirements. Whole grains, eggs and vegetables.

*For in-between snacks, try yoghurt, dry fruits, poha, chivda, fruit salads, khakras, peanuts and channa. Have an early dinner and a glass of milk later if you are studying into the night. Eat right to be bright!

A very important but much neglected part of examination preparations is your diet. Most children tend to ignore this aspect and think that eating is a waste of time. The other extreme eats far too much to avoid going to their study table but believe it or not. correct eating has a direct impact on your preparation and thus, on your results. The well-fed brain functions and retains information much better. Food high in fiber content plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of milk keep you energised and alert. Chocolates, chips and other high-sugar, high-fat foods tend to make you feel sluggish. Spicy food too can induce a feeling of lethargy.

Memory tips

Some units may have to be memorised. Do not try to memorise a long passage in one sitting, Break it into three or more small units it is easier to memorise in small bits. Reserve the last hour of study before going to bed, for a new unit which you may have understood but still don't feel confident about and when you get up in the morning, repeat the same subject and unit.

If you have enough time, try to write down the answers without looking at the book or notes. Studying old papers and trying to solve a few within the stipulated time helps tremendously not just in improving your technique but also in building up your confidence.

Do not test your memory on the eve of the examination. Many students have a habit of trying to recall some passages, just to make sure that they have not forgotten what they have memorised. And when they fail to recall something, it makes them more nervous. Therefore, you may avoid testing your memory just before the exam. Have confidence that you will recall the answer when you read the question paper.

Picture Credit : Google

 

What is CUET (Common University Entrance Test)?

From this academic year, the University Grants Commission will conduct a common entrance test called CUET for admission to undergraduate courses in all 45 central universities in the country.

Exam conducted by NTA

The Common University Entrance Test or CUET is a computerised examination that will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), all students seeking admission to 45 central universities in the country will have to take the test from this academic year (2022-23). Universities will admit students based on a merit list prepared by the NTA.

The UGC has said that admission to undergraduate courses in central universities will be based only on the CUET score. Class XII Board exam marks will not carry any weightage.

Universities could use the Board marks as an eligibility criteria for the test.

When is the test?

The first test will be held in the first week of July. The application window for the test opens in the first week of April.

What about reservations?

The CUET will not affect the quota for reserved seats in universities. However, students will have to be admitted only after clearing the common test.

Test syllabus

The entrance test will be based on the NCERT textbooks of Class XII. The test will cover language, subject of specialization, general knowledge, and reasoning. It will be objective type with multiple-choice questions. The exam will be held in 13 languages-English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odisha, Assamese, and Urdu.

It will be applicable to 45 central universities funded by the UGC. They include the Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Banaras Hindu University, Jamia  Millia  Islamia, and Aligarh Muslim University. In an interview on March 29, 2022, the UGC chairman said that the entrance exam will not be limited to Central Universities but extended to private varsities too.

Pros & cons

The common entrance test will provide equal opportunities to students from across boards. But the fact that the CUET will render the Class XII Board exam results largely redundant is being debated.

Picture Credit : Google 

Why healthy and tasty food can help you focus better in your exams?



Exam pressure can get the better of you – especially board exams and tasty meals can help you focus better and do better in your papers.



Don’t skip breakfast at any cost



On these nice wintry mornings, have nuts like almonds, walnuts, raisins, cashews and even dates – they give you instant energy! You can even keep a small box of nuts with you in your bag at all times. Pop some in when you feel hungry!



Have a substantial breakfast



Eat whatever you like – oatmeal, dosa, sandwich, fruits, milk, and eggs. But eat something. When you’re full, you are less likely to get distracted.



Suggest your meal preference



No one said that healthy meals are bring and tasteless. I am sure your parent knows you the best and packs food that you love to eat. Tell them in advance what you’d like to carry to school – trust me, they will thank you for that. The biggest question that any parent has when they wake up first thing in the morning and the last thing before bedtime is, ‘what shall I make for breakfast, lunch and dinner!’



Carry easy-to-eat things



If you think you may not get time it eat a full meal, carry non-messy, easy-to-eat things like bananas, parathas that you can just roll up and eat while you read or write, and sandwiches.



Drink adequate amount of liquids



You can have milk, juices and especially water. Water improves blood circulation in your brain, which works over-time before any exam. Water calms your nerves and relieves any stress you may have.



Invest some time in exercise as well



A healthy mind is a healthy body. And a healthy body means that everything else falls in place. You can follow these meal rules on a daily basis, not just before or during exams.



 



Picture Credit : Google