Parents’ Role in the 10th Board Exams: Guiding Your Child’s Path to Success

By Lalit Kumar – IIT Bombay Alumnus
Pune, 06th February 2025: The 10th board exams are a significant milestone in every student’s academic journey, and naturally, both students and parents strive for success. For many, it’s the first large-scale exam, which can bring anxiety and uncertainty in the final days leading up to the test. But fear not! With the right strategy and mindset, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to shine.

1. How can my child maximize their preparation in the final days before the board exams?

Answer:
In the final days, the key is to focus on smart revision and time management rather than cramming new topics. Create a detailed plan for each day, allotting time to revise critical chapters, practice previous years’ papers, and take timed mock tests. Prioritize topics your child is confident in to secure marks, and avoid overloading them with new concepts. Stick to a routine, ensure they get adequate sleep, and minimize distractions like social media to stay focused.

2. What should my child do on the day of the board exam?

Answer:
Start the day with a calm mind. Have a light, healthy breakfast and double-check the necessary stationery and hall ticket. Arrive at the exam center at least 30 minutes early to get acclimated. Once seated, take deep breaths to calm nerves and carefully read the question paper instructions before starting. Plan time wisely, answering easy questions first to build confidence. Most importantly, maintain a positive mindset and focus on giving their best.

3. How should parents help their child deal with pre-exam anxiety?

Answer:
Parents play a vital role in managing their child’s stress. Encourage open communication, offering reassurance and emotional support. Avoid adding pressure by setting unrealistic expectations or comparing them to others. Instead, emphasize that effort matters more than the outcome. Help them relax with light conversations, walks, or even humor to lighten the mood. Create a calm environment at home by avoiding loud activities and unnecessary interruptions.

4. What should a student do if they feel anxious during the exam?

Answer:
If anxiety strikes during the exam, pause for a moment, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths for 30 seconds. This brief break isn’t a waste of time—it’s an investment that will help them regain focus, avoid a potential blackout, and perform better. Skip the question causing stress and move on to the next one; they can always return to it later. Remember, staying calm and composed is key to performing well. Treat the exam like a marathon, not a sprint—pace yourself wisely.

5. Any subject-wise tips to score well in board exams?

Answer:
– Mathematics: Practice previous years’ papers and focus on formulas. Avoid careless mistakes.
– Science: For Physics and Chemistry, focus on diagrams, definitions, and numerical problems. In Biology, revise important diagrams and terminologies.
– Social Science: Write answers in points and practice map work for Geography.
– Languages: Work on essay and letter formats, and revise grammar rules thoroughly.
– General Tip: Stick important formulas, diagrams, and dates on walls for frequent revision.

6. What common mistakes do students make during board exam preparation?

Answer:
– Cramming New Topics: Attempting to learn new concepts in the final days adds unnecessary stress.
– Ignoring Revision: Not revising thoroughly can lead to forgetfulness during the exam.
– Overstudying: Long, unstructured hours of study without breaks lead to burnout.
– Neglecting Health: Skipping meals, ignoring sleep, or not drinking enough water impacts focus and energy.
– Lack of Practice: Avoiding sample papers or mock tests leaves them unprepared for time management during the exam.

After the Board Exams

7. What steps should my child take after finishing their board exams?

Answer:
After the exams, reflect on their performance without overanalyzing it. Use this time to explore interests, enroll in summer courses, or plan for 11th and 12th grades with guidance from mentors. Relax and rejuvenate to gear up for the next academic phase.

8. Should my child aim for IIT, or are other colleges a better option?

Answer:
All engineering colleges follow the same syllabus for entrance exams. Of the 14 lakh JEE registrants, around 2 lakh are serious IIT aspirants, with 18,000 making it to IIT. Many students aiming only for NITs, without building a strong PCM foundation, are often outperformed by those who narrowly miss IIT but secure seats in top colleges like NITs and COEP. Focus on strengthening PCM fundamentals and enjoying the learning journey in 11th and 12th, rather than settling early for NITs, which may seem comforting now but could limit future opportunities.

9. Where should I enroll my child for competitive exam preparation?

Answer:
It’s crucial to choose a coaching institute with a proven track record and experienced faculty who provide both academic excellence and personal mentorship. Consistency is key—ensure that the same faculty team will stick with their batch for the entire course. Before joining, ask for the names of the faculty assigned to the batch and confirm whether they’ll continue throughout the program. To verify this, check how long those faculty members have been with the institute and reconfirm with alumni and current students about their experiences.

Additionally, attend live career counseling sessions tailored for parents. These sessions provide insights into the best paths for your child’s future, helping you make informed decisions about their career trajectory. Watch this detailed video guide for further clarity.

About The Author: Lalit Kumar, the visionary founder of Prime Academy Pune, has an illustrious teaching career spanning 21 years, during which he has mentored over 3,000 IITians. A B.Tech graduate in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay, Lalit achieved a remarkable milestone early in his career by becoming one of the youngest authors of an IEEE publication, presenting his groundbreaking technical paper on “Power Distribution and Automation” in 2001. Beyond academics, he has profoundly impacted the lives of hundreds of socioeconomically disadvantaged students, helping shape their careers. His unwavering dedication and contributions to education have been recognized by the Ministry.