12th Board Exam Preparation Experience

When I entered the 12th standard, I was filled with excitement because it marked the beginning of board exams. After performing well in my 10th board exams with a commendable score of 94.4%, I had concluded that board exams were quite manageable. Moreover, I was concurrently preparing for the IIT JEE, so my concerns regarding the board exams were minimal. I believed that preparing for such a competitive exam, which shared the same PCM syllabus, meant I was already on track for success; I just needed to additionally focus on English Literature and Grammar. As an ISC student, this meant preparing 10 poems, 10 stories, and a novel for English Literature and Grammar, which was standard. I diligently followed my teachers’ instructions, thoroughly prepared for class tests, practicals, projects, and assignments. Let's delve into my experience preparing for the 12th Board Exams, which I hope will be helpful for those about to enter 12th grade or feeling unsure about how to prepare.

Reflecting back, I remember my fondness for books at that time, which made reading enjoyable. I engaged with "Tempest" as the novel and "Treasure Trove" for stories and poems in English Literature. For Mathematics, I used "ML Aggarwal" and for Sciences, "Concise," as prescribed by my school. Additionally, I referred to websites like aplustopper.com, geeksforgeeks.com, and byjus.com. I followed YouTube channels such as “Unacademy Atoms,” “Physics Wallah,” and “Pankaj Sir Chemistry.” I also practiced extensively with books like “Oswaal” and “Arihant,” which contained previous years’ questions.

My daily routine was straightforward. I watched educational videos on YouTube to grasp concepts and made detailed notes for future reference, including a separate set of formula notes. I practiced extensively for the board exams using the aforementioned books and solved previous papers under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment. I also tackled numerous JEE Mains questions. As an ISC student, I believed that thorough preparation for JEE Mains would also adequately prepare me for the board exams. I maintained a balanced approach to both exam preparations, ensuring consistent learning in manageable increments each day.

It’s a misconception that ISC board exams are excessively difficult. With adequate preparation, they are manageable. If you have put in the effort and prepared diligently, success is within reach. During my preparation phase, I felt some anxiety, particularly about JEE Mains, but I remained confident about the board exams. Regular discussions about study plans and strategies with a friend kept me motivated. Having a study partner can significantly ease the process, as sharing progress and discussing challenges can be highly beneficial.

To manage stress, I recommend enjoying life to the fullest, maintaining close connections with family and friends, and finding joy in small pleasures. This approach always worked for me and hopefully will for you too.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our exams were split into two parts: Term 1 and Term 2. Term 1 consisted of MCQ-based exams, while Term 2 included a mix of MCQs and subjective questions. This new format was unique to our batch and I found it beneficial, as it mirrored the format of competitive exams, providing excellent preparation.

Now, let’s discuss the Term 1 exams. We had 1 hour and 30 minutes for the all-MCQ exam, and the results were announced on February 7, 2022. While the Mathematics paper was straightforward, Physics and Chemistry posed some challenges due to the numerical questions. Fortunately, ISC permitted the use of a Casio fx-82ms calculator during exams. Those who did not use this tool often struggled with time management. English and Computer Science papers were comparatively easier.

Term 2 exams also lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes, with a combination of MCQs and subjective questions, focusing more on the latter. The results were declared on July 24, 2022. Our school teachers had prepared us thoroughly for the subjective questions, which played a crucial role in our success. However, self-study and personal effort were equally important in achieving good results.

After the exams, I experienced a mix of happiness and sadness. It marked the end of my school days and my last moments with my teachers. My school years remain my most cherished memories, and I often wish I could relive those moments.

With the board exams behind me, I shifted my focus entirely to JEE Mains and dedicated myself to preparing for it.

In conclusion, in today’s world, smart work surpasses hard work. Study the exam pattern, understand the types of questions asked, consult your teachers for study materials, and create a structured study plan. Stick to your daily goals, make steady progress, and success will surely follow.