CBSE board exams of class 10th & 12th are important milestones in a student’s academic journey. These exams not only test knowledge but also evaluate the ability to apply concepts effectively under pressure. While students invest months in rigorous preparation, exam anxieties can often shake their confidence, resulting in avoidable mistakes. To score well, it is important for students to recognise these errors and adopt smart strategies. This guide discusses the most common mistakes students make during CBSE board exams.
Note: To manage exam stress better, you can also read our guide on overcoming board exam stress and anxiety.
Understanding the CBSE Board Exam Pattern
Before discussing common mistakes, understanding the exam pattern is crucial for identifying where students might fall short. Each subject follows a structured blueprint that includes theory, internal assessments, and practical components. For example, Science and Mathematics include objective, case-based, and long-answer questions, while English evaluates comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
Many students lose marks because they are unaware of the weightage of each section or fail to practice according to the blueprint provided by CBSE. Therefore, before preparing for their syllabus, students must check the pattern of their board exams for better preparation. Learn about the CBSE board 2025 exam pattern.
7 Common Mistakes Students Must Avoid in Board Exams
If you are a student searching for “how to get good marks in a board exam,” then pause for a moment. Success in board exams doesn’t come from shortcuts or clickbait tips; it comes from avoiding the mistakes that pull scores down. Recognising these errors and preparing smartly can make the difference between a normal performance and an excellent result.
1. Ignoring NCERT and Relying Only on Guides
Many students make the mistake of skipping their NCERT books and focusing solely on guides or refresher books for studying. This is not the right way to prepare. CBSE often gives questions from the NCERT chapters. Guides may provide practice, but without preparing NCERT questions, answers often miss depth and precision. Thorough NCERT revision ensures a strong foundation and accurate scoring.
2. Weak Time Management During Exams
Lack of time management is among the common board exam mistakes. Smart management of time during exams is crucial to attempt all questions. Spending too much time on short questions can leave less time for long-answer questions. Always use the first 15 minutes to read the paper thoroughly and attempt the questions that you are confident about. Additionally, practising timed mock tests and distributing time across sections builds exam discipline and prevents incomplete answers.
3.Rote Learning Without Conceptual Clarity
Mugging up answers never helps with good scores. With the changes in education policies, the CBSE has shifted towards application-based and competency-driven questions, which test the understanding rather than memory. Without the clarity of core concepts, students may face difficulty answering questions that are framed in a tricky way. Building logical connections and practising real-life applications not only improves retention but also boosts confidence in unexpected exam scenarios.
Note: Learn more about competency-based questions in the CBSE board 2025
4. Incomplete Steps/Diagrams
Examiners in board exams have hundreds of answer sheets to check, so answer sheets with neat diagrams and handwriting stand out instantly. Bad handwriting, incomplete steps, or poorly drawn diagrams often lose marks. Therefore, students should always include answers with proper steps, headings, and correctly drawn diagrams. This not only scores full marks but also creates a positive impression on the examiner.
5. Avoiding Previous Year/Sample Papers
Previous years’ question papers provide students with a better understanding of the exam pattern and the types of questions that can be expected. Many learners simply read the question papers without attempting to solve them, which reduces their confidence. Writing full-length papers under time conditions improves accuracy, identifies weak areas, and builds exam readiness.
6. Last-Minute Cramming and Neglecting Health
One of the common board exam mistakes that students make is preparing all night before their exams, believing that cramming will help. In reality, this affects memory, increases stress, and lowers concentration levels. Balanced preparation, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet are vital for optimal performance. A clear mind is more effective in recalling concepts than a fatigued one. Prioritising health, along with revision, maximises efficiency.
7. Overdependence on Coaching
Excessive dependence on coaching institutes without personal effort is a risky approach. Teachers can guide, but self-study and consistent revision are required for better preparation. Limiting distractions through digital detox, making concise notes, and solving papers independently help students strengthen concepts and take ownership of their preparation journey.
Subject-Specific Pitfalls: What CBSE Board Examiners Expect
Every subject has a different pattern of evaluation, and examiners look for specific details that students often overlook. Here are some subject-wise tips that students must follow during their exams:
- Mathematics: Do not skip steps. Always write the complete solution process.
- Science: Draw neat diagrams and include pointers or examples in answers.
- English: Avoid exceeding word limits in writing tasks. Use correct grammar, and write the proper format of essays or letters.
- Social Science: Write crisp, point-wise answers instead of lengthy, story-like answers.
- Accountancy/Business Studies: Create proper formats for ledgers and balance sheets.
- Economics: Include diagrams in graph-based questions. It is essential for full marks.
- Hindi: Ensure you are familiar with the grammar rules and avoid making spelling mistakes. This can lead to unnecessary deductions.
Conclusion
Scoring well in the CBSE board exams is not just about hard work but also about avoiding the mistakes that cost marks unnecessarily. By learning from the common errors students often make and correcting them early, you can approach exams with clarity, confidence, and focus. With the right balance of preparation, practice, and guidance, challenges can easily turn into achievements. If you’re looking for a school that nurtures discipline, strengthens concepts, and prepares students to excel in board exams, Mata Nand Kaur Public School is the right choice for your future. Let’s work together to prepare your child for a bright future.
