Too much to study, and with board exams just around the corner, it’s natural to feel nervous. Are you worried that all your efforts, late nights, stacks of notes, and endless revisions, may not be enough to secure the marks you aim for? Well, you are not alone in this endless loop. Thousands of students feel the same pressure each year. Scoring high in board exams may feel like an impossible task, but it is achievable with the right approach. Good marks are not about how much you study, but how smartly you study. In this guide, we will discuss those smart study tips to score 80% or even 100% in your CBSE board 2025-26. Whether you are appearing for the “CBSE Class 12 board exams or Class 10,” this guide helps you go into exams confidently.
Top 10 Study Tips for CBSE Board 2025-26
With a vast syllabus to cover and board exams just 4.5 months away, students do not need added confusion; they just need a clear, structured plan. The key is to follow smart strategies rather than rote memorisation. Here are the top 10 study tips that students can follow to simplify their exam preparation and improve performance.
Master the NCERT Textbooks First
Students often jump to reference or guide books way before completing their NCERT textbooks. The CBSE board exams for Classes 10 & 12 are heavily based on NCERT content. Ensure that you read every chapter thoroughly, including its examples and in-text explanations, and solve all the questions. Studying your textbook first helps strengthen your concepts, so you are not caught off guard by tricky questions.
Avoid Rote Memorisation During Exams
It is one of the most important tips of CBSE board preparation for 2025-26. Understanding the logic behind formulas and theories enables you to adapt when questions vary. Do not stick to “what?”, also ask “why?” and “how?” Once you are ready, try to teach the same lesson to your friend. This provides a clearer understanding of how well you have grasped the concept.
Make a Structured Plan With Buffer Time
Time management is your key to success. Review your syllabus and break it down into segments with specific deadlines. Assign one chapter or two chapters daily. Set weekly targets rather than leaving topics for the end. Additionally, always have extra days assigned for revision or unexpected delays, ensuring that no chapter is left unfinished at the last moment.
Take Revision Tests In Between
Frequent revision tests are crucial for scoring high marks in board exams. Revisit each topic multiple times, assigned over days or weeks. Prepare flashcards or make brief notes for quick recall of formulas and definitions. Moreover, while learning new modules, continue revising older topics so nothing goes to waste.
Practice Last Year’s Question Papers or Sample Papers
Among the most effective CBSE study tips of 2025-26 is practising previous year’s question papers. This should be followed by timed conditions. Solving mock papers helps with understanding the exam pattern, time allocation, and highlighting repeated questions.
Proper Answer Formulation and Presentation
Writing answers on a board exam is not enough. Even correct ones can lose marks if poorly presented. That’s why students need to structure each answer with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use headings, bullets, and sub-sections, if required. Underline important terms, draw neat diagrams wherever needed, and keep your handwriting clean. Do not make too many cuts in your answer sheet.
Focus on High-Weightage Topics
Not all chapters are tested equally. Check your CBSE board 2025-26 syllabus or previous year question papers to identify “high-weightage” topics. Allow extra time for polishing those chapters, but do not overlook the others, as they may still appear on exams. Balanced coverage ensures you don’t lose easy marks by skipping any section.
How to Reduce Stress on Exam Day?
Doing well in exams is every student’s goal, but the pressure of board exams can often make students go haywire, especially on their important day. This stress not only affects mental well-being but can also lower actual performance in the exam hall. Even the best CBSE study tips of 2025-26 are of little use if stress takes over at the wrong time. However, with the right steps and family support, this pressure can be lifted off.
The key is to stay calm & focused. Simple practices like getting adequate sleep the night before an exam, eating a balanced breakfast, arriving at the exam centre on time, and practising deep breathing can help keep the mind relaxed. Once you get your answer sheet, concentrate on one question at a time, instead of panicking and worrying about the entire paper.
Conclusion
Scoring better marks in board exams is not about endless hours of memorisation, but about adopting smart study tips. A clear plan, consistent revision, and regular practice are among the most effective tips for CBSE board preparation for 2025-26. Beyond academics, staying calm and keeping a healthy routine will help students perform at their best on exam day.
It is important to note that the goal is not just to work harder but to work strategically. With the right balance of preparation and calmness, aiming for a 100% score in your CBSE boards is absolutely possible. At Mata Nand Kaur Public School, one of the top schools in Southwest Delhi, our dedicated teachers equip students with proven methods and personalised support to help them score better marks in the board exams. Contact us to learn how we can contribute to your child’s academic success.
