CBSE Maths exam 2023: World’s fastest human calculator shares tips for students to score high

Confidence is the first key to scoring well in board exams, and this confidence comes from constant practice. But mindless practising doesn’t give an optimal result, especially at the last minute before the exam. So, plan your practice sessions well in advance. This will not only bring you up to speed on topics but will also assist you in understanding specific topics where you are stuck.

I would also advise all students to stop dwelling on their past performances, whether they were good or bad. In the last few days before the exam, everyone should set a goal for themselves and start practising accordingly. By having the right mindset and preparation, students can improve their performance and achieve their goals. Past performances are like lessons to learn from; those should act as motivation to help you perform even better in your final exam and evaluate the areas where you can improve.

When it comes to practising before exams, students tend to practise everything from the exercise section and even from different reference books, but they tend to miss the example questions given in the textbooks. Students should understand the concept of every math formula and then attempt to solve the example questions given in the textbook. The example questions given in these textbooks are specifically designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topics and to develop problem-solving skills. By practising these questions, students can get a clear idea of the types of questions that can be asked in the exams.

In mathematics, understanding the concepts behind each formula is crucial for long-term learning and application. Simply memorising formulas or procedures without comprehending the underlying principles can hinder a student’s ability to apply their knowledge in new contexts or solve problems that deviate from standard examples. While it can be tempting to rely on rote memorisation in the short term, this approach often leads to shallow understanding and poor retention. Furthermore, it can be challenging to recall the formula under the pressure of the examination if it has only been memorised without proper comprehension. Thus, it is essential to focus on developing a deep understanding of math concepts rather than relying on rote memorization.

I would also like to focus on a very important tip that every student and their parents should keep in mind while preparing for exams, which is to take adequate breaks and eat healthily.

 Taking breaks and staying healthy are essential components of effective exam preparation. Studying for long hours without breaks can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and increased stress levels.

Taking regular breaks can help you maintain focus and improve memory retention. Additionally, staying physically healthy by exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can improve brain function, memory recall, and overall cognitive performance. By prioritising breaks and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, students can optimise their exam preparation efforts and increase their chances of success

Many students refer to popular math guidebooks for practice questions. However, as we are approaching the exam date, my advice would be to stick to the basics. I would not recommend anyone solve 100 questions for every math topic before the exam.

Last-Day Tips:

Here are the tips to prepare a night before the exam, you can boost your confidence and feel prepared to tackle your math exam with success.

Review your notes and practice problems: Go over your notes and practice problems to reinforce your understanding of key concepts. I would suggest keep the last day before the exam to only practice the concepts that you were not confident about. Also, go through the whole syllabus again but devote the majority of time to practicing the concept that was a bit difficult.

Stay calm and confident: Believe in yourself and your abilities, and stay calm under pressure.

Take deep breaths and remind yourself that you have prepared well. Don’t indulge yourself in thinking about the result or the things that might go wrong, rather focus on the preparation and stay motivated.

Get a good night’s sleep: Your brain needs rest to function properly, and lack of sleep can negatively impact your performance. Taking rest is as important as practicing religiously.

In conclusion, effective preparation is the key to success in board exams. Plan your study schedule, practise past papers, stay healthy, take breaks, and avoid distractions. By following these unique and result-driven tips, you can achieve the best possible results in your board exams. Having said that, I will always stress the fact that exams are not the end of the world, nor do they define one’s potential.

Prepare well for the exam with a strategic approach, and give your best on the day of the exam without fearing the result.

(The author is the World’s Fastest Human Calculator and is also the founder and CEO of Bhanzu, a math edtech startup)