Top Mistakes Students Make During CBSE 10th, 12th Board Exam Preparation
Here are the top mistakes students often make during their CBSE board exam preparation. Also, read the article below to know how to avoid them.
CBSE Board Exam Preparation 2026: The CBSE Board Exams 2026 Class 10, 12 are just a few months away. With the pressure to perform well in the board examinations, students focus on how to prepare for the exams. However, one must also know that it is equally crucial to understand what not to do in order to stop wasting their time and effort on unimportant tasks. Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve their CBSE preparation and reduce unnecessary stress.
Here are the top mistakes students often make during their CBSE board exam preparation. Also, read the article below to know how to avoid them.
- Mistake 1: Studying Without a Timetable
- Mistake 2: Relying on Memorization
- Mistake 3: Not Referring to the Updated CBSE Syllabus
- Mistake 4: Last-minute preparation
- Mistake 5: Neglecting Physical and Mental Health
Mistake 1: Studying Without a Timetable
One of the biggest mistakes students make is to start with their CBSE 10th, 12th preparation without structuring a proper study plan. Randomly picking chapters or switching subjects without a schedule leads to ineffective learning and low retention.
CBSE board is strictly against the practise of using any unfair means during the examinations. The board is actively working to prevent and discourage any malpractice during board examinations every year.
So, you are advised to go through the CBSE 10th syllabus and solve as many previous years question papers and sample papers to avoid cheating during the CBSE 10th board exams.
You can go through the article below to check the penalties for cheating during board exams:
Students must create an achievable study plan based on the number of days left, subject priorities, and their pace. Divide chapters into topics and allocate time to cover every topic. Include daily goals and revision slots. And most importantly, stick to it.
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Mistake 2: Relying on Memorization
While memorizing definitions and formulas is an important part of preparing for CBSE examinations, just depending on rote learning can be risky, especially for conceptual subjects like Science and Mathematics.
Students must understand the concepts. This will enable them to write answers in their own style. Once the fundamentals are grasped, recalling facts in the exam becomes much easier, and one is better prepared to answer application-based questions.
Mistake 3: Not Referring to the Updated CBSE Syllabus
There is no concept of good or bad marks in class 12 CBSE board. You must focus on your studies and work hard towards schieveing good score in the board exams. The concept of good/bad marks can be benchmarked by you depending on the stream/career you have chosen for yourself. If you wish to enter IIT and become an engineer, you must aim for 90+ percentage, so on and so forth.
Thus, set an aim for yourself and build a way to reach the goal and THAT shall be good enough for you.
All the best!
Many students do not understand the importance of thoroughly going through all the topics and chapters mentioned in CBSE Class 10, 12 syllabus as shared by the Board. This often results in wasting time on irrelevant topics or missing key chapters.
Students must ensure that they refer to the official CBSE syllabus 2026. Plan your revision chapter-wise and prioritize topics based on weightage to every chapter. Also, it is advised that students solve and practice the sample papers and previous years’ question papers for better preparation of the exam.
Mistake 4: Last-minute preparation
Procrastination is a major setback. Starting preparation for CBSE Board exams too late can lead to panic, poor revision, and burnout just before the exams.
It is advisable to begin early and distribute the syllabus over the months. Early starters have the advantage of multiple revisions, better confidence, and less stress.
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Mistake 5: Neglecting Physical and Mental Health
Pulling all-nighters, eating unhealthy food, and ignoring sleep may seem like dedication, but they often do more harm than good. A tired mind cannot focus or retain information effectively.
Students are advised to maintain a healthy routine. They must get 7–8 hours of sleep, eat nutritious food, and take short breaks to relax. A healthy body supports an alert and focused mind.
Smart Work Over Hard Work
Success in board exams is not just about the number of hours to study — it’s about how efficiently you study. Smart work includes strategic planning, solving sample papers, analyzing weak areas, and using resources effectively.
To perform well, students must practice with mock tests, time themselves, and revise based on performance. Learn to manage time and stress like a pro.
Thus, avoiding these common mistakes can make the CBSE 10th, 12th board exam preparation more focused, stress-free, and successful. Stay consistent, stay positive, and remember — the right preparation begins with the right mindset.
CBSE is expected to release the CBSE date sheet 2026 in November 2025 on the official website. The CBSE Board exams 2026 will be conducted between February and April 2026 in pen and paper format.
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