Reflections on My 2020-2021 Board Exam Experience

As a student who just concluded my board exams, I am compelled to share my journey and the feelings that I had during and after the exam. This article will delve into the challenges and the unexpected outcomes that accompanied my academic journey, offering insights on how to prepare effectively for such crucial exams.

My Struggles with Preparation

Back in 2020, when the 2021 board exams were approaching, I found myself with a rather unconventional preparation strategy. I was studying for Accounts for a few months from a private tutor, but my performance left much to be desired. During the pre-boards, I scored a mere 52 out of 80 in Accounts, which was a significant disappointment. This led me to doubt my abilities and even question the knowledge of my tutor, whose replies often consisted of vague promises that 'I will see and explain it tomorrow.' Needless to say, these interactions were not helpful.

The Results: A Mixed Bag

Coming to the results, I managed to secure a respectable score of 93.6, which placed me in the top three of my school. The science percentile, which is based on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, stood at 99.85, firmly placing me in the first position of my district. It is important to note that even though the overall scores in other subjects were not as impressive, Accounts still managed to fetch me the gold medal with a score of 95. My performance in the remaining subjects was quite average, which was surprising considering my past academic standing.

Challenges and Disappointments

Regrettably, I am not entirely satisfied with my results. I expected to secure a slightly higher score, preferably around 91, which was in line with my performance in previous PTs (Progress tests). However, my school, Delhi Public School Nacharam, applied a stringent criterion that reduced some of my scores. For instance, my initial score of 69 in a subject was lowered to 58, and a score of 74 was adjusted to 71. This discrepancy is a major point of contention for me.

Worse still, the criteria applied seemed to be more lenient towards students who continued in the school for 11th and 12th grades, whereas a considerable portion of students who took a Transfer Certificate (TC) faced a reduction in their marks. This decision has undoubtedly affected the lives of many students who had to take the TC, and the timeline to revise or improve their scores is now extremely tight.

Lessons Learned and Future Plans

No matter the outcome, this experience has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and strategic preparation. For students who are now facing similar challenges, my advice is to:

Start Early: It's never too early to begin your revision. Consistent effort over a sustained period yields better results. Seek Guidance: Utilize the resources available to you, whether it's a private tutor, online courses, or school teachers. Seek explanations in clear, understandable language. Practice Regularly: Regular practice will help you identify weak areas and improve your problem-solving speed and accuracy.

As I move forward, I plan to concentrate on the next phase of my education, specifically intermediate 11th. I believe that with a more structured approach and a focused mindset, I can achieve much better results in the future.

Finally, I hope that my reflections here can help other students prepare better for their board exams and navigate the uncertainties that often accompany them.