Class X CBSE Board Exam 2025- The Class 10 Board Exams are a turning point in every student’s life. They not only influence your immediate academic goals but also shape the direction of your career. But let’s be honest—preparing for them can feel like walking a tightrope. Despite long hours of studying and endless practice, students often make simple mistakes that cost them precious marks.
The good news? These mistakes are avoidable if you know what to look out for. Here’s a detailed guide to the 10 most common mistakes students make during the CBSE Class 10 Board Exams—and more importantly, how to steer clear of them.
1. Ignoring the NCERT Textbooks:
It’s a mistake. All those young brains are more concerned about using fancy reference books or guides and sideline NCERT books. Big mistake! Because the CBSE paper will be based on the NCERT syllabus, and the tough question will be nothing but just the creative twist of the content in NCERT.
Avoiding It:
Start with your NCERT books and make sure you’ve mastered every concept. Work through the exercises and examples, as many exam questions are picked directly from these. Once you’re confident with NCERT, then move on to reference books for extra practice.
2. Skipping Regular Revision
You have learned everything, but can you remember it all? Most likely not. Among the major reasons for students’ underperformance is the lack of revision. Without regular revision, even important things may fade away from your mind.
How to Avoid It:
Schedule regular revision sessions in your timetable. As the exams come near, ensure that at least the last 4-6 weeks are spent completely revising what you already know. This will retain information in your mind even better and give you more confidence to perform.
3. Poor time management during the exam:
Let’s be realistic: time flies during exams. Many students spend too much time on one or two questions and then rush through the rest, leaving answers incomplete or poorly written.
How to Avoid It:
Practice is the key. Solve mock tests and previous years’ question papers within the given time frame. During the exam, glance through all the questions and allocate your time wisely. Answer high-mark questions first and don’t waste time getting stuck on tricky ones—move on and come back later if needed.
4. Not Paying Attention to the Marking Scheme:
Many students write unnecessary long answers for low-mark questions and short-change the detailed ones. Failure to align your answers with the marking scheme can cost you precious marks.
How to Avoid It:
Be well-versed with CBSE’s marking scheme. For questions worth 1-2 marks, be brief and to the point. For long-answer questions, give detailed explanations, examples, and, if needed, well-labelled diagrams.
5. Neglecting Presentation Skills
You may know everything, but if your answer sheet is messy, it can give a wrong impression. Examiners like neatness and clear organization. Poor handwriting, jumbled answers, or untidy diagrams can lead to mark deductions.
How to Avoid It:
Keep your handwriting clean and legible. Structure your answers using headings, bullet points, and proper spacing. For sciences, ensure your diagrams are neat, properly labelled, and drawn using a pencil. Presentation matters!
6. Reading the Question Paper Carelessly
Most students rush through to begin writing and end up misinterpreting questions or missing key details. The most common outcome is then writing incorrect or incomplete answers.
How to Avoid It:
Use the 15-minute reading time to your advantage. Read each question carefully, underline keywords, and make a plan of attack before you begin writing. It can be this easy step that keeps silly mistakes from occurring.
7. Memorization Without Understanding:
Rote learning will make you remember the facts, but when the question is twisted or it’s application-based, it will not help. CBSE has increasingly focused on conceptual and practical understanding, so just memorization is not going to do.
How to Avoid It:
Take the time to understand concepts. Don’t just cram formulas—learn how they’re derived and where they’re applied. For example, in Science, knowing why a phenomenon happens is just as important as knowing what happens.
8. Ignoring Weak Subjects:
It’s tempting to focus on the subjects you’re good at and avoid the ones you struggle with. However, ignoring your weak areas will only hurt your overall score.
How to Avoid It:
Identify your weak subjects early and work on improving them. Break complex topics into small parts and try to tackle one at a time. Never hesitate to ask teachers or friends for help. A balanced performance in all subjects is required.
9. Skipping Writing Practice:
Reading or mentally solving questions isn’t enough for board exams. Writing detailed answers within a time limit requires practice, and without it, students often struggle to organize their thoughts during the exam.
How to Avoid It:
Write, write, and write! Practice writing answers to samples and papers from previous years. This will improve your speed, handwriting, and ability to frame answers under pressure. Plus, you’ll get used to structuring your responses properly.
10. Neglect of Health and Stress Management:
Board exams can be stressful, and most students neglect their health. Poor sleep, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating habits can affect both your mental and physical performance.
How to Avoid It:
Stay active and eat healthy. Include short breaks in your study routine to relax and recharge. Make sure you’re getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night. If stress builds up, try breathing exercises, meditation, or talking to a friend or family member. A healthy body and mind are your best assets during exams.
Bonus Tips to Ace the CBSE Class 10 Board Exams:
Solve Sample Papers: These sample papers by CBSE are a treasure trove to understand the pattern of the exam. Try to solve at least one paper every week before the exam.
Make use of Mnemonics: Difficulty in remembering dates, processes or definitions? Mnemonics are your best friend. Use them to make it fun and easy to memorize.
Stay Updated with the Syllabus: CBSE sometimes tweaks the syllabus, so don’t study out-of-date stuff.
Positive Mindset: Don’t let the pressure get onto you. Believe in your preparation and don’t compare yourself with others. Their journey has been different after all.
In the End:
The CBSE Class 10 Board Exams aren’t so bad if you prepare smartly and avoid these common mistakes. Stay focused, stick to your schedule, and trust your hard work. Exams are just a stepping stone; it is not the end of the world.
So, with the right mindset and strategies, you’re ready to rock. So gear up, stay confident, and ace those exams. Good luck!
