With CBSE Class 10 and 12 examinations beginning on 17 February, the countdown has officially started for thousands of students across the UAE. As exam pressure rises, education experts say these final weeks can significantly influence results, not by increasing study hours, but by studying more strategically.
Here is a student friendly question and answer guide to help learners stay calm, focused and exam ready during the final stretch.
Feeling Overwhelmed? Start With Clarity
When stress peaks, the first step is to replace panic with structure. Students are advised to download the latest CBSE syllabus and exam pattern, then categorise chapters into three groups: strong areas, topics that need revision, and difficult concepts.
This simple visual mapping approach helps reduce anxiety and ensures time is spent wisely. Experts also recommend prioritising high weightage chapters and commonly tested topics, particularly in mathematics, science and social science. Pramod Mahajan, Principal, Sharjah Indian School said,
“Try writing things down instead of just reading on a screen it helps you remember better and makes the information stick longer.”
How Many Hours Should Students Study Each Day?
Experts recommend shifting focus away from total hours and concentrating instead on quality. Short, focused study sessions of 30 to 50 minutes followed by 5 to 10 minute breaks are more effective than long study marathons.
This approach, often referred to as the pomodoro method, helps improve focus and memory retention.
Mahajan added,
“Mental plasticity is key to learning and remembering. Let children take breaks in between study sessions whether it’s playing an instrument, doing sports, or even watching a bit of TV. Constant parental policing can do more harm than good.”
Daily revision is also critical, as this is where long term retention is strengthened and marks are secured.
Knowing the Answer But Losing Marks
Many students lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because of how they present their answers. Common issues include incomplete responses, weak structure, unclear handwriting and poor time management. The solution lies in practising sample papers and previous year question papers under exam conditions. Timing each paper, reviewing mistakes and tracking recurring errors can help build speed, confidence and exam temperament.
Is Perfection in Every Chapter Necessary?
Experts advise against trying to perfect every topic. It is more effective to be confident in most of the syllabus than flawless in a small portion. Students should focus on strengthening fundamentals and clearing doubts early rather than leaving unresolved questions until the final days. Teachers, classmates and short online concept videos can be useful resources, as long as doubts are addressed promptly.
Why Sleep and Mental Health Matter Right Now
Sleep and wellbeing are just as important as revision. Late night studying may feel productive, but it often weakens memory and increases anxiety. Students are encouraged to aim for seven to eight hours of sleep, eat balanced meals and include light physical activity such as short walks in their daily routine.
Girish Hemnani, Life Coach and Energy Healer based in Dubai, said,
“Sleep is essential for memory consolidation, learning, and cognitive performance. Remember that quality sleep facilitates the brain to undergo processes that strengthen neural connections, helping to solidify new information and optimize problem-solving abilities.”
Avoiding panic driven discussions and constant comparisons with peers can also help preserve confidence during this critical period.
The Right Mindset for Exam Confidence
A calm and focused mindset can significantly impact exam performance. Students are encouraged to replace the thought of completing everything with mastering what is realistically achievable. Consistency is more effective than last minute intensity, and calm students consistently outperform anxious ones.
Hemnani added,
“Procrastination sneaks in very silently and builds in pressure to accomplish a lot in a time-pressed manner. Many small tasks, when accumulated, contribute to larger accomplishments. By addressing quick tasks promptly, you eliminate the tendency to delay and create a sense of momentum.”
For more information about the CBSE board and examinations, visit their official website: