The 10th and 12th board exams are significant milestones in the student’s academic life, as they are the career-deciding years for future endeavours. The exams are quite challenging for class 10th students, as they are the first major milestones that help build discipline, time management, and subject mastery. On the other hand, Class 12th boards hold greater significance, as their performance directly impacts college admission and eligibility for competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, & other competitive examinations.

The board exam not only assesses a student’s grasp of the core subjects but also demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure. Furthermore, the exam lays the foundation for the future and opens the door to new opportunities.

 Key Dates for 2024-25 Board Exams (10th & 12th)

The important dates of class 10th & 12th board exams are given in the table below:

	Board	Exam Start Date	Exam End Date
Class 10th	State Board	21 Feb 2025	17 March 2025
	CBSE	15 Feb 2025	18 March 2025
Class 12th	State Board	11 Feb 2025	11 March 2025
	CBSE	15 Feb 2025	4 April 2025

Challenges Faced by Students During Board Exam Preparation

Preparing for a board exam is a stressful task. Students face a lot of challenges while preparing and passing these hurdles under mentor guidance can pave the way for their success. Some of the challenges faced by the students preparing for board examination are:

1. Understanding of the Vast Syllabus: The board exam examines a thorough understanding of the syllabus, therefore, students need to memorise and understand the concepts of the topics to score well.
2. Balancing Multiple Subjects: Students are required to study multiple subjects at the same time. They often struggle with one or more subjects, making it difficult to manage.
3. Time Management: It is one of the most crucial issues faced by most of the students. Allocating time to each subject with school, revision, and coaching becomes a challenge.
4. Distractions: Disturbances caused by social media, gadgets, etc. pose a challenge for students preparing for the board exam.
5. Anxiety and Self-Doubts: Many students face this issue due to a lack of confidence. They must trust themselves for improved performance.

IIB’s Preparation Timeline for 10th and 12th Students

A well-planned and structured timeline helps students to prepare for the board exam. It boosts confidence and improves their overall performance in the board exam. The IIB Career Institute is a renowned coaching class in Maharashtra that prepares students for competitive exams and provides classes for board exams too. The institute has a predefined program for the students. The key highlights of the program are given below:

1. Learning under the guidance of experienced and well-qualified faculty.
2. Comprehensive learning resource with access to library and e-learning resources.
3. Focus on understanding the concepts and guidance for writing the answers properly.
4. Weekly test to check the preparation status.
5. Course completion before December to focus on revision and competitive exams at the same time.
6. Doubt-clearing sessions to enhance learning.
7. Personalized guidance focusing on individual weaknesses.

 Essential Tips for Students Preparing for Board Exams

Preparation for the board exam can be overwhelming but with the right preparation strategies you can ace the exam. Some of the useful tips for board exam preparation are as follows:

1. Create a Realistic Time Schedule: Set a timetable with achievable goals. Focus on each subject as all are compulsory and carry equal marks in the board exam. 
2. Focus on NCERT and Core Concepts: Use NCERT books for study as they are best for understanding the concepts. Ensure you master the fundamentals of the topics as they are crucial for scoring good marks.
3. Study Consistently: Regular study is important for course completion and retention. Solve previous year exam papers, write long notes to prepare for long answer questions, and focus on improving speed and accuracy.
4. Identify Your Weaknesses: Find the topics which seek extra attention and seek expert guidance to strengthen your weak areas. 
5. Learn Time Management Techniques: Learn how to allocate time for each subject for effective preparation. Practise exam papers in an exam-simulated environment to avoid incomplete exam papers and stress.
6. Minimize Distraction: Avoid the use of social media, video games, mobile phones etc. during study hours to minimize distractions. Use a peaceful space for study and improve concentration.
7. Be Confident: Do not let negative thoughts distract your mind. Be positive and have confidence in yourself that you can perform better and score well in the board exam.
8. Seek Guidance When Needed: Do not hesitate to ask for any help from seniors, teachers, mentors, or others wherever and whenever you need. Enroll in group study or discussion groups for collaborative learning.

Conclusion

Board exams are significant in the academic life of every student. They have a great impact on the career pathway of the student. It is essential to prepare for the exam as these exams require a thorough understanding of the syllabus. IIB Career Institute located in Maharashtra is one of the best centres for board exam preparation along with competitive exams such as NEET, JEE, & MHT CET. The institute has a proven track record of success in the last 25 years and a team of well-qualified and experienced faculty who can shape your future.