how to score high marks in cbse and state board exams
March 12, 2026 16 Views

How To Score High Marks in CBSE and State Board Exams

Board exam time usually feels similar in almost every home. Students are somewhat stressed, parents are a bit more serious, and the main topic of conversation is, “Boards are coming; how is the preparation going?” For many students, the 10th board exam is the first significant academic milestone. Whether it’s CBSE or the State SSC Board, almost every student wonders how to score high marks in exams without feeling too much pressure. The reality is that scoring well in board exams isn’t a complicated secret. With the right mindset, some planning, and consistent effort, students can do very well. 

Solving longer questions first

This simple approach is often recommended in many CBSE exam tips and SSC exam preparation strategies as well. By solving longer questions first, students can secure most of their marks early and feel more confident as they progress through the paper. Many students face a similar situation during board exams. However, instead of getting stuck, move on and return to it later. This is another important habit for scoring high marks in exams.

Have a preparation strategy 

Often, the biggest challenge during exams is not the questions themselves but the stress students feel while writing them. That's why teachers always advise students to stay calm and trust their preparation.

Beyond exam-day strategies, preparation throughout the year is even more crucial. Students often try to study from many books, believing that more resources will lead to better marks. In reality, most top students mainly focus on NCERT or their main textbook. Once the concepts from the textbook are clear, solving previous years' papers becomes much easier.

Practice mock tests

Practicing past exam papers is one of the best preparation tips students can follow. It helps students understand the question patterns, improve their speed, and reduce exam anxiety. Another helpful habit is to mark the questions answered incorrectly during practice. Many students repeat the same mistakes simply because they don’t review them. If they mark those questions and go over them later, their chances of improving increase significantly.

ResoLearning 

This is why schools like Resonance Schools prioritise clear concepts and structured practice with an integrated curriculum. The aim is not just to study more but to study more effectively. Students are encouraged to build strong fundamentals, practice exam-style questions, and learn time management for tests. At Resonance, teachers remind students that board exams should not feel like a burden. When concepts are clear and practice is regular, exams become much easier to manage. The focus is always on building confidence alongside academic preparation.

Divide and Rule

Another effective study plan for board exams is to divide subjects wisely. For instance, languages can be practiced a bit every day, while subjects like Maths and Science require regular problem-solving. Even studying for 30–40 minutes daily on certain subjects can lead to substantial improvements over time. 

Students should remember that boards are not just about memorising answers. Understanding concepts, writing answers clearly, and presenting steps properly are equally important. Especially in subjects like Maths and Science, showing the correct method can help earn full marks. Many students overlook the importance of revision. Setting aside at least 10–15 minutes at the end of the exam to review the answer sheet can help catch small mistakes. 

Don’t tense

Finally, students should not enter the exam hall feeling like they need to score 100 out of 100. This kind of pressure can actually harm performance. Instead, focus on doing your best during the exam. The real secret to scoring high marks in exams is smart preparation, regular practice, and maintaining a calm mindset.

In the end, board exams are not meant to scare students but to help them learn discipline, planning, and confidence. With the right CBSE exam tips, proper SSC exam preparation, and guidance from experienced teachers at places like Resonance Schools, students can approach their board exams with clarity and confidence. And remember a simple rule many top students follow: practising 10 different concepts properly is always better than solving 100 questions of the same type.


FAQs

1. Is it really possible to score high marks by just reading NCERT textbooks?

A. Yes, it is possible to score high marks in most of the CBSE and State Board Exams by just reading NCERT textbooks, provided the student understands the NCERT textbooks well and practices previous year papers.

2. How many hours should a student study daily during board exam preparation?

A. There are no fixed hours for board exam preparation. What is needed is to study well and effectively every day.

3. What is the importance of mock tests in board exams?

A. Mock tests are very important for board exams as they help to: Understand the exam pattern, improve time management, identify weak areas and overcome exam fear. 

4. Can board exam preparation also help in competitive exams later?

A. Yes, board exam preparation also helps in competitive exams like engineering, medical, or any other entrance exams by having proper concept clarity in subjects like maths, science, or English.

5. Does the school's teaching method really affect board exam marks?

A. Yes. Mentorship is the backbone of any student's life. At Resonance, we have qualified mentors to guide the students academically as well as in these tough times.