What to do on exam days

Here’s what you should do (just before and) on the morning of the exam:

1. Get 8 hours of sleep

All-nighters may seem appealing and sure, some people may find it better to study at night with zero distractions compared with the daytime. But avoid this the night before the exam itself. You need your eight hours of sleep so your mind is sharp and ready to tackle that test. 

2. Wake up early 

Your entire exam day routine depends on you waking up on time. Ask your parents to wake you up but don’t depend on that alone. Set an alarm. Being late for the exam because you woke up late is one of those silly mistakes that can easily be avoided. 

3. Don’t try to cram

Once you wake up, don’t just start cramming another chapter. The day of the exam isn’t for learning anything new but for revising what you already know. Go over your notes, revisit important formulas and run through some old test papers. It’ll help reinforce what you’ve already learnt.  

4. Meditate for 10 minutes

Take ten minutes out to just empty your mind. Breathe, focus and clear your mind. Meditation will help you stay calm all day and reduce your stress levels. If you’re worried about time, you can even do it on your way to the exam hall or during your shower - just ensure that you do it. You can also try a power pose (like the superman pose with the chest out and both fists at your waist) to give your confidence a boost.  

5. Do something that brings you joy

You may feel too wired and nervous to take out time for any activity that isn’t studying, but diverting your mind for a few minutes with something that you enjoy can help turn your thoughts more positive. And we know that a positive attitude can help cope with a hectic day as nothing else can. The activity could be anything, from reading the newspaper to just going for a short morning walk. Do keep an eye on the clock, though.

6. Double-check your supplies

Get your supplies ready the day before but also double-check them before you leave the house. Forgetting an eraser or an extra pen doesn’t seem so important right now but can help save you a few precious minutes during the exam.

7. Have a healthy breakfast

Skipping breakfast in your hurry or because of a nervous tummy is a bad idea. You need your energy to stay sharp and focused. Having an unhealthy (high on carbohydrates or fats) or a really huge breakfast is also not recommended - you don’t want to start feeling sleepy during the exam. Choose a protein- and fibre-packed breakfast instead.

8. Get to the exam hall on time

It doesn’t matter if you know that the gates won’t open until a certain time - get to the hall with a few minutes to spare. You can never fully predict traffic and you must prepare for unexpected delays. You’ll even have time to go to the toilet before the exam this way and that might save you a few minutes, too.

Read more: How to increase brain power

Everyone has their own way of taking an exam but there are a few things you shouldn’t forget to do: 

1. Breathe and take breaks 

Don’t keep rushing and forget to breathe. You’ll crash pretty soon if you do that. Come up with a plan and structure how you’ll take the exam, prioritise the section you know like the back of your hand and tackle the tougher ones afterwards. Every few minutes, take a break of 10-15 seconds to just close your eyes or have a sip of water.

2. Don’t look at your friends 

Don’t watch the people around you. Obsessing over how often someone is asking for an extra sheet or the speed of their writing isn’t going to have any positive impact on you. Focus on your paper and your paper only. Whatever is happening around you does not affect you. 

3. Revise your answers 

Keep ten minutes towards the end to just go over the paper - ensure you read all the questions correctly and didn’t miss an important point or calculation in a hurry. If you’re short on time and unable to complete the exam, jot down your main points at the very least - so the examiner knows you didn’t skip the question because you didn’t know the answer.

One down, many to go. Here’s what to do after an exam if you still have a few more to go: 

1. Again, meditate for a few minutes

Immediately panicking when the examiner collects your paper will do no good. Take a few deep breaths to calm your mind and let the stress leave your body. What’s done is done - you can’t go back in time. So let the tension go and detach from the situation for a few moments to put things in perspective. 

2. Avoid discussing the answers

Immediately after the exams, everyone has a habit of discussing all the answers. This only adds to your stress so it’s best to avoid it. Go home, check the answers to the questions you’re doubtful about if you like and leave the rest alone. Listening to five people give five different answers is only going to cause more panic. Instead, treat yourself to something for getting through the exam - something small like an ice-cream or your favourite chocolate. (Read more: Why eating chocolate lightens you up)

3. Take an hour or two to unwind

Once the exam is over, you might have more of them to prepare for. Whether it went well or not, don’t just jump into studying mode immediately. Take an hour to just unwind from the stressful day you’ve had, maybe watch something that makes you laugh or take a short nap. Come to the new subject with a fresh and rejuvenated mind.

Read more: Exam preparation tips for students