How to Balance School and Board Exam Preparation

The CBSE board exams are very important for students, and for 2026, the Class 10 exams are expected to be from 17 February to 9 March, while Class 12 exams are likely from 17 February to 9 April. At this time, it is very common to feel nervous or stressed because you have school work, homework, projects, practicals, and tests, all at the same time. Managing school and board exam preparation together can feel overwhelming. 

But it is important to remember that the board exams are the main goal, and scoring well in them should be your priority. The good thing is that it is completely possible to handle both school studies and board preparation if you plan your time properly. With a simple study schedule, some organisation, and regular practice, you can manage your school tasks and also focus on preparing for your board exams. This article will give you a plan to do both without stress.

Check Out: CBSE Class 10 Books

Class 10 Important Topics

In Class 10, you have subjects like Maths, Science, Social Science, English and Hindi. Managing all these subjects along with school homework, projects and practicals can become a bit stressful. At the same time, you also need to prepare for your board exams, which is really important. To make things simpler and save time, it is better to focus on the important topics that are usually asked in exams. These are the topics you should not miss at any cost:- 

Check Out: CBSE Class 10 Sample Papers

CBSE Class 10 Books

Check out the CBSE Class 10 study materials here:- 

Class 12 Important Topics

Class 12 has subjects like Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and, for some streams, Commerce or Economics. It is not easy to do everything at once, but you can make it simpler by focusing on the important topics that are asked more often in exams. These topics should not be skipped, as they help you save time and concentrate on what really matters:- 

Check Out: Class 12th Sample Papers

CBSE Class 12 Study Materials

Check out the CBSE Class 12 study materials here:-

How to Balance School and Board Exam Preparation?

The board exams carry a significant weight, but school assignments and internal assessments also contribute marks, so it is important to manage both without stress. Check how to manage both School and Board Exam Preparation:-

1. Make a Daily Study Plan

Planning your day helps you manage both school lessons and board preparation together. When you know what to study, you can focus on completing chapters and making your own notes.

• After school, finish the chapter taught in class first and make your own notes alongside it.

• Divide your time between school homework, projects, and board exam practice.

• Include short breaks so that your mind does not get tired.

• Start with subjects or chapters that are more difficult or have more marks.

2. Connect School Lessons with Board Preparation

School lessons cover the same topics that will come in the board exams. This can help you prepare for both without wasting time.

• Whenever a topic is taught in school, complete it at home and make notes for boards.

• Highlight formulas, important points, and diagrams in your notes while revising the chapter.

• Practise solving questions from that topic after school to remember it better.

• Use examples given in class to understand the topic more clearly for boards.

3. Make Notes Properly

Making notes helps you revise faster and remember key points. Simple notes with important formulas and points are very helpful.

• Write down important formulas in Maths and practise using them in problems.

• Make diagrams and flowcharts for Science and Social Science chapters.

• Write summaries for each chapter in your own words to help during revision.

• Keep separate notes for each subject so that you can find topics easily when revising.

4. Focus on NCERT Books

NCERT books are the most important for both Class 10 and Class 12 exams. Most questions come directly from these books.

• Read every chapter carefully and do all exercises in the book.

• Pay attention to examples and solved problems given in the book.

• Revise NCERT chapters regularly, especially the tables, formulas, and definitions.

• Use NCERT questions to practise and check your preparation before moving to other reference books.

5. Practise Important Topics and Formulas

Some topics are asked more often in exams. Practising these regularly helps you score better.

• For Maths, practise Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Probability, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, and formulas for each chapter.

• In Science, practise diagrams, numerical problems, and important experiments.

• Revise Social Science notes and practise map work and important dates.

• For languages, practise essays, letters, grammar, and reading comprehension.

6. Solve Previous Year Questions

Solving previous year questions helps you understand the type of questions and their difficulty level.

• Solve at least one previous year question paper every week.

• Time yourself to get used to the exam duration and speed.

• Check your answers and revise the topics where mistakes were made.

• Focus more on topics that are repeated in past exams.

Read More: CBSE Board Exams to be Conducted Twice A Year

 Balance School and Board Exam Preparation FAQs

1. How can I manage school homework and board exam preparation together?

You can manage both by planning your day properly. Finish the topic taught in school first, make notes, and then practise questions for the board exam from the same topic. Dividing time helps you cover both without stress.

2. Should I follow NCERT books only for board exams?

Yes, NCERT books are very important. Most questions in board exams come directly from these books. Read every chapter, solve exercises, and revise the examples to strengthen your preparation.

3. How do I make notes that are useful for both school and board exams?

Make simple notes in your own words. Write formulas for Maths, key points for Science, and important dates or concepts for Social Science. 

4. How much time should I spend on each subject daily?

It depends on the subject and your comfort level. Spend more time on subjects or topics that are difficult for you. 

5. Can school lessons help in board exam preparation?

Yes, school lessons often cover the same topics as the board syllabus. After class, complete the chapter, make notes, and practise questions.