A famous saying by Charles Caleb Colton goes, “Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer”.

Many a time, a student’s fears that they do not have the ability to answer the questions are unfounded. Students should not unnecessarily under-estimate their abilities. Intense competition is another cause of anxiety and stress.

Very often, parents expect their wards to get admission in the best institutions, be it at the nursery level or for IIT/IIM/IAS. Parents generate a spirit of competition and like to take pride in their children being on the top.

Negative thoughts and emotions that come to the minds of several students before or during the exam also lead to exam anxiety. Their self-fulfilling prophecy comes into play and their negative thoughts actually turn out to be true. Owing to the undue pressure to prove themselves, students start thinking that it would mean the end of the world if they don’t do well.

But the good news is that exam stress can be managed.

Adequate preparation for the examination is the key factor here. If a student has not studied for the entire session and yet wants to do well in the exams, nothing can help him or her. In such a situation, stress is natural but of no use. Hence, students must analyse the situation realistically and not expect wonders in the examination.

Every student has his or her own method of studying; however, there is a need to create a suitable study schedule. It is a good idea to exchange notes with friends as shared knowledge gets multiplied. The feeling of keeping to oneself and not sharing with others due to the fear of others doing better is counter-productive. Students should create a good environment for studies with the support of their parents and other family members. A clean, airy room with enough light where noise and interference can be controlled sets the mood for studying.

Students must learn to relax, physically and mentally. A healthy diet and daily exercise can keep the body and mind refreshed. A minimum of 5 hours of sleep before and during the exams is necessary. Students must never resort to use of drugs for keeping awake, as this can ruin their health and effect retention and memory.