“For the past ten years, it’s always the same the last few days before exams,” says Abdul Mabood, director of non-governmental organisation Snehi, which runs the exam-time helpline Disha. Geetanjali Kumar, a counsellor with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) helpline for the last six years, agrees: “Although the words students use might be different, the aches and pains are exactly the same.”

Sleepless nights, stomach cramps, a sense of forgetfulness, an inability to recall information, lack of concentration and loss of appetite are among the most common complaints voiced by students at this stage.

“I always encourage students to write things down when they tell me they can’t remember anything,” says Mabood, “because most of the time they do — they’re just nervous.”

Kumar has just consoled a crying girl, who could only remember her teacher’s criticisms. “Negative thoughts tend to abound, I can’t reassure children enough to be themselves and rest assured, they’ll be okay,” she says.

Dietician and nutritionist Jyoti Arora, of Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, says it’s essential for students to take care of their diet, especially as exams draw near.

“Students lose their appetites during exams, but it’s essential to keep yourself hydrated,” says Arora. Drinking fluids and fruit juices, not fizzy drinks, throughout the day is a good idea, she adds.

“Children should not go to bed with an empty stomach and remember that breakfast on the day of an exam is very important— it should be light and refreshing, avoid fatty foods,” says Arora.

And as for stomach cramps and sleeplessness, these are common symptoms of stress, says Dr Deepak Raheja, a psychiatrist at Paras Hospital. “Exercise is a good stress buster,” he says, adding, “Remember to get enough sleep.”