As February approaches, anxiety levels rise sharply in thousands of homes across Maharashtra. I see this every year in my clinic—and 2026 is no different.

For clarity, here are the exam timelines first.

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Maharashtra Board Exam Dates (2026)

• Class 10 – SSC (MSBSHSE):
  20 February 2026 to 18 March 2026
• Class 12 – HSC (MSBSHSE):
  Mid-February to mid-March 2026 (expected window, as per annual pattern)

With exams starting almost back-to-back, students get very little psychological breathing space.

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Why Exam Stress Peaks in 10th and 12th Standard

Class 10 and 12 are not stressful only because of the syllabus.
They are stressful because they are treated as “life-deciding” exams.

Students are told—directly or indirectly:

• “This will decide your future”
• “Your career depends on these marks”
• “One mistake and everything is over”

For a developing adolescent brain, this level of pressure is overwhelming.

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Common Problems Faced by Students During Board Exams

These are clinical observations, not assumptions.

1. Fear of Forgetting Everything

Many students say:

“I know the answers at home, but my mind goes blank in exams.”

This is anxiety-induced memory block, not lack of preparation.

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2. Poor Concentration

• Sitting for hours but studying little
• Reading without understanding
• Constant urge to check phone

Stress reduces attention span significantly.

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3. Sleep Disturbance

Statistics from Indian adolescent studies show:

• 40–60% students report poor sleep during board exams
• Late-night studying + anxiety = non-restorative sleep

Poor sleep directly reduces:

• Recall
• Speed
• Accuracy

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4. Physical Symptoms

Very common during exams:

• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Chest tightness
• Tremors before exams

Many parents first visit a physician, not realizing this is exam anxiety.

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5. Emotional Changes

• Irritability
• Crying spells
• Silence or withdrawal
• Sudden anger

These are often misunderstood as “attitude problems”.

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Common Exam-Related Disorders Seen Clinically

Not all stress is illness—but some students do develop disorders.

1. Exam Anxiety Disorder

• Panic before or during exams
• Blank mind despite preparation
• Rapid heartbeat, sweating

Seen in 15–25% board students in urban India.

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2. Adjustment Disorder

• Emotional breakdown triggered by exam pressure
• Decline in performance despite effort

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3. Sleep Disorders (Acute Insomnia)

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Early morning anxiety
• Daytime fatigue

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4. Depression (Mild to Moderate)

• Loss of motivation
• Hopelessness
• “I can’t do this anymore” thoughts

Needs early attention, not scolding.

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Subjects Students Find Most Difficult (Based on Patterns)

Class 10 (SSC)

• Mathematics – fear, time pressure, calculation errors
• Science (Physics & Chemistry) – numericals, diagrams
• Algebra & Geometry – concept clarity issues

Class 12 (HSC)

• Physics – numericals, derivations
• Mathematics – lengthy problems, speed
• Chemistry – organic reactions, memory load
• Accountancy – accuracy, time management

Across India, surveys consistently show:

• Maths and Physics are the most anxiety-provoking subjects
• Language subjects cause stress mainly due to writing speed and presentation

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Common Mistakes Students Make During Exam Time

• Trying to study everything at the last moment
• Ignoring revision and focusing only on new topics
• Studying without writing practice
• Irregular sleep routine
• Comparing themselves with toppers

These mistakes are stress-driven, not stupidity.

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Common Mistakes Parents Make (Unknowingly)

This section is important.

1. Constant Monitoring

• “What did you study today?”
• “Why are you slow?”

This increases anxiety, not discipline.

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2. Comparison

• With neighbors’ children
• With cousins
• With previous batch toppers

Comparison damages confidence permanently.

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3. Fear-Based Motivation

• “If you don’t score well…”
• “Think of our reputation…”

Fear blocks learning.

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4. Ignoring Emotional Signals

Parents often address marks, not mood.

A distressed child cannot perform well, no matter how intelligent.

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What Actually Helps Students Now (Practical Only)

1. Revision Over New Learning

At this stage:

• Revise what is already studied
• Strengthen scoring areas
• Avoid syllabus panic

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2. Writing Practice Daily

Even 1–2 answers daily improves:

• Speed
• Confidence
• Presentation

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3. Fixed Sleep–Wake Time

• Sleep before midnight
• Minimum 7 hours
• No late-night “panic studying”

Sleep improves memory consolidation.

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4. Limited Phone Use

Phones increase:

• Comparison
• Anxiety
• Distraction

Parents must model this behavior too.

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When to Seek Help from a Psychiatrist

Please seek professional help if:

• Panic attacks occur before exams
• Sleep is severely disturbed
• Student refuses to study or go to exam
• Frequent crying or emotional shutdown
• Physical symptoms with no medical cause
• Thoughts like “I can’t handle this”

Early intervention prevents long-term harm.

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How a Psychiatrist Can Help Improve Exam Performance

Contrary to myths, psychiatric help is not about labels.

A psychiatrist helps by:

• Reducing anxiety so memory works better
• Improving sleep quality
• Teaching focus and emotional regulation
• Supporting parents in communication
• Using medication only when necessary, often short-term

Many students show visible academic improvement within weeks.

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Final Words to Students

One exam does not define your worth.
But your mental health will define how you handle life ahead.

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Final Words to Parents

Marks matter—but a calm, emotionally supported child performs better.

Support first. Results follow.

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Written from clinical experience with students and families during board examinations.
(This blog is for educational purposes and does not replace professional consultation.)