As the Class 10 board exams approach—whether it’s the Maharashtra State Board (SSC) or CBSE—I start seeing a very predictable pattern in my clinic.

Students come in with anxiety, sleepless nights, panic before exams, and self-doubt.
Parents come in worried, frustrated, and often helpless.

This phase is stressful not because exams are difficult, but because time is limited and pressure is high.

Let us talk honestly—without jargon, without theory—about what actually goes wrong and what practically helps when exams are just weeks away.

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What Problems Students Commonly Face as Exams Get Closer

These are real problems, not excuses.

1. Fear of Failure

Students start imagining:

• “What if I forget everything?”
• “What if I disappoint my parents?”
• “What if my future is ruined?”

This fear blocks memory and concentration.

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2. Inability to Focus

They sit with books open but:

• Mind keeps wandering
• Same page read again and again
• Mobile phone becomes an escape

This is stress-related attention disturbance, not laziness.

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3. Sleep Problems

• Late-night studying
• Racing thoughts at bedtime
• Waking up tired

Poor sleep directly lowers recall and exam performance.

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4. Comparison Pressure

Friends, relatives, coaching classes:

• “That child studies 10 hours”
• “So-and-so scored full marks in prelims”

Comparison increases anxiety and reduces self-confidence.

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5. Emotional Shutdown

Some students stop talking, become irritable, or emotionally numb.
Parents often misread this as attitude or arrogance.

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Practical Causes Behind These Problems

Let’s be clear—most exam stress is situational, not medical.

Common causes:

• Too much syllabus, too little planning
• Unrealistic expectations
• Lack of revision strategy
• Continuous pressure without emotional support
• Fear-based motivation instead of encouragement

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Practical Methods That Actually Work (As Exams Are Near)

No theory. Only what works now, not next year.

1. Shift from “Studying” to “Revision Mode”

At this stage:

• ❌ New topics should be minimal
• ✅ Focus on revising what is already studied

Rule:

Better to score 80% from known topics than 40% by touching everything.

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2. Time-Block Study (Not Hour Counting)

Instead of “study 10 hours”:

• 45 minutes study
• 10 minutes break
• Repeat 5–6 cycles/day

Quality > quantity.

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3. Daily Mini-Targets

Each day should have:

• 2 subjects
• 1 revision topic
• 1 writing practice

Clear targets reduce anxiety.

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4. Writing Practice Is Non-Negotiable

Many students know answers but lose marks due to:

• Poor presentation
• Incomplete answers
• Time mismanagement

Daily writing = better scores.

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5. Limit Mobile Use Without Drama

No shouting. No confiscation.

Instead:

• Keep phone outside study room
• Fixed “phone time” once or twice a day
• Parents must also reduce phone use at home

Children copy behavior, not advice.

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Common Disorders Students May Face During Exam Time

Not every stressed student has a disorder—but some do.

1. Exam Anxiety Disorder

• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Blank mind during exams

2. Adjustment Disorder

• Sudden drop in performance
• Emotional distress due to pressure

3. Sleep Disorders

• Insomnia before exams
• Daytime fatigue

4. Depression (Mild to Moderate)

• Loss of interest
• Hopelessness
• “What’s the point?” thoughts

5. Attention Problems (Stress-Induced)

Often mistaken as lack of discipline.

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Common Mistakes Parents Make (Unknowingly)

Parents usually mean well—but stress changes behavior.

1. Constant Reminding

“Have you studied?”
“Why are you slow?”
“Others are doing better.”

This increases pressure, not performance.

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2. Threat-Based Motivation

“If you don’t score well…”
“We have spent so much money…”

Fear shuts down learning.

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3. Over-Monitoring

Checking notebooks, sitting beside the child, controlling every minute.

This kills autonomy and confidence.

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4. Comparing with Others

Even casual comparisons stay in the child’s mind longer than you think.

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5. Ignoring Emotional Signs

Irritability, silence, crying spells are signals, not drama.

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When Should You Seek Help from a Psychiatrist?

Please seek professional help immediately if:

• Student has panic attacks before exams
• Severe sleep disturbance persists
• Child refuses to study or attend school
• Frequent crying, hopelessness, or irritability
• Physical symptoms without medical cause (headache, nausea)
• Statements like “I can’t do this anymore”

Early help prevents long-term damage.

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How a Psychiatrist Can Help Improve Exam Performance

This is important.

Psychiatric help is not about labeling. It is about optimizing the brain under pressure.

A psychiatrist can help by:

• Reducing anxiety so memory works better
• Improving sleep without addiction
• Teaching focus and emotional regulation
• Correcting fear-based thinking
• Supporting parents on how to communicate
• Using medication only if required, and often short-term

Many students show visible improvement in 1-2 days when treated correctly.

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Final Message to Students

Your marks matter—but your mental health matters more.

One exam will not define your entire life.
But how you handle pressure now will shape your future confidence.

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Final Message to Parents

This is not the time to scare.
This is the time to support, stabilize, and stand beside your child.

Calm parents create calm children.

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If you feel your child is struggling beyond normal exam stress, seeking professional help is a strength, not a failure.

Sometimes, one timely conversation can change the entire outcome—not just of an exam, but of a young life.

— Written from clinical experience, not theory