I am currently pursuing my BA from Government Degree College Sogam in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district and I’m in my 5th semester. Our date sheet was recently issued by the University of Kashmir (KU) for semester-end exams (starting in mid-October). The exams are thus just around the corner, and it’s natural to feel a bit nervous and excited as well. It is in this context that I would like to share my thoughts with all the students appearing for these exams, or any other exam.
Dear comrades, let me remind you all that we’ve got all the potential to ace these exams and make ourselves proud. Remember, every small step we take towards our goals brings us closer to our dreams. So stay focused, believe in yourself and never give up. Remember that these exams are just a stepping stone towards our dreams. It’s not just about the grades; it’s about the knowledge and skills we gain along the way. Embrace the journey, stay focused, and keep pushing forward. We are capable of achieving greatness.
To all the parents out there, I know how important your support is during this crucial time. Your encouragement and belief in your child’s abilities can make a world of difference. Remind them that their hard work and dedication will pay off and that you’re there to cheer them on every step of the way. Parents play a pivotal role in a child’s journey. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in their children’s abilities can make a world of difference. With their support, students feel motivated, confident, and ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. So, to all the amazing parents out there, thank you for being your child’s biggest cheerleader and helping them shine bright during exam time. Parents should never force or pressure their children during exams. Instead, they should provide support, encourage them and create a positive environment that fosters learning and growth. It’s important for parents to be understanding, and patient and to focus on their child’s well-being rather than solely on academic achievements. Let’s remember that exams are just a part of the journey, and what truly matters is the overall development and happiness of the child.
Let me illustrate my point with an example, My mother, a guiding light in my life’s journey, has played an irreplaceable role, especially during my toughest moments and exams. Her unwavering support and belief in me have been a source of inspiration and motivation. Through her actions, she has set a remarkable example of love, resilience, and unwavering determination. During challenging times, my mother’s words of encouragement and comforting presence have provided me with the strength to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. She has taught me the value of hard work, perseverance and (the importance of) never giving up. Her unwavering belief in my abilities has instilled in me a sense of confidence and self-assurance, enabling me to face exams with a positive mindset. She has shown me that with dedication, focus, and the right support, I can achieve anything I set my mind to. My mother’s love and support have not only impacted my academic success but have also shaped me into the person I am today. Her unwavering dedication and commitment to my growth have taught me the value of resilience, determination, and the power of unconditional love.
Believe in yourself, stay motivated, and let’s make this exam season one to remember.
We all know that exams can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can crack the code and achieve those top grades you’ve been dreaming of. And of course, we’ll address the all-important aspect of maintaining focus and motivation during those long study sessions. We’ll share tips on staying motivated, overcoming procrastination, and finding the perfect study environment that suits your unique needs. I’m going to unveil some absolutely fantastic study tips that will not only supercharge your study sessions but also make them a delightful and enchanting experience.
1. Time management: Create a study schedule and stick to it. Break your study sessions into smaller, manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and allocate specific time slots for each subject. Don’t forget to include short breaks to give your brain some rest.
2. Active learning: Instead of just passively reading your textbooks, engage with the material actively by taking notes, asking questions, and discussing concepts with classmates. Summarize what you’ve learned in your own words, teach concepts to a friend, and test your memory. This way, you’ll understand and remember the information better.
3. Effective note-making: During lectures or while studying, take organized and concise notes. Use colours, symbols, and diagrams to make your notes visually appealing and easier to understand. Focus on the main ideas and key points, rather than writing everything down.
4. Mindful studying: Find a quiet and comfortable study environment that helps you concentrate. Avoid distractions like your phone or social media. Practice mindfulness by staying present and focused on the task at hand. Consider using techniques like 60 minutes of focused study, followed by a short break, to maintain productivity.
5. Practice, practice, practice: Practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in tackling those exam questions. Solve practice problems, work through past papers, take advantage of online resources and study guides, and seek feedback on your performance. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus on areas that need improvement.
6. Healthy habits: Healthy habits are super important for our well-being! They keep us strong, boost our mood, and lower the risk of health issues. Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay physically active. Exercise can boost your brainpower, and a well-rested mind is more alert and receptive to new information. Give yourself regular breaks to rest and recharge. It helps maintain focus and prevents burnout.
7. Stress management: Exam stress is natural, but it’s important to manage it effectively. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation. Offering prayers (Salah/ Nimaz) can be a wonderful way to manage stress, especially during exams. It provides a sense of peace, helps to clear the mind, and offers a moment of reflection and connection. It can be a powerful tool to find inner calm and focus before diving into studying.
7. Stay Organized: Keep your study materials, notes, and resources organized to save time and avoid unnecessary stress.
8. Stay Motivated: set goals, make a study schedule, find a good study spot, take breaks, surround yourself with supportive people, and stay positive. Reward yourself for milestones and remind yourself of the bigger picture to stay motivated throughout the studying process.
09. Believe in Yourself: Believing in yourself is crucial for success. It means having confidence in your abilities, trusting your instincts, and knowing that you have what it takes to overcome challenges. When you believe in yourself, you’re more likely to stay motivated, work hard, and persevere even when things get tough. Remember, you have unique talents and strengths that make you capable of achieving great things.
In the Quran, there are several verses that emphasize the importance of believing in oneself and having confidence. One such verse is Surah Al-Imran (3:160), which states, “If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (alone) let believers put their trust. This verse reminds us that with the help and guidance of Allah, we can overcome any obstacles and achieve success. Believing in ourselves and having faith in Allah’s plan for us is essential in our journey towards reaching our goals. So, trust in Allah’s support and have confidence in your abilities.
10. Exam day strategies: When it comes to approaching exams, it’s important to have a solid strategy. Start by allocating time for each section or question based on its weightage or difficulty level. Make sure to read the instructions carefully to understand what is expected of you. When answering questions, take your time and think through your responses before writing them down. After completing the exam, if you have time, review your answers to catch any mistakes or make improvements. Remember to stay calm and focused throughout the exam.
Remember, everyone has their own unique study methods, so feel free to adapt these techniques to suit your learning style. Good luck with your exams.
The writer is pursuing graduation from Government Degree College Sogam (Lolab), Kupwara and can be reached at [email protected]

Saqib Sarwar Mir