In the run-up to the board examinations, the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) has advised students to prepare in an organised manner and discouraged them from referring to new textbooks to avoid last minute anxiety.

In a bid to reduce stress levels in students, the CBSE issued these broad guidelines after it was flooded with questions from anxious students seeking advice on how to go about preparing for the board exams beigining on March 1.

According to the Board, “One should start writing down and solve sample papers within stipulated time limit to avoid making mistakes and retain the subject matter. This will also make one confident.”

Highlighting that the textbooks prescribed by the Board are sufficient, the Board said, “Textbooks published by NCERT/CBSE are sufficient in order to have an understanding of concepts covered under different sub-topics. If needed, one may like to refer to some other standard textbooks. However, it is not advisable to refer to new textbooks at last point of time.”

In addition, the Board suggested that studying at a stretch for long hours without taking any breaks would lead to lack of concentration and ultimately result in lethargy setting in. In order to ensure maximum concentration and retention, students have been advised to take small breaks at regular frequencies and engage in stress-busting activities.

Earlier this year, the Board had pointed out the need for imparting value education as part of the present curriculum. It had launched value education kits and also organised workshops to train teachers and principals on imparting value education in their schools. However, this will be included in the curriculum from the next academic year (2013-2014) onwards. Values will be intermingled with the content of all the major subjects from classes IX to XII and will carry a 5 per cent weightage in the exams.