(Commissioner of Police, Nagpur) DEAR students, as someone who once stood exactly where you are today—with textbooks in hand, questions in mind, pressure in the air, and dreams in the heart—I understand what you’re going through. Board exams are a significant milestone in your academic journey. They are important, no doubt, but they are not the ultimate definition of your intelligence, worth, or future.

 

They are a part of your life, not your whole life. Remember, you are always bigger than any exam. Don’t fear exams, face them with confidence AN EXAMINATION is not a judgment of who you are. It’s merely a tool to assess how well you’ve understood certain subjects at a certain time. It also tests how calmly you respond under pressure, how you manage your time, and how resilient you are. Scoring less in an exam or even failing one is not the end of the road. It’s just a bend in the path. Failure, if any, is a teacher—not a full stop. Many successful individuals have seen failures early in life. Steve Jobs didn’t finish college, yet he reshaped technology and creativity. It’s not the marks, but your mindset, passion, and courage that decide your future.

 

Treat this exam like a game: play it well, but don’t let it consume you. Your future depends on you, not just your marks SOCIETY may try to judge you based on numbers. But your identity, your dreams, your abilities — they go far beyond a report card. You don’t need to explain your marks to anyone. This journey is yours alone.Walk it with focus, sincerity, and belief in your potential. Aim to improve, not to impress. How to prepare in the final days NOW is the time to revise smartly, not panic.

 

Don’t try to learn everything. Instead, consolidate what you already know. Prioritise topics where you feel less confident, and create a simple, achievable revision schedule that doesn’t exhaust you. Eat light, home-cooked meals to keep your energy stable. Junk food slows you down. Sleep well—your brain needs 6–7 hours of quality rest to retain information and stay sharp. Never underestimate the power of rest and recovery. Drink water frequently to stay fresh and focused. Avoid too much tea, coffee, or energy drinks. They offer short bursts of energy but often lead to crashes. Break your study sessions into focused blocks. After every 45–50 minutes of study, take a 10–15 minute break. Stretch, breathe deeply, or take a short walk — it will refresh your brain and body. Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others. Your journey is unique. Stay away from social media or conversations that add to your stress. Protect your peace and focus. 

 

On the day of exam

 

Preparation begins the night before. Keep your exam essentials ready — your hall ticket, pens, ID, and any other stationery. Reach the exam center early to avoid last-minute stress. Once the paper is in front of you, take a deep breath. Read the instructions carefully. Start with questions you are confident about. Manage your time wisely. Leave difficult questions for later — confidence in the beginning will build momentum. Stay calm. You’ve prepared for this — trust yourself. 

 

 

Your support during this time is crucial. Children need encouragement, not comparison or criticism. Let them know that your trust, love, and pride in them are not conditional on marks. Celebrate their hard work and effort. If they stumble, stand beside them. Let your home be a place of comfort, not pressure.

 

 

Ten years from now, you may not remember what questions came in your math or history paper. But you will remember how you prepared, how you felt, and how you overcame this challenge. That emotional memory will shape how you face challenges in life. So go forward with courage. Let these exams be just one step in your larger journey. Don’t let fear cloud your potential. Give your best—not to compete with others, but to become the best version of yourself. Nagpur believes in you. I believe in you. Now, it’s time for YOU to believe in yourself. Best wishes to all the students appearing for board examinations. You are the future of this city. Make us proud.