CBSE Class 10, 12 board exams knocked after 2 years during peak of summer

The CBSE has announced that the term two examinations of Classes 10 and 12 will begin from April 26. Students will have to prepare and sit for the examinations when the temperature is at its peak in the country. However, teachers are relieved that they are getting two months for the preparations.

Highlights-

• Exams are starting for students from April onwards
• Students will write lengthy offline papers after two years
• Problems faced by Students are:Time management, No practice of writing.

Let’s hear what the educators says and leverage some tips-

“The CBSE and other Board examinations for Classes X and XII are going to take place after two years of tumultuous circumstances due to Covid Pandemic. Though a bit late to commence, but most welcomed by both students and parents and all stakeholders. It somehow signals an atmosphere of normalcy. The Boards will surely take into cognizance the mental and physical inactivity that most students were facing and now a true reflection of each one’s merit will emerge.” Anjali Razdan, Director Academics, Meluha International School.

“Examination season is again around the corner, students preparing for 10th, 12th and various entrance exams are in a feverish pitch of activity. So, a few suggestions on how to take care of eyes during this period are certainly in order”. Dr. Shibu Varkey, MS, DNB, DO, FRCS (UK) Regional Medical Director, MaxiVision Eye Hospitals

Few tips from Dr. Shibu Varkey, the student’s eye care.

1. Sleep deficiency: A minimum of 7 hours of sleep is essential to maintain good health for the eyes as well as the whole body and mind, sleep deficiency leads to eye problems like recurrent styes (eye boils), which causes pain and swelling of the eyelid and results in loss of study time. # plan and manage study time to get enough sleep

2. Dietary deficiency: Students tend to skip meals or depend on fast foods, nutritional deficiencies tend to cause fatigue and loss of concentration and again affects the eyes with blepharitis, dry eyes and eyelid infections # eat balanced healthy meals at regular intervals. Foods rich in vitamins A, D,E, B complex, minerals and Omega 3 are essential for students preparing for exams.

3. Dehydration: Due to intensity of studies, some students forget to drink enough water and fluids, this results in dehydration and frequent headaches, inability to focus and tired eyes. # Drink atleast 3 to 3.75 litres of fluids per day.

4. Postural problems: Bad posture affects the neck, shoulders, lower back and the eyes, especially in students who have poor eye muscle balance and astigmatism. # study, preferably, in sitting posture with feet firmly on the ground, arms and shoulders well supported and book at least 20 inches from the eye, book kept at 60 degrees. Take short breaks to stretch.

5. Duration of study: The stress on eye muscles when studying for 8 hours is equal to the stress on leg muscles from running 50 to 60 kms. So studying without rest for 10 to 12 hours causes intense pressure on eye muscles and has now been shown to be related to development of myopia (glass power), spasm of eye muscles, eye strain, inability to focus the eyes, eye pain and severe headaches. # take short breaks every 30 minutes and look at far objects for 10 seconds to relax the eye muscles.

6. Digital Eye Strain: Earlier known as Computer Vision syndrome, is very common among students nowadays. Redness, irritation, foreign body sensation in the eye are leading symptoms. When computers or smartphones are used for long durations of time the tears in the eye gradually evaporate. Normally a person blinks about 20 times in a minute but during computer and mobile phone use, the blink rate decreases to once or twice in a minute.

Some other diet tips for exam time which students should follow.

Eat homemade breakfast. Add ghee to diet. Keep your gut healthy with curd. Choose unrefined sugar (Khaand) Eat rice. Students should also keep practicing moderate aerobic exercise which improves blood flow and cardiovascular health, benefiting your brain. Physical exercise promotes mental concentration and the ability to recall information, both of which are critical to getting good test grades. The healthy habits you form will create a foundation for exam success.