By Archisha | October 14, 2025

8 Common Mistakes That Can Cost You Marks in Board Exams

Avoid These Exam Mistakes

Many students lose marks in board exams not because they don’t know the answers, but because of small avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.

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Misreading Questions

Many students rush through the paper and misunderstand what’s being asked. Read each question carefully, note keywords like ‘explain’, ‘compare’ or ‘justify’, and plan your answer before writing.

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Missing Sub-Questions

Board exam questions often have parts like (a), (b), and (c). In a hurry, students sometimes attempt only one or two. Always check for sub-parts and ensure you answer all before moving on.

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Writing Beyond Word Limit

Writing long answers for short questions wastes time and space. Stick to the word limit mentioned. Examiners prefer concise and to-the-point answers with clear structure.

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Not Numbering Properly

Incorrect or missing question numbers can confuse examiners. Always write the correct number for each answer clearly and in the margin, following the order given in the paper.

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Leaving Blank Pages

Some students skip pages to “fill later” and forget to return. Avoid leaving blank pages between answers. If you leave space, mark it as ‘left blank’ to stay safe.

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Ignoring Diagrams and Labels

In subjects like Science or Geography, students forget to draw diagrams or label them properly. Always use a pencil for diagrams, label neatly, and underline important terms.

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Not Checking the Answer Sheet

Many students finish the paper but don’t recheck. Use the last few minutes to verify you’ve numbered answers correctly, completed all pages, and filled in details like roll number properly.

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Poor Time Division

Spending too long on tough questions means less time for easier ones. Glance at the marks for each question, decide how much time to spend, and move on if stuck.

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