Yes, feeling anxious before board exams is completely normal, and almost every student experiences it. A little anxiety is actually helpful, because it keeps you alert and motivated. It only becomes a problem when it grows so strong that it stops you from studying or sleeping.
Anxiety before a big exam is your body’s natural response to something important. Your mind is signalling that you care about the outcome. Understanding this helps you see anxiety as a normal companion rather than a sign that something is wrong with you.
The key is to manage it, not eliminate it. Simple breathing techniques help a lot, breathe in slowly for four counts, hold for four, breathe out for four. Doing this for a few minutes calms your racing heart and clears your head before studying or entering the exam hall.
Preparation reduces anxiety more than anything else. Much exam fear comes from feeling unprepared. A realistic study plan, steady revision and solving past papers build genuine confidence that quietens the worry.
Example: A Class 10 student in Ahmedabad who felt sick with nerves before boards started doing five minutes of deep breathing each morning and kept a simple daily study checklist. Ticking off tasks gave a sense of control, and the anxiety became manageable instead of overwhelming.
Look after your body too. Enough sleep, regular meals, some physical activity and short breaks all reduce anxiety. Avoid excessive caffeine and last-minute all-nighters, which make nervousness worse.
One practical tip: Talk about it. Sharing your worries with a parent, teacher or friend instantly lightens the load. If anxiety ever feels too heavy to handle alone, reaching out to a counsellor or trusted adult is a sign of strength, not weakness.