March 27, 20266 min read
Exam Day Tips — 15 Things to Do Before & During the Exam
Essential exam day tips for competitive exams — what to do the night before, morning routine, time management during the exam, and mistake avoidance.
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Months of preparation can be undermined by poor exam day execution. These 15 tips from ExamHub ensure you perform at your best when it matters most.
The Night Before (5 Tips)
1. Stop Studying by 8 PM
Do NOT cram the night before. Your brain needs rest to consolidate what you have already learned. Light revision of formulas or flashcards is fine, but no new topics.2. Prepare Everything You Need
Create a checklist and pack everything:| Essential | Why |
|---|---|
| Admit card (2 copies) | Mandatory for entry |
| Photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) | Identity verification |
| Stationery (pens, pencils, eraser) | For OMR/writing |
| Watch (analog, no smart features) | Time management |
| Water bottle (transparent) | Hydration |
| Light snack | Energy during break |
3. Know Your Exam Center
Check the exam center location the day before if possible. Know the route, travel time, and parking options. Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes early.4. Set Multiple Alarms
Set at least 3 alarms — on your phone, a separate alarm clock, and ask a family member to wake you up. Oversleeping on exam day is a nightmare scenario.5. Sleep by 10:30 PM
Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep. Sleep directly impacts cognitive function, memory recall, and decision-making. A well-rested mind scores 10-15% better than a sleep-deprived one.Exam Morning (5 Tips)
6. Wake Up 2 Hours Before Departure
Give yourself enough time for morning routine, breakfast, and travel without rushing. Panic in the morning affects your performance for hours.7. Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Eat something that provides sustained energy:- Good: Eggs, toast, banana, oats, almonds, milk
- Avoid: Heavy fried food, excessive sugar, caffeine overdose
- Hydrate: Drink water, but not excessively (bathroom breaks waste time)
8. Quick Formula Revision (15 Minutes)
Glance at your formula sheet or key facts flashcard. Do NOT try to learn anything new — just refresh what is already in your memory.9. Arrive Early and Settle In
Reach the exam center at least 30 minutes before reporting time. Find your seat, settle down, and take a few deep breaths. Familiarity with the environment reduces anxiety.10. Positive Self-Talk
Remind yourself: "I have prepared well. I know this material. I will stay calm and focused." Visualization of success has been shown to improve performance by up to 10%.During the Exam (5 Tips)
11. Read Instructions Carefully
Spend the first 2-3 minutes reading all instructions — number of questions, marking scheme, sections, and time allocation. Misunderstanding instructions is a costly mistake.12. Follow the 3-Pass Strategy
| Pass | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|
| First Pass | 50% of total time | Answer all easy questions (ones you know immediately) |
| Second Pass | 35% of total time | Attempt medium-difficulty questions |
| Third Pass | 15% of total time | Try difficult questions + Review marked answers |
13. Manage Negative Marking
Read our detailed Negative Marking Guide. Quick rules:
- Eliminate 2+ options? → Attempt the question
- Can only eliminate 1? → Skip (risk is too high)
- Pure guess? → Never attempt in exams with 1/3 or higher penalty
- No negative marking? → Attempt everything
14. Do Not Get Stuck
If a question takes more than 90 seconds (for MCQ exams), mark it and move on. You can return to it later. Getting stuck on one question means losing 2-3 other questions you could have answered.
15. Use the Last 5 Minutes for Review
Reserve the final 5 minutes to:- Check if all answers are marked correctly on the OMR sheet
- Verify you have not skipped any easy questions
- Review any questions you were unsure about
- Ensure your roll number and details are filled correctly
Anxiety Management Techniques
If you feel panic during the exam:
- Deep breathing — 4 counts in, hold 4, exhale 4 (do 3-4 cycles)
- Ground yourself — Feel your feet on the floor, hands on the desk
- Positive statement — "This is just one question. I can solve the next one."
- Skip and return — Move to an easier question to rebuild confidence
- Physical reset — Stretch your arms, roll your shoulders, relax your jaw
Common Exam Day Mistakes
| Mistake | Impact | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Oversleeping | Missing the exam entirely | Multiple alarms |
| Forgetting admit card | Cannot enter exam hall | Pack the night before |
| Not eating breakfast | Low energy, poor focus | Prepare breakfast in advance |
| Changing answers without reason | Often changes right to wrong | Trust your first instinct |
| Poor time management | Leaving 10-15 easy questions unattempted | Follow 3-pass strategy |
| Panic on difficult questions | Wastes time and confidence | Skip and return |
Post-Exam Tips
- Do NOT discuss answers with others — it causes unnecessary stress
- Do NOT check answers immediately — Wait for the official answer key
- Note down questions you remember — Useful for future reference
- Start preparing for the next stage — If it is a multi-stage exam
- Rest and recover — You have earned it
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I feel sick on exam day?
If you have a minor illness (cold, headache), take appropriate medication and proceed. Carry medicine with you. If you are seriously ill, most exam bodies allow you to apply for a re-examination with a medical certificate, though this varies by exam.
Should I guess if I am running out of time?
It depends on the negative marking scheme. If there is no negative marking, guess everything. If there is negative marking, only guess on questions where you can eliminate at least 2 options. Read our Negative Marking Guide.
How do I handle a question I have never seen before?
Stay calm. Read the question twice. Look for clues in the question itself or the answer options. If you genuinely cannot attempt it, mark it and move on. One unfamiliar question does not determine your result.
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