How to avoid exam fear?

Dr.C.R.Chandrashekar

Many students who are knowledgeable, who have prepared well fail to do well in the tests and exams.

They say that they become tense and fearful in the exam hall.

The causes of excess exam fear are,

·      Low self-confidence

·      Inadequate preparation

·      Past failure or securing less marks and anticipating failure again

·      Severe competition

·      Severe pressure from parents, teachers and classmates for better performance either by offering big incentives or threat of ridicule/punishments

·      Important exams which determine one’s future

How to reduce exam fear:

·      Regular preparation from the beginning of the academic year

·      Periodic rehearsals to write the answers in the stipulated time

·      Discuss with teachers how to write the answers to get the maximum marks

·      Regular food, sleep, exercise and relaxation to avoid physical/psychological fatigue

·      Have positive thoughts- I will do my best- Results will be good

·      Do meditations or breathing exercise for a few minutes before exam

·      Improve self-esteem through appreciations.