SAMARTH KHITHA, Delhi Public School, R.K Puram, New Delhi

I feel preparation for the board exams can never be enough and I have been going through my course over and over again. After all, these exams will affect my future. The boards mean a lot because these are considered the ultimate platform where one has to do well, irrespective of having scored well in previous classes.

One thing I regret is not being regular in subjects; especially accountancy and maths, where one can’t predict what will be asked. As for future aspirations, I have a lot of career choices in mind. One is going into a commercial job like that of an actuary. Another job that interests me is marketing and advertising, or even civil services.

SHAURYA ABHI, Vasant Valley School, New Delhi

I have been working with a plan and sticking to it. So, in that sense, I’ve covered my course and gone over it a couple of times. However, of late, I’ve started stressing and feel my preparation is inadequate. That’s because these exams are the ultimate decider of what a student has achieved.

If I could go back and do something differently, I would study with the same ‘now or never’ attitude for every exam, as I’m doing for the boards. My aim is to become a diplomat and the United Nations has always attracted me. Just the thought of being at a level powerful enough to create tangible change in the world motivates me.

RAMACHANDRAN SURENDRAN, The Shri Ram School, Gurgaon

I can honestly say I haven’t prepared well enough. While I wish to do well in the boards, they aren’t of as much importance to me as they would be to many others. That’s primarily because of the field of work I wish to get into in future.

But yes, going back, if I could do something differently, I would start making finalised notes earlier in the year. I did not work towards it earlier, but then I have no regrets as my future aspirations are well thought of. My focus is clear and I aspire to get into Industrial Design and Animation.

KARTIK KEJARIWAL, Bal Bharti Public School, New Delhi

Oh, I’m not-well prepared for the exams. Having science as a stream, I am worried about physics and chemistry and have the confidence of faring well in other subjects. I certainly am not treating the boards as an all-important mission of life and if I don’t do well, it will not be the end of the world, as I have other plans too.

If I could go back in time, I would give more hours to studying to gain more confidence. But my future aspirations are certainly not dependant on the boards and understanding physics and chemistry is not my ambition. I aspire to get into the field of Information Technology.

ROHAK SINGHAL, Delhi Public School, Noida

I may say I’m prepared, but for the board exams, one can never be fully prepared! There’s always an extra supplementary book or a sample paper that one wants to go through, but there’s always less time. We are told about boards from Class 5 onwards, so the pressure is always there, besides the requirement of a certain percentage to get into a good college.

If I could do one thing differently, I would’ve concentrated more on the subjects I’m less fond of (chemistry) rather than studying those that I’m fond of. I’m passionate about science and after school, I want to pursue a course in engineering and try my hand at engineering research.

BRINDA BHARGAVA, Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi

Considering the kind of percentage I’m aspiring for, I’m not well prepared. My time management skills have been a bit lax and I’ve not been able to focus much on revision in a frenzy to cover my entire syllabus. Though the boards mean nothing to me, they are the most stressful exams of my entire student life, as I wish to get into a top college.

The only thing I would do differently is try and study by a fixed schedule and be more apt in muting out all the external pressures in the strenuous environment around. I’m a bit conflicted whether to do Public Relations or follow my heart and hobby and become a writer, and eventually, a columnist.

AKANKSHA JOSHI, Carmel Convent School, New Delhi

I have put in a lot of effort and have prepared well. Now, I just hope I’m able to remember and write everything at the time of exams. These exams mean a lot to me and I want to score well for my own satisfaction and for better future prospects.

At this point of time I do not really want to sit back and regret, because it will not lead me anywhere. But yes, I would have done many things differently — in a rather better way, because I realise where I went wrong. My dream is to become a pilot and I would love to touch the skies and go around the world, as I love meeting new people.

JASMINE KAUR, Army Public School, Noida

One can never be fully prepared for the boards, but I have given my hundred per cent. It is imbibed in our minds to excel in these exams and they are somewhat like a do-or-die situation. To gain something in life, these exams have to be studied for, as one has never done before!

If I could go back and do something different, I would probably beat the procrastination monster. But more than anything I have to concentrate on what is ahead. My grades will get me into a college of my choice, as I have already taken a decision regarding my career choice. I want to become a multilingual expert.

KASHISH FATIMA, Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, New Delhi

I am all for happiness rather than contentment, hence I like to think and believe that I’m never done. Since there’s always a scope for more, I’m still in the middle of my preparations. The boards mean a lot, as I’m on the verge of some significant decision that will decide my future course of life. But I dislike the hype around these exams.

Do something differently? No way! Every misstep, every foolishness, every decision — impulsive or calculated, right or wrong and every experience has lead me to what I stand for today. I aspire to rise, fight, shine and inspire. And might pursue medicine, journalism or the civil services. Else, weave a tale that will leave an indelible imprint on the crowd.