CBSE class 12 Exam Tips: ‘Be proficient in understanding the concepts and calculation’

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has slated the Accountancy exam for March 23, 2024. Students must have already completed their initial round of prep for the exam. However, studying the chapters needs to be complemented by solving several question papers to ensure one is exam-ready.

According to Ms Sumitha Nair, PGT Accounts, Apeejay School, Nerul, Accountancy is one of the biggest nightmares for a Commerce student, as the subject requires very high dedication, multiple revisions, and rigorous practice. “One needs to be very proficient in understanding the concepts and calculation. It emphasises basic accounting principles and analytical skills. Since the nature of the subject highly resembles mathematics in terms of heavy calculations, adjustments, and methods, the student needs to keep practicing and revising regularly without breaks to prepare for accountancy in class XII,” Ms Nair said and shared five things to keep in mind a day before an Accountancy paper:

·         Review key concepts and formulas, emphasising areas where you feel less confident. Don’t attempt to learn new topics; focus on reinforcing what you already know.

·         Familiarise yourself with the structure of the Accountancy exam, including the types of questions, time allocation, and any specific guidelines. This will help you plan your time effectively during the exam.

·         If you have any last-minute doubts or uncertainties about certain topics, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your teachers or classmates. Clearing up doubts can boost your confidence and understanding.

·         Ensure you have all necessary items, including pens, pencils, ruler and your examination Hall ticket duly signed by the parents. Double-check the exam time and venue, and plan your transportation accordingly.

·         Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as deep breathing exercises or light physical activity. A calm mind is better equipped to recall information during the exam.

She also said that the students must aim for an early and sufficient night’s sleep to ensure they wake up refreshed and alert on the exam day. “Avoid staying up late, as fatigue can impact your focus and performance. Students must also visualise themselves entering the exam hall confidently, recalling information effortlessly, and completing the exam successfully. Positive visualisation can help build confidence and alleviate pre-exam anxiety,” Ms Nair shared and said that the students must also have a strategy in place on how to answer the questions on the day of the exam.

10 things to keep in mind

Review Exam Instructions: Use the reading time to thoroughly read and understand the instructions provided for the exam. Clarify any uncertainties with the invigilator if needed.

Scan the Entire Paper: Quickly skim through the entire paper to get an overview of the questions. Note the types of questions, their marks, and any choices you have in answering them.

Prioritise Questions: Identify questions you feel most confident about and plan your approach. You can even identify the question to be attempted out of the choices given.

“Prioritise these questions to ensure you secure initial marks and build confidence. Even you should decide which part to begin from whether it’s Part A or Part B. Make sure to attempt all questions of one part together. If any, MCQ has internal options, then make sure that you write the answer for the same along with the option,” Ms Nair said.

Plan Your Time: Allocate specific time limits for each section or question based on the marks allotted. This ensures you manage your time effectively and don’t spend too much time on any single question.

“In numerical questions, show all your workings. Even if your final answer is incorrect, you might earn partial credit for demonstrating a clear understanding of the process. Working can be done on the right side of the answer sheet. But if any question is specifically asking for a working note, then the same can be done below your final answer as it will be carrying marks,” Ms Nair advised.

Use Proper Formats and Labels: Use proper formats and labels for presenting data accurately. Journal and ledger formats need to be followed. Use of “Dr” and “Cr” in ledgers, and writing narration after the journal entry need to be kept in mind.  Write in neat and clean handwriting. Avoid overwriting on numbers/words. Mention the question number on the left margin for all the answers that are attempted.

Review Your Answers: Keep 10 minutes to finally review your answers. Look for errors, ensure clarity, and add any additional relevant information that might enhance your responses.

Stay Calm and Focused: If you encounter a challenging question, stay calm. Move on to the next one and revisit it later if necessary. Panic can hinder your ability to think clearly.

Answer Every Question: Attempt to answer every question, even if it seems challenging. You might earn partial credit, and leaving a question unanswered guarantees zero marks. So try to attempt the questions.

Read Carefully: Pay close attention to each question’s requirements. Misinterpreting a question can lead to providing incorrect answers, so read very carefully before attempting.

Check Units and Figures:  In numerical questions, double-check units and figures. Misinterpretation of units or using the wrong numbers can result in errors, so be meticulous.

“Maintain a positive attitude throughout the exam. Positive thinking can enhance your performance and help you approach challenges more effectively,” Ms Nair said in conclusion.