Exams are scary at the best of times. However well you may have prepared, there are always those butterflies in the stomach making you feel uneasy, not only when the exams are nearing, but also after you have written the paper.  There is always an element of anxiety and doubt about how well you have performed.

Incidentally, if you are one of those who have absolutely no fear of exams, be aware. Research in the military says that an officer who cannot feel a pang of fear and tightness when facing the enemy – is not fit to command!  This is because some amount of fear inevitably spurs you on to do better and to keep improving yourself. Also, it prevents you from becoming complacent and over-confident. In war one moment of distraction or loss of concentration can mean the loss of life. In exams, it could bring down your marks by those crucial few percentages that determine your future life.

Whether you gave your best in your studies, or whiled away the time, whether you took deep interest in your subjects or whether you just flipped through your books – once you have given the exam, do not let your thoughts go back to the paper that is already over.  Successful people are those who always look forward. If you discuss your answers with your friends, if you go back and calculate where you will get marks and where you will not, it will affect your confidence levels and distract you from the next exam.

As soon as you finish one exam, put away the question paper, and do not spend time thinking about it.  Refresh yourself, get some entertainment, catch a nap if you want, and then start with the next subject.  Let your mind put away the previous subject, like wiping a blackboard. After all the exams are over, you can review each of the papers so that you are aware of what results to expect, and will not be in for a disappointment.