Managing ADHD During Board Exams: Student Experiences

# Managing ADHD During Board Exams: Student Experiences Board exams can be overwhelming for any student, but for those with ADHD, the challenges can seem insurmountable. Here are real experiences and strategies from Indian students who not only survived but thrived during their board exams. ## Success Stories from Our Community ### Arjun's CBSE Class 12 Journey (Science Stream) **Background**: Diagnosed with ADHD in Class 9, struggled with traditional study methods. **Challenges Faced**: - Difficulty sitting for long study sessions - Getting distracted during exams - Anxiety about time management - Pressure from family and teachers **Strategies That Worked**: **1. The Pomodoro Technique (Modified)** "Instead of 25-minute sessions, I did 15-minute focused study bursts with 5-minute breaks. This worked better for my attention span." **2. Subject Rotation** "I studied different subjects every hour. Math for 15 minutes, then Physics, then Chemistry. It kept my brain engaged." **3. Visual Learning** "I made colorful mind maps for every chapter. The visual elements helped me remember better during exams." **4. Practice Papers with Timer** "I practiced previous year papers with a timer every day. This helped me get used to exam pressure and time constraints." **Results**: Scored 87% in CBSE Class 12, got admission to his preferred engineering college. ### Priya's CBSE Class 10 Success (All Subjects) **Background**: Hyperactive type ADHD, struggled with sitting still during classes. **Unique Challenges**: - Fidgeting during exams - Reading questions too quickly and missing details - Difficulty with lengthy writing tasks **Winning Strategies**: **1. Fidget Tools** "I got permission to use a stress ball during exams. It helped me channel my hyperactivity." **2. Reading Technique** "I developed a habit of reading each question twice - once quickly, then slowly while underlining key words." **3. Writing Breaks** "For long answers, I took 30-second breaks every few lines to shake my hand and refocus." **4. Exam Day Routine** "I had a strict morning routine on exam days - light exercise, healthy breakfast, and 10 minutes of deep breathing." **Results**: Scored 91% in CBSE Class 10, became a peer mentor for other ADHD students. ### Rohit's State Board Experience (Commerce Stream) **Background**: Inattentive type ADHD, often daydreamed during classes. **Specific Challenges**: - Difficulty focusing on theoretical subjects - Forgetting important formulas and concepts - Procrastination with assignments **Effective Solutions**: **1. Active Learning** "I couldn't just read textbooks. I made flashcards, recorded myself explaining concepts, and taught my younger brother." **2. Formula Sheets** "I created colorful formula sheets for Accounts and Economics and reviewed them daily." **3. Study Groups** "Joining a study group kept me accountable and made learning more interactive." **4. Deadline Management** "I broke down the syllabus into weekly targets and used a visible calendar to track progress." **Results**: Scored 85% in State Board Class 12, got admission to a top commerce college. ## ADHD-Friendly Study Techniques ### 1. The ADHD Study Schedule **Traditional Schedule Problems**: - Long study sessions lead to mental fatigue - Fixed timings don't match ADHD energy patterns - No accommodation for hyperfocus periods **ADHD-Optimized Schedule**: