Balancing Board Exams and Entrance Test Preparations: Tips for Integrated Programme Students

Introduction: Integrated Programme For Balanced Education

The Integrated Programme helps you balance board exams and entrance test preparations with the right strategy. Students find a balance of curriculum in comfortable environs of a well-facilitated college campus. Forward-looking colleges have filled an important void through Integrated Programmes, which make students better attuned to course objectives through blended training. The early start and the regular schedule help you give the best performance.

Practical Tips To Balance Board Exams And Entrance Test Preparations

1. Create a Smart, Integrated Study Plan

• Identify overlapping topics: All the main entrance exams after 12^th, such as JEE Mains, NEET, CET, COMEDK, or CA Foundation, test students on the subjects and topics covered in PUC. In Integrated Programmes, college and coaching classes generally schedule the timetable to cover topics concurrently. As the classes progress in college, focus on building upon the core concepts, principles and theories. 
• Block time for both: Allocate time in your daily schedule for board theory and entrance MCQ practice. Mostly, coaching classes conduct weekly and bi-weekly tests. Try to solve that paper at home after attempting it in class. You can use a weekly planner to keep track of and make notes on –
  • Difficult topics.
  • Any doubts (to have them clarified in class).
  • How frequently questions on the topic were asked (and weightage).
  • Have you covered the topic for the board exams and the entrance test?

2. Follow the 60:40 Rule

• Spend 60% of your time on boards until 1 month before board exams. Dedicate 40% to entrance prep (mostly in the form of MCQ practice and concept revision).
• After the boards, switch focus entirely to entrance prep. 
• If you are attempting more than one entrance exam, for instance, JEE (Main), COMEDK and KCET, then spend 60% of the time on the toughest exam of the three. One week before the entrance exam, dedicate all your time to its preparation. 

3. NCERT is Your Best Friend

• Most board syllabi and entrance exams (especially NEET, CUET) are NCERT-based. Master NCERT before moving to advanced-level books or coaching material. In the coaching classes and PUC classes, teachers will also start by teaching with the NCERT textbooks. 
• For further references, you will be provided class notes, proprietary textbooks and worksheets.

4. Alternate Learning Techniques

• Use flashcards, mind maps, and revision notebooks for quick revision.
• Practice mock tests on weekends for both the board (subjective) and entrance (objective) exams.
• Try to use the time between classes for group study or self-study. 

5. Practice in Exam-Like Conditions

• Time yourself for both subjective answers and objective MCQs.
• Do not miss any of the tests or exams at the coaching classes and college, as these simulate exam conditions and give good practice for time management and measuring one’s preparedness.
• Try to solve the paper once more during self-study to analyse your performance and improve your timing and accuracy. 

6. Analyse & Adapt

• After each test, analyse mistakes - Were they due to concept gaps or silly errors?
• Work on weak areas systematically.

7. Take Care of Your Health

• Sleep at least 6–7 hours a night.
• Eat balanced meals and take short breaks every 90 minutes to stay fresh.
• Practice deep breathing or meditation to manage stress.

8. Ask for Help 

• Regular doubt-clearing sessions are conducted during class to support your entrance exam preparation. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask your own questions and learn from the queries raised by fellow students. Additionally, teachers are available to help clarify doubts before and after class, ensuring you get the support you need whenever you need it.
•  Don't hesitate to reach out to teachers, peers, or mentors if you're stuck. No question is trivial.
• Group studies with peers can help clarify doubts and reinforce learning.

9. Limit Distractions

• Reduce screen time (unless using learning platforms).
• Use apps like Forest, Pomodoro Timer, or Notion to stay organised and focused.

10. Keep Milestones, Not Just Goals

• Set mini targets every week (e.g., finish one chapter + 50 MCQs).
• Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.