Scoring above 90% in a 12th grade board exam may sound like a difficult task, but it is quite possible for an average student with a well, thought, out plan and persistent effort.Being a topper or studying day and night is not necessary. Thousands of students score well every year by smart studying, being consistent, and taking care of their health.
Marks are necessary for college admission and future options but do not determine your intelligence. They merely reflect the level of your preparation. With the right guidance and the help of good habits, scoring 90% or even more in the board exams is something that is definitely within your reach.
What Does 90% Mean in the 12th Board Exam?
Just memorising everything most likely will not get you 90% or more. To a large extent, it is about understanding the concepts, being able to give the answers in the right format, as well as revising regularly. Such a score reflects the level of practice that you have engaged in and the time management that you have successfully accomplished. A lot of students get stressed due to the marks, but always keep in mind that marks are just one aspect of your life. Concentrate on getting ready rather than being afraid.
Make a Study Plan That Suits You
A good study plan is the basis of success. Begin by listing all the subjects and chapters. Put a mark next to the chapters that appear difficult or confusing to you.
It would be perfect to have about 6 to 8 months of preparation before the exam. However, if you only have a limited amount of time left, you can still move forward with a well-planned plan.
Set aside 4 to 5 hours for your initial study day. Then slowly but surely increase the amount of time as you get closer to the date of the exam. If you are already tired, then it is useless to think that you will be more productive by studying for longer periods of time. A short and focused study is better.
Your plan should include:
- Time for reading and understanding
- Time for writing practice
- Breaks and rest
- Time for games or hobbies
- Do not skip rest. A fresh mind learns faster.
Use NCERT Books Properly
NCERT books are the most important for the 12th board exam. Most questions come directly from NCERT, so read every chapter carefully.
For Maths and Science subjects:
- Solve all examples and exercises
- Practice numerical problems again and again
- Understand why each step is used
For other subjects:
- Underline key words and points
- Make short summaries after each chapter
- Learn definitions and important terms
- Do not rush to extra books before finishing NCERT properly. Strong basics matter most.
Make Simple and Useful Notes
Notes help you revise quickly. Write notes in your own words so they are easy to remember.
Keep one notebook for:
- Important formulas
- Definitions
- Key points
Use colours, charts, and diagrams, especially for Science and Economics.
Mark topics you often forget. These notes are very useful during the last days before exams.
Practice Question Papers Regularly
Practice is very important to score 90% in the 12th board exam. After completing around 60% of the syllabus, start solving previous years’ question papers and sample papers.
First, solve the papers slowly to understand the pattern. Later, start timing yourself for 3 hours like the real exam.
After checking each paper:
- Find your mistakes
- Notice careless errors
- Improve missing steps in answers
Work on weak topics the very next day. In the last month, try to solve 2–3 papers per subject every week. Practice makes you faster and more confident.
Learn How to Write Answers Well
A good presentation can increase your marks. Examiners like neat and clear answer sheets.
Tips for writing answers:
Write formulas first in Maths and Science
Show all steps clearly
Draw neat diagrams with labels
Use headings, points, and underlining
Box final answers where needed
Handwriting also matters. Try to write at least one full answer every day to improve speed and neatness.
Revise Every Day
Revision helps you remember everything. Revise a new chapter the next day, then again after a week.
Use: Your notes, Flashcards and Short summaries
In the last two weeks before exams, only revise. Do not start new topics. You can also use spaced revision—revise on day 1, day 3, after one week, and after one month.
Take Care of Your Body and Mind
A tired body and stressed mind cannot study well. Health should be part of your study plan.
Follow these habits:
- Sleep 7–8 hours daily
- Don’t make a habit of staying up late every night.
- Eat healthy homemade food, fruits, and drink plenty of water.
- Walk, stretch, or do yoga for at least 20 minutes every day.
- Give yourself a short break every 45 minutes. Stretch or take deep breaths.
- Never compare yourself with others. If you feel sad or stressed, talk to your parents or teachers. Writing a journal or doing a short meditation can also help.
Manage Time During the Exam
In the exam hall:
- Read the question paper for 5 minutes
- Start with easy questions
- Do difficult ones later
- Save 15 minutes for checking answers
- Do not panic if one question feels hard. Stay calm and move ahead.
Get Help from the Right Mentors
Sometimes, students feel confused or stressed, even with a good plan. At such times, guidance helps a lot.
Mentrovert is a student support platform that provides one-on-one mentors for CBSE Class 12 students. They help with study planning, exam stress, career choices after Class 12, and even parent discussions. With online sessions across India and a free trial, Mentrovert supports you throughout your journey.
With the right plan, regular practice, and proper guidance, scoring 90% in the CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026 is achievable and you can stay confident and happy too.
