Hey friends, students, and anyone who remembers (or is about to face) the thrill and pressure of board exams!
I recently came across my old copy of the instructions given during the SSLC Examination 2005 — my very first board exam in Kerala (10th standard). This piece of paper is close to my heart. I tried my best to follow every single line, and by God’s grace, it helped me score good marks that year.
Not only for SSLC, but for every exam I had ever written after that, I tried to follow these rules.
Looking back, these guidelines weren’t just rules, they were life lessons in discipline, neatness, time management, and honesty. Even today, many of these tips are gold for any student appearing for exams.
I want to share this with the new generation, especially all you 10th graders preparing for your SSLC right now. Take whatever inspires or helps you. Special thanks to my school management for sharing such valuable advice back then!
Here are the original S.S.L.C Examination 2005 – Instructions (lightly edited for clarity, but true to the original):
- Begin with a word of prayer.
- Read and understand the question before you start your answer.
- Draw a 2 cm margin on the left hand side of every page.
- Number the questions correctly and exactly as in the question paper.
- Do not break the order of the question paper.
- Draw a line using pencil and ruler after every completed answer. In the case of one-word answers, draw the line after the set of questions.
- Draw a rough work column on the right hand side when doing your mathematics paper. This is for your calculations.
- Insert your graph paper in between your answer sheets when tying your papers.
- Write your Reg. No. on the graph sheet.
- In subjects like science and social studies, number your points where needed inside the margin.
- Do not start your answers from the very top of the page. Leave 2 cm space at the top.
- Do not write till the very bottom of the page. Leave at least 1 cm at the bottom.
- Number your pages at the top right hand corner.
- Do not overwrite. Should you make a mistake, you can always strike it and write again. Do not scratch.
- Do not change the colour of your ink after you have started a paper. It is always advisable to have 3 pens of the same colour when you come for the examination. The colours allowed are blue and black.
- Underline points where needed, using pencil. Do not use a pen.
- Make sure your work is neat.
- Your answers should be balanced and in proportion to the marks allotted.
- Time management is of the utmost importance. See that you complete the paper at least 5 minutes before the bell.
- Take time to arrange your papers correctly. Do not do this in a hurry. After tying, make sure the knot is firm.
- It is important that you leave the hall only after the final bell.
- Cut blank spaces/page using ruler and pen — one oblique cut.
- Please inform your parents, the place where you intend keeping your hall-ticket.
- Please do not resort to any kind of malpractices.
(Scanned copy had a lovely handwritten signature and date from the school staff — 22/2/05 – memories!)
These instructions taught me us much more than just how to write an exam paper.
They built habits of discipline, honesty, and care, things that still help us in life.
To all current SSLC students:
- Stay calm, pray if it helps you focus.
- Be neat and organized, examiners notice!
- Manage time wisely and avoid shortcuts.
- Believe in God and your hard work.
May you all shine bright in your exams, just like we hoped back in 2005.
Feel free to share this with your friends or students. If you’re preparing now, drop a comment, I’d love to hear how you’re doing!
With gratitude and best wishes, Donny Thomas
