My ICSE 2024 10th Results and My Preparation Journey

Hi, my name is Shourya Chatterjee, and I recently completed my ICSE exams in the 2023–2024 session, scoring a remarkable 97.6. This journey was a blend of dedication, passion, and strategic planning.

The Importance of Self-Confidence and Dedication

Getting a high score like this requires a high level of self-confidence and dedication. These are essential qualities for any first-time participant in the All India Secondary School Examination (ICSE). While some people might claim that these qualities alone are sufficient, in reality, a well-planned study routine and a clear understanding of subject matter are equally important.

A Balanced Study Routine

My study routine was quite disciplined, with five hours of dedicated self-study every day. I focused on subjects like Geography, English, Biology, Math, Physics, and Chemistry. During this period, I also managed to watch movies and games, which helped me to refresh my mind and stay motivated. Despite the occasional deviation from a strict schedule, my overall approach worked for me.

Key Factors for Success

One key factor that contributed to my success was the lack of comparison with friends. I did not know my friend’s scores or engage in frequent discussions about my marks. Instead, I focused on improving my own scores incrementally. This mindset kept me on track and reduced the risk of becoming complacent.

The Role of Support Systems

Another important aspect was having a friend who shared similar goals and motivations. This mutual support helped us stay focused and motivated throughout the exam preparation. While having a friend circle is beneficial, it’s crucial to avoid environments that can be toxic or competitive.

Diet and Sleep Habits

I maintained a healthy diet and a consistent sleep schedule of five hours. However, I acknowledge that this was not sufficient for optimal health. For a more balanced approach, I recommend aiming for at least six hours of sleep. Despite this, some individuals are naturally more efficient and require fewer hours to thrive. Engage in a bit of meditation to understand your body and mind better, and you will know what works best for you.

Reflections After the Exam

Although the exam went well, a few subjects like Geography and English Literature posed significant challenges. Geography, my forte, resulted in a disappointing score, and English Literature was another area of concern.

English Language: 96 English Literature: 88 Geography: 79 (a huge shocker) History: 97 Biology: 98 Maths: 98 Physics: 90 Chemistry: 98 Environmental Applications: 99 Hindi: 94 (an incredible improvement from 50 in pre-boards)

The improvement in Hindi was truly remarkable. I placed a lot of emphasis on consistent practice and revision.

At the end of the day, the results are a reflection of hard work and determination. Though some subjects may not have gone as planned, the overall performance was satisfactory. It’s crucial to stay focused on the bigger goal and not get hung up on minor setbacks or disappointments.

As I prepare for the JEE, I take comfort in knowing that these marks are not as crucial as long-term achievements. Success in competitive exams is what truly matters in the grand scheme of things.