‘Swastik’, chocolates and other lucky charms to stay calm in board exams

Lucknow: From drawing a ‘swastik' on the first page of the answer sheet to folding the top corner of the last page, eating the same brand of chocolate before every exam, or tapping the question paper thrice, students appearing for board exams are carrying their own little "luck rituals" into the examination halls.As exams of the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UP Board), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and Indian School Certificate (ISC) continue, peculiar practices by students have quietly become a part of their routine. Students told TOI that such beliefs help them stay calm under pressure.
For some, rituals begin with the answer sheet. UP Board student Ankit Singh draws a small ‘swastik' before writing his first answer. ICSE student Maitri Gupta taps the question paper thrice before reading it, while ISC student Satwik Prakash folds the top corner of the last page after finishing, calling it his mark of completion.Isha Agrawal, who is appearing for ICSE papers, steps in with her right foot first to set a positive tone. ISC student Avni Singh has avoided cutting her hair until exams end, saying that it keeps her focused.Faith and familiarity also play a role. ICSE student Priyansh Verma whispers ‘Jai Mata Di' before opening his booklet. CBSE Class X student Nimisha Malhotra eats the same brand of chocolate before every paper, describing it as her "exam trigger".Experts say such actions act as psychological anchors, offering a sense of control in high-pressure situations. "For many students, these small traditions may not change the questions, but they strengthen belief at a crucial moment," said psychiatrist Pawan Kumar Gupta.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !