"Beware the Ides of March" said Shakespeare and "April is the cruelest month" wrote T. S. Eliot. For students preparing for exams, this has never been more true.

With February already here and March around the corner, you are all probably being  urged by your parents and teachers to pull up your sock and get ready to study hard. The very thought of having to plough through chapters and chapters of so many subjects must bring a yawn to your faces and anxiety on the faces of your elders.

But honestly, its not all that hard to score good marks. A few handy tips can go a long way in getting you where you want to be without too much trauma or trouble. With a shortage of time and a mammoth amount to be covered, the secret is not to despair but prepare !

It is time management which plays a crucial role . Most of us procrastinate i.e . we keep putting off things till the exams are almost upon us and then panic rules. To avoid this you must get your priorities right.

Focus on subjects which you find most difficult and set aside most time for these. At the same time do not spend all your time studying only this subject as it will not only erode your interest fast, but  your other subjects will be neglected.

So work out a time-table and never forget to give yourself a 15-20 minute break after a an hour or an hour and half of continuous study. This is because we all have something called attention span and learning plateau. After a while our brain cannot assimilate information as efficiently and a short recess gives our brain a break too, and we can begin anew.

Languages and Math are two things where last minute learning by rote will not give you any results ; so in your time table set aside a time everyday for these two.

Divide your subjects and chapters in such a way that  you finish studying your entire portion at least two weeks before your exams . That way you have ample time to go over them again and your revision will be thorough.

However, never despair,  if on some days you cannot meet your target of the time table you set yourself. We all suffer from deadline breakdowns; just be happy and proud of what you have actually accomplished.

A very important , but much neglected, part of examination preparations are  your diet. Most children tend to neglect this aspect and think that eating is a waste of time. The other extreme eats far too much to avoid going to their study table !  But believe it or not, correct eating will have a direct impact on your preparation and thus, on your results.  The well- fed brain functions and retains information much better. Food high in fibre content, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of milk  keep you energised and alert. Chocolates chips and other high sugar, high fat food tend to make you feel sluggish. Spicy food too can induce a feeling of lethargy .

Excerise along with food is a must. " Please , for heaven sake, let your children go down to play, " pleads Dr, Kersi Chavda, an eminent Psychiatrist in Mumbai.  He appeals to the parents to let children play for at least an hour a day as the exams draw close. Contrary to belief it is not a waste of time - the brain must idle too in order to function at its optimum.

And finally, what is most important - be happy. Being tense and insecure will only compund your problems. Indulge in hobbies or a certain amount of television or games . Remember, it is a full circle - when do you do something that makes you happy, you will do that thing well, and when you do something well it brings happiness .

1. Prioritise - manage your time well
2. Work out a time table 
3. Concentrate on difficult subjects but do Math and Languages regularly
4. Leave time for revision
5. Take ample breaks in between
6. Eat right, exercise and be happy.

High Scoring Food Chart

1. Two helpings of oranges or lemonade(nimbu pani) to take care of your Vitamin C requirements.
2. Whole grains, eggs and vegetables
3. For in between snacks try yoghurt, dry fruits, fruit salads, khakras, garam chana
4. Have an early dinner and a glass of milk later if you are studying into the night.