The change in schedule really put me off. And a rescheduled exam date is a complete put off for me. World over exam dates were changing, campuses were closing, students were asked to leave the hostel rooms, classes were going online; all because of Novel corona virus. Thankfully it's gone now, of course after causing a worldwide havoc but we have to move forward. Time to time exam dates change for various reasons, while a few students may feel joy as they may get more time to prepare but often one such a change puts many students off. They need to reschedule everything and that takes a lot of time and energy. Time management is important in such situations.
Nobody can help it, we have to go with the flow. For a limited number of students a change in exam dates could be an opportunity to learn those topics or prepare better, but for the majority, a change in date is really a put off.
However, if you are the one who is waiting for the fresh exam dates, here are some suggestions in case you fall in my category.
1. During Covid-19 dates were rescheduled keeping your safety in mind, so you can maintain social distance. But in a general scenario there could be other reasons, for example, in India capital New Delhi schools are closed during winter months for long due to pollution causing bad health. Staying indoor is the key, to make maximum use of time. You can make good use of time to self-study, learn a new hobby or complete a course; there are many online courses or you can read a good book. You can use extra available time as an opportunity to learn new things or pick a new hobby.
2. Pursue an indoor hobby. For how long you have not played with Guitar or not seen your favorite movie. Chill, relax and make your day while staying inside. Learn cooking or read some books. Learn one new thing everyday that requires you to stay indoors and you will realize you have learnt a lot while alone. When you have a hobby you learn much more than what you do in a classroom. Because it's relaxing, you do not feel any pressure, and you get good results. Also this helps in improving concentration.
3. Solve some old question papers: I suppose you are well prepared to take the exams on any date, download some old question papers, or may be older, and take the test in exam-like conditions. Evaluate your performance. You can design your own question paper too. Or maybe involve a friend, ask him to set questions for you and you do one such for him. In the social media age you do not need to travel a distance for exchange of question papers with friends.
4. Pursue writing: Who knows you could be the next Sidney Sheldon. Or redesign your home using old things. Or learn a new computer language. Why not learn some Python instead. if all this does not help take to Rubik's Cube. Period!!!
Staying active is important, other things fall in place. Maybe a math lesson is toughest for you, pick a topic or maybe one such topic that is not part of your syllabus, and soon you will realize you can do it.
5. Relax. Though such holidays are really unfortunate, make the most of it. Do you remember the last time you really rested well without worrying about catching up with something early in the morning? Give your body and mind complete rest, getting bored is not bad either.
Manage your time well, its a commodity, make good use of your time, and prepare better.
Last updated: 5 September, 2025
