Preparing for the All India Sainik Schools Entrance Exam (AISSEE) is a big step for young students aiming to join prestigious Sainik Schools. The exam is competitive, and even well-prepared students can lose marks because of simple mistakes. Many of these errors are not because students don’t know the answers, but because they fall into common traps like misreading questions, silly calculation errors, or nervousness on exam day.
In this guide, we will highlight the Common AISSEE Exam Mistakes and provide practical tips for students and parents to help avoid them.
Why is the AISSEE Exam Challenging?
The AISSEE exam tests a student’s knowledge in subjects like Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, and Reasoning. Since most candidates are between 10 to 12 years old and also attend regular school, balancing preparation and avoiding exam-day errors becomes a challenge.
Many students work hard but still fail to secure admission because of mistakes that could easily be avoided with the right approach and awareness.
Common Mistakes Students Make in the AISSEE Exam
1. Misreading Questions
One of the most frequent mistakes is misreading what the question is actually asking. This can happen due to:
- Rushing through the question
- Not paying attention to keywords like “NOT”, “EXCEPT”, “TRUE”, or “FALSE”
- Confusing similar terms
How to Avoid It:
- Teach children to slow down when reading each question.
- Underline key words or phrases before solving.
- Encourage reading the question twice, especially in reasoning and English sections.
2. Calculation Errors in Mathematics
Mathematics forms a significant portion of the AISSEE exam, and many students lose marks because of basic calculation mistakes:
- Forgetting to carry over numbers in addition or subtraction
- Missing out on units (cm, m, kg, etc.)
- Writing the wrong answer despite correct method
How to Avoid It:
- Practice solving problems with neat and clear steps.
- Revise multiplication tables and mental math regularly.
- During the exam, if time allows, recheck calculations.
3. Leaving Questions Blank Without Trying
Some students panic when they see a tough question and leave it blank without even attempting to apply logic or elimination methods.
How to Avoid It:
- Teach students simple guessing strategies, like eliminating obviously wrong choices.
- Encourage them to attempt every question where negative marking is not applicable.
- Build confidence through mock tests.
4. Overconfidence and Carelessness
Some students, especially those who have performed well in practice tests, develop overconfidence. This often leads to:
- Skipping instructions
- Careless reading of questions
- Not checking answers
How to Avoid It:
- Remind children that every exam requires full focus, no matter how confident they are.
- Make it a habit to double-check answers, especially in Maths.
5. Poor Time Management During the Exam
Many students either spend too much time on difficult questions or finish too early without reviewing their answers.
How to Avoid It:
- Practice solving sample papers within a time limit at home.
- Teach children to move on if they are stuck on a question and return to it later.
- Allocate specific time per section during practice.
6. Ignoring General Knowledge and Current Affairs
Some students focus only on Maths and English and ignore General Knowledge, which also carries weight in the AISSEE exam.
How to Avoid It:
- Set aside at least 10-15 minutes daily for GK preparation.
- Use children’s magazines, news for kids, and simple GK books.
7. Not Practicing the OMR Sheet
The AISSEE exam is conducted using an OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet where students fill bubbles to mark their answers. Many young students are not used to this format.
How to Avoid It:
- Give students mock tests using real OMR sheets to practice bubbling answers correctly.
- Teach them how to avoid stray marks or multiple bubbles.
8. Last-Minute Preparation and Cramming
Some students (and parents) start focusing seriously only in the last few weeks, which leads to rushed preparation and unnecessary stress.
How to Avoid It:
- Start preparation at least 4-6 months in advance.
- Make a daily study timetable that balances regular school and entrance exam practice.
- Revise regularly instead of cramming at the end.
9. Not Taking Care of Health Before the Exam
Falling sick before or on exam day is unfortunately common because of lack of sleep, stress, or poor diet.
How to Avoid It:
- Ensure that students sleep early in the days leading to the exam.
- Maintain a healthy diet and avoid junk food.
- Encourage relaxation through play, hobbies, or light exercise.
10. Forgetting Required Materials on Exam Day
Many children forget to carry essential items like:
- Admit Card
- Stationery (pencils, erasers, sharpeners)
- Transparent pouch
- Drinking water
How to Avoid It:
- Prepare an exam-day checklist the night before.
- Involve the student in packing their own bag to build responsibility.
Additional Tips for Parents to Support Young AISSEE Aspirants
- Be patient and encouraging. Avoid putting too much pressure.
- Discuss common mistakes after every practice test so your child learns to avoid them.
- Use positive reinforcement when the child improves.
- Teach time management through real-life examples.
Conclusion
The AISSEE exam is an important milestone for students aiming to enter Sainik Schools. However, even smart, hardworking children can lose valuable marks due to avoidable mistakes such as misreading questions, calculation errors, poor time management, or overconfidence.
By being aware of these common pitfalls and practicing smart strategies, students can boost their performance and improve their chances of success. Parents play a vital role by helping children develop disciplined study habits, maintain good health, and stay calm under pressure.
Consistent practice, careful reading, time management, and a positive mindset are the keys to avoiding these mistakes and excelling in the AISSEE exam.
For more preparation tips, sample questions, mock tests, and admission updates, visit our website dedicated to Sainik School aspirants.