As board exams approach, households across India brace for weeks of tension, late-night study sessions, and meticulous planning. For students, these tests often feel like decisive moments that could shape their entire future. Offering a message to stay calm in all the chaos, former HCL Technologies CEO Vineet Nayar shared his thoughts on X, challenging the notion that academic scores alone dictate long-term success.
He wrote, “If board exams decided life, half the CEOs would be unemployed. Let that sink in.”
While stressing that diligence and preparation remain essential, Nayar encouraged students to keep perspective, noting, “Boards are important. But they are not your destiny.”
A Lesson From Personal Experience
Reflecting on his own time as a CBSE student in 1979, Nayar recalled a moment of intense anxiety after a Chemistry exam. He said, “At 17, I walked out of my Chemistry exam knowing I had messed it up. Full panic mode. A cousin looked at me and asked, ‘Will you die if you fail?’ I said no. ‘Then why are you treating it as a life and death situation?’ That question changed everything.”
IF BOARD EXAMS DECIDED LIFE, HALF THE CEOs WOULD BE UNEMPLOYED Let that sink in.Boards are important.But they are not your destiny.At 17, I walked out of my Chemistry exam knowing I had messed it up.Full panic mode.A cousin looked at me and asked,“Will you die if you… pic.twitter.com/FED0Cmi90q
— Vineet Nayar (@vineetnayar) February 13, 2026
This simple question helped him regain composure and approach subsequent exams with confidence. Nayar explained, “Two days later, I had Maths. I studied calmly. Walked in steady. Crushed it.”
Perspective Beyond The Classroom
Drawing on his experience, Nayar highlighted the distinction between exam performance and real-world challenges: “Here’s the truth: Exams test memory. Life tests courage. Boards are a level in the game. Not the whole game. So sleep. Study hard. Give it your best shot. Then accept the result.”
He encouraged students to maintain a steady mindset, reminding them, “Life is bigger than one exam. Look in the mirror and say: ‘Not life or death. Best shot. No fear.’ And occasionally, shout: ‘Dad, omelette please… and don’t forget the mango shake!’ Let parents cook and worry. Your job is to prepare and stay steady. To every student reading this: The Board Exam Bully survives on fear. Starve it! You’ve got this, my friend!”
