1) Read a small fraction of the entire syllabus: You don’t have to read everything at one stretch. Read a few chapters. It will help you remember. If you rush through them by the dozen – it will be difficult to recall.
2) Don’t stretch the sessions beyond two hours: Do not study from dawn to dusk – for 10 or 12 hours. You need to follow the below process.
- Let your study time be composed of 2-hour slots.
- Divide these 2 hours further into x 4 half hours.
- It goes like this à25-minute study + 5-minute break = 30 minutes
- Repeat the above 30-minute cycle x 4 times for two hours.
- After this two hour study period, take a 20-minute break.
- Get ready for the next 2-hour study session (you may switch to a different subject).
3) Take a quality break: Now that you have “served your time” for 2 hours (pun intended), make sure you celebrate with a ‘quality’ break. Do not use your off time thinking, calling, or messaging friends with study-related matter.
Give your mind a release. Whether you choose outdoor games, watching YouTube, listening to your favourite iTunes or mp3, or munching your favourite cookie – it’s entirely your choice.
4) Focus on the main points: The syllabus is made up of Core Material and Explanations. Core material consists of formulae, diagrams, charts and graphs. Explanations consist of examples and quotations. Study the Core Material since 75% of the questions arise from here. Make sure you read the previous years’ question papers. You may thus skim out the creamy stuff, i.e., the important points.
5) Switch subjects: Before you start, divide your subjects into categories.
I. Geography, Biology and History are memory intensive.
II. Physics, Chemistry and Maths are logic based.
III. English and Languages are interpretation based.
It is good to switch between these subject categories while studying for exams. But don’t keep switching every time. Do it after a 2-hour long study of one particular subject.
6) Write it down: Read the chapter, and underline the important points. Read these aloud while jotting them in your notepad. It helps retention when you hear it aloud and write.
7) Use proper note-taking strategies: This is how you do it.
- Breeze through the textbook and underline the important points. It should not take you more than 10 minutes.
- Convert every heading and sub-heading into potential questions – to be asked in the exam.
- Read the text again. Now write down the underlined points in your own words. Read aloud these bulleted points for better understanding.
- Ask yourself the questions you noted down (by converting sub-headings). See if you can answer them.
- Repeat these steps till you completely understand the lesson.
8) Use Visuals: Get yourself another miniature notepad or sticky notes. Now check the points you have previously underlined in the text or notepad. Convert these points into visual cues for better comprehension. E.g. you can have a sticky-note containing all the formulae in Physics. If you are studying Chemistry, you can have periodic table elements depicted in a sequence as per their appearance in the reaction. Post these stick-notes containing visual cues on your walls, cupboards or anywhere in the bed or bathrooms.
9) Revise Daily: Brush up whatever you study, every 24 hours. According to science, 75% of what you just learnt will vanish from memory – if you don’t revise. So, make sure you revise and engrave the information in your mind.
10) A good night’s sleep enhances memory: Getting at least 7 – 8 hours sleep is a must. A good night’s sleep helps convert short-term into long-term memory. Get yourself the sleep you deserve – after all the effort you have put in.
The above tips will help you comprehend your lessons better and study faster. So leave aside your anxiety and get down to the actual work. All the best for your exams!
