Exam preparation: Ten study tips

Exam preparation requires you to study and review your syllabus material thoroughly so you are well prepared and ready to perform your best. Don’t panic! Learn how to study for an exam, step-by-step.

Start Early & Make a Study Plan

A study plan is essentially a breakdown of how you are going to start your preparations. Determine how much time you need for each subject. Know the style of your learning, how you feel best during learning, reading/seeing something, or doing it? Set your goals while making your study plans, and think through what you need to accomplish during the study time.

Avoid last-minute cramming. Plan your study schedule weeks in advance. You can also schedule the amount of time you want to spend studying, according to your learning preferences. Break down topics into daily goals and allocate more time for difficult subjects.

Use Active Recall

Focus on testing yourself, where you continuously test yourself by pulling information out of your memory instead of just passively reading notes. Active recall works by testing yourself by recalling key concepts from memory.

Like, cover your notes and try explaining the topic in your own words. Review the information you’re studying at increasing intervals, for example: the day after your lesson, three days later, then a week after that.

Follow the Pomodoro Technique

Study in focused 25–50 minute sessions, followed by a 5–10 minute break. The technique is defined as a method “made up of processes, tools, principles, and values to learn how to deal with time and turn it from a vicious predator to an ally to boost productivity.” Each of these focus periods, plus a break period, is called a Pomodoro—after the tomato-shaped timer first used to test the method. This prevents burnout and keeps your brain fresh.

Use Spaced Repetition

Spaced Repetition is a learning method where you have regular, short study sessions over a longer period. It’s more effective than cramming everything at once because it gives your brain more time to properly store new information. Study a topic today → Revise it in 2 days → Review again in a week.
This strategy is not just effective, but it’s also flexible and can be adapted to various learning contexts and tools, from physical flashcards to advanced learning software.

The spacing effect was first explored by psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus in the late 1880s. Through a series of memory experiments with nonsensical syllables, Ebbinghaus charted the rate at which memories decay over time, resulting in the influential Forgetting Curve. However, he also discovered that with spaced repetitions, the rate of decay could be significantly reduced. This laid the groundwork for the development of the spaced repetition technique.

Practice with Past Papers & Mock Tests

“Practice makes a man perfect.” Practice will equip you with various aspects that you will need to achieve your desired goal. Practicing increases speed and accuracy. Solving previous years’ question papers improves confidence and time management. Try taking mock exams under real test conditions to simulate the actual exam.

Make Smart Notes (Cornell Method)

The key to good and efficient studying lies in the intelligent organisation of ideas and notes. When you are studying, the physical act of writing can help you remember better than just listening or reading. Research shows that taking notes by hand is more effective than typing on a laptop. Write concise, structured notes instead of copying everything; highlight key points, formulas, and definitions. The Cornell note-taking method is a system for taking and organizing notes before, during, and after the lecture.

Study Actively – Teach & Discuss

The active learning method will ask student to engage in their learning by thinking, discussing, investigating, and creating. Teaching a concept to a friend or even yourself helps reinforce learning. When students work to teach others, they are coming up with information from memory (rather than just reading it), and they often need to think of new ways to explain something. Group discussions can also clarify doubts and provide different perspectives.

Stay Healthy – Sleep, Hydrate & Exercise

Adopt a healthy lifestyle, get 7–9 hours of sleep for better concentration and memory. Drink plenty of water and eat brain-boosting foods (nuts, fruits, fish). Take short walks or exercise to stay energized. While diet, exercise, and sleep influence one another in complex and innumerable ways, improving all three may be more beneficial for both physical and mental health.

Avoid Distractions & Stay Focused

Create a dedicated study space with minimum distractions. Distractions can take many forms, including our phones, computers, friends, or our own thoughts. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb or use apps like Forest or StayFocusd. Study in a quiet environment or listen to instrumental music for concentration.

Stay Calm & Believe in Yourself

Cultivate your inner peace and confidence; lacking self-confidence and filled with self-doubt, it can hold you back. Don’t stress—stay positive and trust your preparation. Believing in yourself can give you the confidence to embrace challenges and pursue your dreams. Practice deep breathing or meditation to reduce anxiety. On exam day, read questions carefully, manage time well, and stay confident!

Bonus Tip: Revise important points the night before and get a good rest instead of cramming.

You got this! Best of luck with your exams!

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