Handling any examination requires suitable studying. Studying involves disciplining oneself. Discipline means motivating, planning and organising studying.

Getting motivated is a difficult task for most persons. To make this possible, one should have a goal. Goals can be short term like doing well in the examination on hand. Or long-term – “I should study pharmacy and eventually set up my own manufacturing unit. From the long-term goals emerge sub-goals – “I need to get a high percentage of marks in chemistry and biology.”

To achieve the sub-goals one must set up a good routine. A realistic time table should be drawn up and followed strictly:

*Waking up time;
*Getting ready time;
*School time;
*Relaxing/eating time;
*Study time; and
*Resting time.

Different plans for school days and holidays are a must. One needs to pay attention to eating, sleeping and exercising to stay healthy because studying requires maintaining good physical health.

How to develop good study habits:

Have a fixed time
Have a fixed place
Have a fixed schedule
Follow this, as a rule, always.

Start your study with subjects that you like and then move on to the less preferred ones. Spend more time on those subjects/topics that are difficult. This would help you gain mastery over these. This a motivational strategy.

Always have a time-frame for completing your studies.

Certain lessons/subjects will take a  longer time. Be prepared to extend the study hours to take care of them.

How to study effectively?

Use the SQ 3R method

S – Scan the lesson/chapter to understand what the subject matter is all about. For example, a poem about a dream, an explanation of the theory of relativity or important dates during India’s freedom struggle. This would help you focus better.

Q – For each lesson/chapter/topic, there would be sample questions at the end, or the teacher would have suggested some. If there are none, you can get the questions from previous examinations or you can develop your own questions for each topic. Once the questions are in front of you, begin reading the lesson/chapter.

R1 – Read with a view to finding answers to the questions in front of you. As you read, write down the major points to be covered in the answer.

R2 – Then in your own words recite or recall the salient points of the answer. This would help in consolidating your understanding of the answer.

R3 – Revise the material so that it stays in your memory. This completes one step of studying for one question.

Do the same till all the suggested questions are answered for a given chapter/lesson and follow the same procedure for all lessons.

If the material to be studied is long, break it into meaningful smaller units and proceed. If it is a short material then study at one go.

And always study actively!

This means noting down key points as you are reading/studying. Look up terms, formulae, theories, etc., very carefully. Underline or highlight important points in the lesson. Make diagrams or charts. Compare and contrast what you read. This improves understanding. You have to get involved to study well.

Tips for studying when time is tight:

Extend your study time and set priorities. Prioritising implies focusing on those topics that are most likely to come up in the examinations, the concepts and lessons that have the highest marks value and topics that usually figure in “compulsory answer” category.

How to revise effectively?

Make it short – Make it count – Study in short bursts – Take breaks.

After 30 to 45 minutes of intense study, take 5 minutes off. This helps sustain your motivation. Breaks also help you de-stress.

Avoid slacking off! When the examinations are ahead, say `No’ to: watching TV, washing your hair, cleaning the drawers, walking the dog, talking to your friends, leisurely eating and all other irrelevant activities. This helps you stay focused.

Getting ready for the examination:

One week before – Only revise essential points Catch up with stuff you have fallen behind in
Refresh yourself with light, stretching exercises

The night before – STAY CALM. Never compare your studies/notes, etc., with others because this will get you upset. Do not tire yourself by overexerting. Have a regular/nutritious diet and get a good night’s rest.

The crucial day: Ensure you have packed everything needed for the examination. Reach the examination hall half an hour before the start, visit the toilet, take your seat, close your eyes and engage in deep breathing. This will help you soothe your nerves and stay alert.

When the question paper is in your hands, scan it first, read and absorb the directions given at the top – compulsory questions, different sections, the number of questions to be answered, word limits if any, and type of answers (e.g., multiple choice, short answers and essays.) Be aware of the marks allotted to each question and use time on the answers accordingly.

Before starting to write the answers,  devote a couple of minutes to scan and understand the question paper, Two minutes for revision, a minute to ensure that all answer sheets, maps, graphs, etc., are tied securely and that the roll number is clearly written. This means 5 minutes off the exam time!

Now proceed: Make a mental chart of the time to be spent on each question, section, parts, etc., of the exam; Keep track of this schedule as you answer each question; Work rapidly but do not sacrifice accuracy; Never waste time on a difficult question, skip it and come back later to answer it. Take up the question that you can answer best, first. Ensure that the correct question number is written for every answer; Carry out a revision and change if you have to and there is time. End the session!

Guessing in an examination: Guess an answer only if there are no negative marks for a wrong answer.

De-Stressing: Do gentle exercises like walking and stretching. Sleep well. Avoid heavy and spicy food and stick to light and nutritious meal. Consume a lot of water, milk, etc., and avoid coffee and tea.

Remember that examination is no scary event and tell yourself that you know how to manage.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!