Long hours of staring at books during exams can leave you drained. You may read page after page, only to realise later that nothing really stayed in your head. That’s because your brain isn’t built for marathon sessions — it works better in short, sharp bursts. One of the smartest ways to do this, especially now during exams, is the Pomodoro Technique.
Here’s how it works. Pick one topic or chapter. Set a timer for 25 minutes and give it your complete focus — no phone, no wandering thoughts. When the timer rings, stop immediately and take a 5-minute break. Stretch, drink water, or just close your eyes. Then start another 25-minute round. After four such sessions, take a longer break of 15–20 minutes before moving on.
Why is this so powerful during exams? Because your brain can only hold deep focus for around half an hour. By studying in sprints, you stop fatigue from setting in and give your memory time to absorb what you’ve just learnt. Those mini breaks act like “reset buttons” that refresh your mind.
Instead of slogging for 5–6 hours, try two focused hours of Pomodoro sprints. You’ll be surprised at how much you remember when you actually sit for your paper.
The 25–5 balance
The brain works best in short bursts of about 25 minutes with a 5-minute rest.
Breaks and memory
Small pauses between study sessions help lock information into long-term memory.
Spaced success
Students using Pomodoro often score higher in exams than those who cram.
An Italian invention
The method was created by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s with a tomato-shaped timer.