How to Study During Exams: A Practical Day-by-Day Routine

During exams, your goal is not to relearn everything from the beginning. It is to use the limited time available calmly and intelligently.

Forget the previous exam for now

The paper is over. Move to the marks that are still in your control.

Start with the next exam

Priority should usually depend on which paper is next and how much preparation it still needs.

Divide the syllabus into three groups

I know this well. I know this partly. I am weak here. Give more time to areas where extra effort can still improve performance.

Use active revision

Write formulas, solve questions, explain topics, draw diagrams and answer without looking.

Keep the phone away during focus time

Reduce the number of decisions you have to make about checking it.

Make one final revision sheet

Keep only the formulas, definitions, dates, diagrams and mistakes you want to see once more.

Sleep and eat normally

Your body is part of exam preparation too.

If you have two days

Use Day 1 for difficult topics and practice; Day 2 for revision, self-testing and correction.

If you have only a few hours

Prioritise core concepts and what you partly know instead of trying to master the whole book.

When unsure, use: Review → Test → Correct → Repeat.