Every student works hard in order to score well in examinations, but only a few are able to get their names in the top-10 list. Exams are conducted in order to check the knowledge and understanding of students. What they fail to understand is that preparing for examinations is an amalgamation of both hard work and smart work.

In this article, we have provided some very interesting tips and tricks which will help you to improve your grades. Also, make sure to go through the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions mentioned at the end.

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How to Prepare for Examinations?

When we say that preparing for examinations requires smart work, it means one has to create a strategy and work according to it. Every student is different; for some, theoretical questions are difficult to attempt, while for others, logical reasoning questions are tough. Therefore, the study plan for each student should be different.

Mentioned below are some important pointers, which will help students to create a study plan of their own, so that exam preparation becomes easier, as well as effective for them.

  • Understand the syllabus and exam pattern: The first step before preparing for any examination should be making a list of the topics which need to be covered and the marks weightage of each topic. Segregate the topics based on which you find more difficult.
  • Schedule: A timetable helps to keep track of the topics which need to be covered. It makes your work more consistent and manageable. A schedule should be created in a format which is easy to follow and increases your concentration span.

First, complete the topics you find easy, so that you get more time to focus on the topics which are comparatively tricky. Also, remember to add some time for revision in your timetable.

  • Ways of learning: Students usually think that in order to ace the exams, they have to do rote memorisation, which is not always the case. Once you understand the concept properly, there won’t be any need to merely memorise concepts mindlessly. Conduct experiments, so that you can relate the theory with reality. For example, if you are studying about plant growth, then go to the garden to learn about plants or grow a small plant of your own. Through this you’ll be able to relate the topic with reality and comprehend it in depth.

Apart from this, try to play some fun learning games. For example, if you are learning dates from history or the periodic table, make short forms, use flashcards or play memory games related to them. Likewise, there are many other ways to make learning fun. Find yours.

  • Make notes: Students often make a habit of taking notes from their seniors or friends and referring to them. You can use these to add points which might be missing from your notes, but don’t depend on them completely. Make your own notes.

Create your notes using your understanding. Use bullet points or create diagrams to make them more concise and efficient to learn. Add short questions after every concept based on what you feel can be asked during the examination.

  • Take regular breaks: Studying at regular intervals gives your mind space to recall what you have learnt. Learning in one go will make the process complicated, so make sure to take short breaks while studying.

During this time, you can exercise, talk to your friend, listen to songs, eat something, drink water or take a walk.

  • Ask questions: Don’t shy away from asking doubts. It is good to ask queries; it shows that your mind is active and helps to strengthen the base.
  • Regular tests: Solving mock tests, practice questions and sample questions regularly helps to track the progress of your preparation and increase your speed of attempting answers. Find out where you are lagging and work on it. Try to attempt sample papers as if they are actual question papers. Set the timer and then start solving them.
  • Revision sessions: These are very important, as they help you to recall what you have learnt. Never miss out on them.

Role of Health

A healthy body is vital. When you are mentally as well as physically fit, you are able to work efficiently with more concentration. It also makes us more goal-oriented because our body feels energetic.

In addition, healthy lifestyle habits help to improve our relationships with our families and friends. They make us stress-free and boost cognitive ability. Here are some ways to create healthy lifestyle habits.

Tips to Create Healthy Habits

  • Proper diet: Take in the required nutrients, which will help you to stay healthy. As per the research made by scientists, a nutritional diet helps to increase your memory power and makes the mind stress-free.
  • Stay hydrated: It is scientifically proven that even 2% of fluid loss can lead to a decrease in concentration, so make sure that you are keeping your body hydrated. It helps to prevent lethargy and fatigue.
  • Regular exercise: Keep your bones and muscles active. Go for a run regularly or play a favourite outdoor sport of your choice for at least an hour every day.
  • Sleeping schedule: Wake up early in the morning and go to sleep early at night. Take 8 hours of proper sleep to freshen up your mind.
  • Multivitamins: Even though we try to take as many nutrients through our meals as possible, due to the increase in pollution and other harmful effects, the nutritional value of food is decreasing. Consult your doctor and enquire which vitamins and supplements are required by your body and how to consume them.
  • Screen time: Avoid spending too much time on screen. Instead, indulge in some other activity. Increased screen time can negatively affect your eyes and the concentration of your brain.

Take Help

There’s a myth among students that taking tuition or enrolling themselves in coaching centres showcases that they are weak, which is not true at all. Coaching centres are set up only to guide you and resolve all the issues keeping you from scoring well in examinations.

In school, teachers have to take care of a lot of students in a very limited period of time. It’s not practically possible for teachers to pay attention to every single student. However, at tuition, the main aim of teachers is to focus on each student. At schools, you don’t get the chance to select your teachers, but at tuition, you do.

Select the teacher of your choice based on the teaching style you are more comfortable with. Ask all your doubts, clarify them, and strengthen your base. A strong foundation helps to make the learning process easy. It’s like finding a mentor who guides you through the hurdles of achieving your goals. So don’t shy away; take help if required.

BYJU’S aims to deliver the required resources to help students ace their exams, whether it’s providing learning lessons from the subject experts, great study materials or an excellent learning environment. You have the option to take online classes or offline classes, based on your preference. So check out our official website and find your tutor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1

Is it possible to score an A in examinations?

Yes, it is possible to score an A in all examinations. You have to study thoroughly and take proper care of your health. Apart from these, make a habit of presenting your answers neatly. Mark necessary details, leave gaps after each answer, read every question twice and then attempt the answer. This helps to make your answer sheet more presentable.

Q2

How many hours do toppers study a day?

Every student is different; some require more effort than others. Toppers find a way that suits them best and learn according to it. Some don’t study more than 4 hours a day, while others study for nearly 16 hours a day. It all depends on the learning capacity and concentration of a student.

Q3

What is the best time to study?

It depends on person to person. Some people feel more active in the morning; on the other hand, others are at their best during night time studies. Find the time when your mind feels more active and fresh. An energetic mind learns faster and is more focused.