10 Study Hacks Every Student Should Follow Before Exams 

Exams are an important part of every student's academic career. The syllabus is vast and conceptually deep, so it is important to work smart. If you are wondering how to study smart and be less stressed about exams, here are 10 study hacks that will help you perform better and feel more confident during exams. 

 

1. 1. Be Regular, Not Cramming
   Cramming the night before the exam can create panic. Instead, develop a habit of studying every day, so that your memory is strengthened and you do not need to cram. Making revision a daily habit is a way to remove panic for last minute preparation. 

 

1. 2. Use a Study Plan
   Having a study plan can change everything. Prepare a realistic timetable and try to stick to it. The timetable should allocate more time to subjects or topics that are difficult for you. Try to prepare a study timetable during your peak time, which is usually in the morning. 

 

1. 3. Study Sincerely, Not Just Seriously
   When you truly learn, you do not memorize. Studies are based on concepts which is most easily understood if you relate them to real life situations. Whether studying the principles of management or the law of demand, relate the concepts to practice. Real life situations make it relevant and therefore easier to remember. 

 

1. 4. Select Discipline over Motivation Let's be honest, motivation can be absent. Discipline is where it steps in. Set daily targets and stick to them regardless of whether you want to or not. It's the daily habit of showing up, which provides results, as opposed to momentary sparks of motivation. 

 

1. 5. Go on a Digital Diet Can you imagine studying as having to compete against an iPhone? I think we sometimes underestimate the time loops and spirals we find ourselves in. Even closing out social media won't entirely solve the problem; there are still massive distractions of social media but now we've added cell phone apps and smart phone browsing. You can turn down many notifications and even track your phone use, or download productivity apps that limit your screen time. “Digital detoxing” when preparing for exams can save hoards of time. 

 

1. 6. Get Quality Sleep Although burning the midnight oil might seem like trial by fire, it can also lead to burnout. Sleep is not only essential but non-negotiable for our most basic cognitive work. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep habitually on a nightly basis. A brain that is well rested comes through alive on exam day. 

 

1. 7. Practice Past Papers Completing previous years’ question papers is a magic strategy. It gives good insight into exam patterns and exposes weakness. Practice papers in time conditions that suits the exam can increase speed, accuracy and confidence.

 

1. 8. Use Visual Learning Tools In commerce courses, you will study a lot of theory. Use visual learning tools like mind maps, flash cards, and charts to break down and learn ideas because they help you with recall and revision is faster and more efficient with visuals.

 

1. 9. Teach What You Have Learned One of the best ways to test your knowledge is to try to teach someone else about a topic. Teaching requires you to break down your ideas and organise your thinking and shows you where there are gaps in your learning. 

 

1. 10. Don't Forget Self Care And finally, don't forget about self-care! Make sure you feed and hydrate your brain and have breaks to give your body a chance to rest after studying for a long period. A quick 5-minute walk, make yourself a herbal tea and little things like that help get your brain away from trying to study so your mind can re-focus on what you have studied.

 

Preparing for exams should be effortless. A combination of a good strategy, discipline, and self-care can put you in the best position to walk into an exam hall feeling prepared and confident. Remember, it is not about studying more, it's about studying smarter.  

 

Until we meet again, all the best, future professionals! 

 

 

Written by,  

Dr. Saba Inamdar 

Assistant Professor & HOD in Charge 

Presidency School of Commerce