Forming good habits for exams
1. Designate a daily schedule
· It is advisable to have a proper daily study schedule throughout the exam preparation.
· By reserving a specific time each day for studying, it can be easier to focus, because you won't have to worry about any other priorities competing for your attention
2. Study space
· Choose a well-lit area that is void of disturbances.
· Make it clean and organized.
· Make a habit of sitting in the same place for your studies.
· A library or any study circle area may be an option too if you are not distracted by movements.
3. Materials:
· Make sure to gather all the materials before the night to ensure a seamless study session
· Make sure that you have your texts, notes, writing utensils, highlighters, and other necessary supplies
4. Distractions:
· Electronic devices are a big distraction, so remember to turn off your phone and television.
· When you need to use your computer during your study session, stay away from social media, email, and off-topic websites
· Keep your phone in another room and check it only during your study break.
5. Planner
· It's okay for your plan to be a general outline initially.
· Don't let your planning waste the time you plan to use for studying.
· Break the information down so you're only tackling a little each day. That can keep you from feeling overwhelmed, and it will be easier to reward yourself continuously for sticking to your plan
· Have a dedicated planner and track your progress. This will help you with what you are missing out on.
6. Notes:
· Use keywords, abbreviations while taking notes. Your notes should be succinct and rich.
· Organize your notes in various subtopics and give them side headings.
· Use flowcharts, diagrams, Mnemonics, and Mindmaps where ever necessary.
· Do not write down everything. Also, there is another issue of not writing down enough
· Important statistics/ facts should be a part of your notes. Any relevant quotes available should be included.
· Also, you can record your classes digitally so that you can make proper notes from the lectures. Check with your teacher or professor to make sure that it's okay to record the lecture.
· Don't use this as an excuse to not take notes during class. You should still take notes to help yourself learn the material.
7. Test
· Test yourself frequently. Joining and getting feedbacks from a qualified mentor through Test Series is a must for UPSC preparation.
· Having a study group and random quizzes will be a good way to test, revise, and have a varied view of the topics.
· Teaching others also is the best way to know how well you have learned the subject.
8. Break
· Any task is just too huge to achieve without achieving mini-goals along the way.
· Plan in such a way that you do it consistently with planned breaks.
· The break time should make you relax and rejuvenate you for the next study session.
· Sleep and eat well.
Whatever maybe try to stick to your habits most of the time. Even if you fail a few times, get back to that again soon.
All the best!
