How to study effectively for Exams?

Enclosed in a room with the books in their hands, the students are busy studying for the GATE or ESE/IES Examination. While some of the students are finding it easy to sit for long hours and concentrate on their books, some are facing problems studying effectively for the exam. While the ESE and GATE Examination is one of the toughest examinations in the country. But it surely is not an impossible one. Every year many students face similar problems in studying and yet come out with flying colors after the exam results are out. This is due to certain factors that they feel are important and mandatory to study effectively for the examination.

In this article, we aim to share similar strategies and plans with all our students helping them overcome their fear of the examination and study effectively for the examination. But before we start with how to study effectively, we need to pay special attention to how to start preparing for the GATE or ESE Examination.

Starting Your Preparation

1. Set your goals: Before starting any job make sure you know why you want to do it. Keep your goals clear as this will be your driving force all through the preparation phase. After setting your goals, if you really feel like you want to give the exam, go ahead with your preparation. If you are still confused visit a counselor to understand things better.
2. Go through the syllabus: Having set your goals, you need to make sure what you are opting for. So go through the syllabus and understand every detail of it to the last word. Having studied all the subjects previously in the college, you will be able to understand the syllabus very well. For the GATE Examination, you will also have to study quant, reasoning, and English whereas for ESE current affairs and general awareness is also part of the syllabus. Understand the syllabus well and make sure you know it on your tips. You can also paste a copy of it right in front of your study table so that you can look at it daily.
3. Enlist: Now you know the syllabus and have set your goals, thus start enlisting. Make a list of your strong subjects, weak areas, books to be studied, and all the things that are supposed to be covered like test series, mock papers, etc.
4. Plan: Now you know the syllabus, so go ahead with planning your time. Right from hours, today, to month, plan everything depending on how much time you have left before the exam. By the examination day, you are supposed to cover the entire syllabus along with the test series, revision, and mock papers. So keep your list handy and plan your time effectively.
5. Let the Preparation Begin: Now that everything has been done from goal setting to listing to planning, all that is left is starting the preparation. So inspire yourself by watching some videos and start your preparation based on the plan you have prepared.

The Next Step

Now the preparation has started and you are following the plan but the result is not as expected. So for that, you need to increase your concentration and study effectively for the exam. This requires consistency and hard work but it surely is not an impossible thing to do. This is where your goals will motivate you and help you in following the strategy that we will be talking about now.

Finding the best way to study is a gradual process. It isn’t something that will come to you magically or come to you the night before the test. You should be constantly improving your study skills to better understand what works (and what doesn’t).

Learning how to study better helps avoid panic and frustration the next time a big test is coming up. After all, it is more likely that you will do well and be less stressed before a test if you have had time to properly review and practice the material!

Mastering effective study habits not only makes it easier to learn but will also help you during the examination of GATE OR ESE.

Study Effectively for the exam:

1. Make Realistic Plans:

The fourth point of how to start talking about the importance of a plan in the preparation of GATE or ESE. Well, though planning is important make sure you make realistic plans. Right from the start do not aim to study for 10-12 hours. Start slow and you will eventually catch up. First, learn what strategy or plan works for you and this can only be done through the hit-and-trial method. So make weekly plans and try to follow them religiously, whatever works for you start following them and continue it for a longer duration.

If you face problems in forming plans, you check the toppers talk where the toppers of various exams share their strategy and plan. Their plan may not necessarily work for you but you will get a fair idea of how to balance and plan everything from syllabus to test series to previous year questions.

2. Get Organized

Being Organized is a mandatory requirement to study effectively for exams. You must carry a small notebook at all times. Even while reading the newspaper keep a notebook beside you and try to make notes of important news. Being organized and writing things down helps you in retaining them for a longer period. It also gives you the chance to recall and revise these notes wherever and whenever possible. You can also use your phone for the same purpose by making notes on your phone on apps like Evernote.

Research has found that you are more likely to remember things when you write them than merely listening to them. Therefore, writing clear and complete notes in class will help you process the information you are learning. These notes will also become study notes that can be reviewed before a test. You can check the art of Note-making blog too.

3. Pay Attention in Class

If you have joined a coaching institute, it is important to concentrate and avoid distractions when the teacher is speaking. Practice active listening by concentrating on what’s being said and taking notes in your own words. This will help make sure you hear (and understand) what is being taught in class. Also not paying attention for even a slight duration may hamper your entire topic.

Therefore, it is necessary that you pay attention in the classroom and if any confusion arises do not hesitate to ask any questions. This will also help in remembering what you read and engraving the syllabus strongly in your mind.

4. Stay Away from Distractions

One reason why students are unable to study effectively for the exam is distractions. Distractions are everywhere—from cell phones to social media to friends. Be aware of what distracts you in class and also while you are studying. Learn to stay clear of these distractions. Avoid sitting next to friends if you know they will distract you. Turning off your cell phone will also help make sure you are paying attention to your teacher.

Even if you are taking sitting for 30 minutes for studies, make sure your phone is switched off and there is nothing breaking your attention. Inform your friends and family also about your plan so that they do not call and disturb you.

5. Be Prepared

For all those students who have joined Classroom Program, make sure that before the class you get a quick glance at the subject your teacher plans to teach that day. This will help you in understanding the subject better as then you do not hear everything for the first time instead you build upon what you have already read.

This is a very effective studying technique. Also after class, review and expand on the notes from class. Reviewing notes helps move material learned from short-term memory into long-term memory, which will help next time you have a big test.

6. Share and Socialize

If you are facing any problem in understanding any subject or topic make sure you talk to the teachers and discuss it. The teachers are there to help you in doing your best. Taking the initiative to ask for help goes a long way with teachers.

Similarly, if you are facing some personal issues do not let it stay with you. Talk to a friend or your parents and overcome the problem. These small little things that we tend to ignore every now and then sometimes become so big that they start hampering our studies and we are not able to study effectively for exams. Thus always have a good Samaritan beside you acting as your sponge taking in on your problems and helping you concentrate on the GATE or ESE Examination.

7. Designate a Study Area

The best study spot is one that is quiet, well-lit, and in a well-ventilated area. Make sure there is a clear workspace to study and write on. Everyone’s needs are different, so it is important you find a spot that works for you.

Your planning and strategy may not work without a proper studying place. So designate a place in your room for studying. You can also stick inspirational quotes, syllabus, and much more around your studying area. This will also keep you motivated and thus help in studying effectively. When we designate a place for studying our brain immediately processes the memory and whenever you are closer to that area it triggers the brain to start studying. Shifting study positions will only confuse the mind and hamper your studies

8. Study with a Group

While some students prefer studying alone, working with classmates encourages an interactive environment to keep them engaged. Group study also gives you a chance to test your knowledge with others, quiz each other on the content, and help boost each other’s confidence. Group study is also a good technique to learn more effectively and efficiently. Instead of going through all the topics on your own, you can divide the topics among your group members and in turn complete more topics in lesser time period.

Conclusion

These are some of the effective ways to study. Always remember that both ‘Smart Work and Hard Work‘ is needed to excel in the GATE or ESE Examination. So make sure to plan and strategize your preparation time very effectively. Knowing how to study effectively for exams is a skill that will benefit you for life. Developing effective study skills requires lots of time and patience.

Half of the good studying is good planning, so it is still not too late. If you have not strategized things yet, please do so as it will not only be beneficial for you during the exam but also in the life ahead. You will be able to effectively walk through life without any problems and questions running through your mind.

We hope you liked this article. Please make sure to comment below if you have any queries regarding the topic.

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