An effective study plan can enhance your learning by helping you organise your time and boosting your productivity. By consistently sticking to a plan, you can witness your academic performance getting better, minimise last-minute anxiety, and boost overall confidence in the learning journey. But creating an effective plan requires effort, and it is never a one-size-fits-all technique. Each individual has a different lifestyle, so choosing the one that works for you will help you the most.

Here are a few tips to help you create an efficient study plan -

1. Understand your commitments and learning style

• List down all your commitments and responsibilities. Include your academic class timings and other classes, including your hobbies and co-curricular activities, as they are equally important.
• Decide the amount of reasonable time needed for each activity and plan accordingly. Use time management apps to plan this. Refer to our blogs to learn more - https://www.igauge.in/blogs/15-best-time-management-apps-for-students-in-2024
  
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• Learn about yourself and decide which study time suits you the best – Mornings, evenings, night times, etc. But ensure you do not stay up late nights to study, as good sleep is crucial. Think about whether you need short breaks in shorter intervals or you prefer longer breaks in longer intervals, etc.

Based on these ideas, you can create a plan to suit your lifestyle and needs. Use planners, spreadsheets, and digital calendars to schedule a practical study plan.

2. Define your learning goals

Define your goals. Set short-term goals (to be assessed end of each day or every week), or long-term goals (to be assessed every month or every trimester, or every semester). Ensure to make the goals SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

E.g., Every day goals can include tasks as simple as – Reviewing today’s chapter for 15 minutes in the evening.

Long-term goals can include working on your limitations and improving them over a period of 3-6 months or 1 year. E.g., developing more confidence in speaking and answering in class.  

3. Divide your syllabus

Divide your lessons into manageable chunks. Work on chapters that need more attention first and then move to simpler ones.

Tip: Highlight challenging chapters in red and relatively easier ones in green so that the mind can visualise and organise this better.

4. Keep the plan flexible

If a plan doesn’t work for you after a few days, there is no harm in modifying or adjusting it to suit you better. There is no hard and fast rule to make a single plan work. Be flexible to constantly assess and change the plans to fit your needs. Include buffer time in your schedule to allow your mind to enjoy those small wins when you finish a topic beforehand!

7. Allocate time for revisions

• Ensure there is time allocated for revision as well, so that you are not burdened towards the end to revise everything in one go. Use techniques like spaced repetition (revisiting material at increasing intervals) to aid memory retention. ​
• Refer to and answer practice question papers and other similar material. Incorporate mock tests as much as possible.
  

8. Create a distraction-free environment

Creating a study place that enables you to focus better is as important as the study plan itself. Refer to our blog to know more – https://www.igauge.in/blogs/how-to-build-a-distraction-free-study-environment-at-home

9. Prioritise Health

While you are focused on studying, do not ignore your health! Have your meals at regular times, exercise every day, and prioritise sleep to maintain energy and focus. Mental health matters. It significantly impacts the academic performance and overall well-being. Include mindfulness and meditation in your routine to beat stress and anxiety. Read our blog - https://www.igauge.in/blogs/stress-management-tips-for-students

Conclusion

A good study plan is one that works for you. One that doesn’t pressurise you but aids you in improving your productivity and makes your goals achievable. Create the most practical plan. While making space for your studies, revision, mock tests, etc., do not forget to add your family commitments, meal time, sleep, and breaks for relaxation.

Disclaimer

The blog is curated by referring to various credible sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of QS I-GAUGE. The information provided is for general informational purposes only, readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions.