Whether you're in school, college, or preparing for competitive exams, studying smart is always better than just studying hard. We all know someone who seems to get good marks without burning the midnight oil. Ever wondered what their secret is?
Well, the truth is, they probably follow some simple but super-effective study hacks. And in this post, I’m going to share 10 of them — ones that every student should know, but many still don’t.
.jpg "10 Study Hacks Every Student Should Know (But Probably Doesn’t)")
I wish someone told me these back when I was in college. It would’ve saved me a lot of late-night panic sessions!
1. The 25/5 Rule (Pomodoro Technique, Desi Style)
Ever tried studying for hours only to forget everything later? Same here.
Try this instead: Study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After 4 cycles, take a longer break (say 20-30 minutes).
Why it works? It trains your brain to focus for short bursts. Plus, those breaks refresh your mind without killing momentum. I started this during my final-year exams, and honestly, it felt like a game-changer.
2. Teach What You Learn (Even if It's to Your Wall)
This might sound silly, but it’s gold.
After studying a topic, try to teach it out loud — like you're explaining it to a friend or your younger sibling. If you can't explain it simply, you probably need to understand it better.
When I started pretending to “teach” my empty room, I could remember things much faster. It also made revision fun!
3. Study with a Timer, Not Your Mood
Your mood changes. A timer doesn’t.
Instead of waiting to “feel like studying”, set a timer and just start. Even 10 minutes is better than 0. Most of the time, once you begin, you’ll keep going.
Tip: Use your phone’s stopwatch or free apps like “Focus To-Do”.
4. Use Colours (But Don’t Go Full Picasso)
Highlighting isn’t just for making your notes look pretty.
Use different colours for different things — like red for formulas, blue for definitions, green for examples. It helps your brain link information better.
I used to do this while revising chemistry — my formulas were always in red, so I could recall them just by colour during exams.
5. Turn Boring Notes into Flashcards
Long notes are boring. Flashcards? Much easier.
Write a question on one side and the answer on the back. You can even use free apps like Anki or Quizlet.
Flashcards are great for subjects like Biology, History, or any topic with facts. I remember making flashcards for Civics in Class 10 — helped me get full marks!
6. Don’t Just Read — Write it Down
Reading a topic once isn’t enough. The real magic happens when you write it in your own words.
Try this: After reading, close your book and write down what you remember. Then, compare it. This helps cement things in your memory. It worked wonders for me during board exam prep.
7. Study Before You Sleep (Yes, Really)
Whatever you study right before sleeping tends to stick better in your memory. Just don’t overdo it — 15-20 minutes is enough.
During my NEET prep, I used to revise key formulas before bed. By morning, they felt more familiar, even if I hadn’t mastered them completely the night before.
8. Make a Study Playlist (No Lyrics!)
Music can help you focus — but only the right kind. Try soft instrumental or lo-fi beats. Lyrics can be distracting.
You can find many “study with me” playlists on YouTube or Spotify. It makes solo studying feel less lonely too.
9. Use the Feynman Technique
It’s simple:
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Choose a topic.
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Try explaining it like you're teaching a 5-year-old.
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Identify gaps in your explanation.
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Go back, learn more, and simplify again.
This works for tough topics like physics or maths. I once tried this with Newton’s laws — ended up understanding them better than from the textbook!
10. Create a “Cheat Sheet” (But Don’t Use It in Exams!)
Before exams, condense everything into one page — key formulas, dates, definitions. This helps with last-minute revision and shows you what’s most important.
Call it your “brain map” or “super summary”. Making one helped me stay calm during my 12th boards.
Bonus Tips 💡
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Keep a water bottle nearby. Hydration helps your brain.
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Sit at a proper desk. Beds = naps.
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Turn off phone notifications or use "Focus Mode".
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Join a study group (but avoid gossip groups! 😅)
Final Thoughts
Studying doesn’t have to be painful or boring. With these study hacks, you can learn smarter and save time — while also reducing exam stress. Try one or two this week and see the difference yourself.
If any of these tips helped you, share this article with your classmates or post it in your college WhatsApp group. 📲
And hey — don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more useful study hacks, productivity tips, and motivation!
Let’s make studying less stressful — one smart hack at a time. 💪
