Let’s be honest — studying for hours and still forgetting everything during exams is one of the most frustrating things ever. I’ve been there, flipping through pages for hours, only to realise later that nothing really stuck in my head.
But guess what? The secret to better results is not studying harder — it’s about studying smarter.
Thanks to some pretty solid research (and a bit of trial and error on my part), I’ve found that certain techniques can actually help you study better in less time. And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or genius-level IQ to use them.
Here are 7 science-backed study methods that actually work — and can help you become more efficient with your time and energy.
1. Use Active Recall Instead of Passive Reading
This is probably the most powerful method I’ve ever used.
Most of us read our notes again and again, hoping the information will magically stay in our heads. But research shows that active recall — where you try to remember the information without looking — is far more effective.
For example, after reading a chapter, close your book and ask yourself:
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What did I just learn?
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Can I explain it in my own words?
You can also quiz yourself or use flashcards. I remember using this method for my Class 12 Biology — I’d read one page, then try to explain it out loud like I was teaching someone. It actually helped me remember faster.
2. Space Out Your Study Sessions (Spacing Effect)
Cramming the night before an exam may feel productive, but it actually leads to quicker forgetting.
Science says it's better to study the same topic multiple times over a few days. This is called spaced repetition.
Let’s say you have to study a chapter in history. Instead of reading it all in one go, do it like this:
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Day 1: Read and make short notes.
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Day 2: Revise using your notes.
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Day 4: Test yourself on the key points.
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Day 6: Quick final review.
I tried this for physics formulas, and I noticed I could recall them more easily even weeks later.
3. Mix Up Subjects While Studying (Interleaving)
Most students study one subject at a time — like doing maths for 3 hours straight. But mixing up different topics or subjects (called interleaving) can actually improve understanding and memory.
So instead of this:
3 hrs Maths → 3 hrs Chemistry → 3 hrs English
Try this:
1 hr Maths → 1 hr Chemistry → 1 hr English → Repeat cycle
This method keeps your brain more alert and helps you make better connections between topics. I started doing this while preparing for my NEET exams, and I could solve more mixed-type questions confidently.
4. Sleep After Studying
This might sound strange, but sleep actually helps your brain remember what you studied.
When you sleep, your brain processes and stores the information you learned. So, try to study before going to bed, even for 30 minutes.
I once revised a list of English vocabulary before sleeping. The next morning, I was surprised that I remembered almost every word without revising again. Try it and see — it really works!
5. Study in Short Bursts with Breaks (Pomodoro Technique)
Long study sessions often lead to burnout. Instead, break your study time into small chunks.
Here’s the simple technique:
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Study for 25 minutes
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Take a 5-minute break
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After 4 rounds, take a longer 15-30 minute break
It’s called the Pomodoro Technique, and it helps you stay fresh and focused. I personally use it while studying theory-heavy subjects like Political Science. It keeps me from getting bored and distracted.
6. Teach Someone Else (Or Pretend To!)
If you can explain a concept in your own words, you really understand it. This is called the Feynman Technique, and it’s one of the best ways to strengthen your understanding.
Next time you learn a topic, try explaining it to your sibling, friend — or even your wall! I’ve done this many times, especially during board exams. Talking aloud makes you realise what you actually know and what you still need to revise.
7. Use Visual Aids: Diagrams, Mind Maps, and Charts
Our brains remember images better than plain text. So, wherever possible, use visual learning methods.
Instead of writing long paragraphs, try:
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Drawing flowcharts
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Creating mind maps
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Using colour-coded notes
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Watching concept explanation videos (YouTube is full of them)
For example, while preparing for Geography, I drew maps and labelled them by hand. It made revision faster and more interesting than reading lines of text.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to study 10 hours a day to get great results. You just need to use your time wisely and follow methods that actually work. These science-backed hacks will help you remember better, understand faster, and feel less stressed.
Remember: Smart study > Hard study.
So the next time you sit to study, try one or two of these methods. Slowly, make them a habit — and you’ll notice a big difference in your confidence and performance.
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Happy studying!
