Nisha, studying in class XI (Science) came to me looking really worried.

“What’s up?” I asked her. “Where’s the beaming smile today?”

“Board exams are 14 days away and I’ve to revise seven subjects! The syllabus is so vast. How am I going to get it done?”

“Don’t worry, Nisha. I’ll give you five tips to help you revise in time.”

1. Make a schedule

a. Make a schedule for your study and stick to it. If you concentrate best in the morning then schedule yourself early. If are you are an evening person, begin in the afternoon or after dinner and study late.

b. Ensure you set apart time for all subjects and not just those you like or find easy. For a good performance, you have to score well across all subjects.

Sample schedule:

4.00 – 6.00 a.m.: Math (Chapter 5,6)

6.15 – 8.15 a.m.: Physics (Chapter 1,3

10.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon: English, Hindi Verbs Or

4.00 – 6.00 p.m.: Math (Chapter 5, 6)

6.15 – 8.15 p.m.: Physics (Chapter 1, 3, 5)

10.00 a.m. – 12.00 noon: English, Tamil Verbs

c. Time yourself realistically. If you find two hours insufficient for a subject, then slot for three. Do not to take a minute more than what has been slotted for a subject. Study with concentration and complete all the topics listed for the day.

2. Study only important concepts

It is perfectly fine to study only important concepts in each chapter, leaving the not so important ones for a general reading. Exam papers test you on the basics and fundamentals. You can get a chapter-wise list of important topics on a website such as https//www.meritnation.com<blog.cbse.

For example, in the chapter, “Motion in a Straight Line” in Physics, the four topics listed for study are: (i) Average Velocity and Average Speed, (ii) Instantaneous Velocity and Speed (iii) Relative Velocity (iv) Kinematic Equations for Uniformly Accelerated Motion. These have been further categorised important in order of priority making it very easy to plan your study.

3. Make notes

a. Make notes using mind maps, concept charts, flow charts, and tree diagrams while studying. Visual representations make it easier to remember and revise concepts.

b. Download select YouTube videos on theoretical concepts before you begin revising. Videos explain complex theoretical concepts visually.

c. Study interconnected chapters together. For example: all chapters on Motion can be clubbed. It is easier to learn them as you establish connections among them. If you are an Arts student, then this method would work too. For instance, you could study verbs in English and in the second language to understand the similarities and differences in their use.

4. Practise

Answer exam papers, solve problems, and time yourself . Write logically, using diagrams, mind maps, and tree diagrams, and highlight important points. Don’t imagine you can do it all during the exam. Practise in advance and get on top of answering exams.

5. Take time off

All work and no play makes Ranjan a dull boy! So take planned time off your study periods to listen to music, go for a walk, play a game, meditate, or chat with your family. Don’t exceed the time allotted.

If you prepare systematically using these five tips, rest assured you will not only finish revising, but also come out with flying colours in your exams.

The writer is a trained coach and corporate consultant. She is former professor of IIT Bombay.