Alright so, preparing for competitive exams is like… it’s not easy man. There’s so much to study, time always feels less and everyone around you is also like super serious. But if you plan things right, it’s not that scary. You just need to study smart and stay chill (kinda).
Here’s some stuff that actually helps (tried and tested… mostly lol):
1. Know What You’re Dealing With
First things first, you gotta know what the exam is about. Like, what subjects are there, how many questions, how much time, negative marking or not? A lot of people just start studying randomly without even checking the pattern properly and then later go “oh I didn’t know that comes too.”
So yeah… check syllabus, previous year papers, exam pattern – do that before anything else.
2. Make a Study Plan… But Not Too Crazy
Don’t just wake up and decide you’ll study 10 hours a day. That sounds cool but after 2 days you’ll burn out lol. Make a chill but consistent plan. Like 3-4 hours daily at start is good enough, increase later when exams are close.
Also, make the timetable in your style. Some people like to study at night, some early morning. No one method works for everyone. Don’t copy that guy on YouTube who says “I woke up at 4am everyday and cracked UPSC.” Good for him… but be realistic.
3. Choose the Right Books / Materials
One mistake people make (I did too tbh) is buying toooo many books. Then you just get confused. Just pick 1 or 2 good sources per subject. NCERTs are good for basics. Use one good guide book and maybe a coaching material if you got access.
Don’t collect books. Study from them
4. Practice More Than You Study
Like honestly, competitive exams are more about practice than theory. You might know the answer, but in exam hall, time is ticking and your brain freezes lol. So practice previous year papers, take mock tests, solve MCQs every day if possible.
Mock tests also help you get used to pressure. First few tests might be horrible, but you’ll get better.
5. Revise Like Crazy
People read something once and think “yeah yeah I remember this.” NO YOU DON’T.
You’ll forget 90% in a week if you don’t revise. So whatever you studied this week, revise it again next week. Then again after a month.
Make short notes. Or charts. Or voice recordings — whatever helps you remember stuff faster.
6. Take Breaks. Seriously.
Studying non-stop is not cool. You’re not a robot. You need breaks, sleep, food, and sometimes just a scroll on Insta (but not for 3 hours ok?).
Take small breaks between study sessions. Like 25 mins study + 5 min break works for lots of people (it’s called Pomodoro, google it if you want).
Also, SLEEP. Don’t cut sleep to study more. That backfires hard.
7. Don’t Panic If You’re Behind
It happens. Sometimes you just fall behind the schedule or don’t understand a topic at all. It’s fine. Don’t start doubting yourself just because you had a bad study day or week.
Take help. Ask friends, teachers, YouTube — there’s answers everywhere now. But keep moving forward. One bad week doesn’t mean game over.
8. Stay Away from “Toppers Strategy” Overdose
Yes, it’s good to see how others prepared but don’t blindly follow toppers’ routines. Everyone’s different. Some people study 12 hours and some just 4–5 but smartly.
Take inspiration but make your own path.
9. Take Care of Yourself
Like, mentally and physically. Eat good food, drink water, stretch a little, go for a walk or just sit in the sun. This helps more than you think. A tired body = tired brain = no focus.
Also try not to compare yourself with others 24/7. That kills motivation. Run your own race.
10. Stay Consistent, Not Perfect
Everyday won’t be perfect. Some days you’ll crush it, other days you’ll do nothing. It’s okay. The main thing is to not quit. If you mess up today, just try again tomorrow.
Success comes from showing up every day. Even when you don’t feel like it.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for competitive exams is a long journey. You don’t have to be the smartest, just consistent. Make a solid plan, revise, practice, and take care of yourself. It’s not magic, it’s just effort + time + smart strategy.
And hey, don’t let the pressure mess with your head. You got this