Achieving good grades does not necessarily mean learning but learning well. The correct study timetable can help make studying in school easier and achieve better results. You can be in Class 10, or you can be in Class 12, but it just does not matter; still, having a plan allows you to keep track and not burn out.
Students spend countless hours with their books, and yet, they are still not ready to take exams. The issue is not the work; it is a shortage of the appropriate structure. This plan will help you create a study plan.
We will discuss how to create one, but first, we must understand the reasons why we need a study routine. It saves time by allowing you to focus on what to study and how to study it; you no longer waste time deciding which course to study and which to switch to. Making a good plan and also thinking that you would be rushing at the last minute so this stress will not be as much. Getting into the habit of studying every day at the same time becomes routine, and your mind trains itself to concentrate at that time. Above all, it is better to study in short (small) bursts than use long and random sessions.
Creating a daily timetable may seem daunting, but it's actually simple when broken down into manageable steps.
Start with things you cannot change – school timings, travel time, tuition classes, meal times, and sleep. Sleep is non-negotiable. Students aged 13-18 need 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
After listing fixed activities, count the remaining hours. Be realistic. If school ends at 2 pm and you reach home by 2:30 pm, factor in time for lunch, freshening up, and a short break. Most students have 4 to 6 hours of free time on school days.
Not all subjects need equal time. Math and science often require additional practice. Languages need regular reading and writing. Allow more time for subjects you find challenging, but don't ignore any subject completely. A simple rule: more challenging subjects get more time, but every subject gets regular attention.
Instead of planning every minute, work with blocks of time. 45-50 minute study blocks with 10-minute breaks work well. For tough subjects, do 2 blocks back-to-back with a more extended break after. Keep easier subjects or revision for times when you're naturally less focused.
Life happens. Some days you'll have extra homework. Sometimes you'll be tired. Build buffer time in your schedule – maybe 30 minutes each day as "extra time" for whatever needs it.
Class 10 is your first big board exam. It can be scary, but with the right routine, you can manage it effectively.
After reaching home from school, your brain needs rest. Take 30-45 minutes to relax completely.
Weekends are for studying further and making up. Read and/or study new things or hard things in the morning (in 2-3 blocks with breaks). After lunch, take proper rest. During the evening, practice a question from the previous years or sample papers for 2 hours. Have at least one whole weekend without any commitments of any kind, whether they be hobbies, friends, or family. You need this relaxation to stay fresh.
Class 12 is more intense. You are actually preparing boards and entrance exams for many other students. Your routine should be stricter and yet balanced.
All Class 12 students must deal with boards as well as competitive exams, such as JEE, NEET, or other entrance exams. This does not imply that one should study 12 hours a day. It means studying smart.
Morning hours: 6:00 am to 8:00 am. Motor: The best time for the entrance exam is in the morning, provided one is a morning person. Your head is clear, and you can work out complex problems.
After School/Tuition:
Science Stream: Focus more on physics, chemistry, and maths. These need daily practice. Give 60-70% of your study time to these subjects.
Commerce Stream: Accounts requires daily practice, similar to maths. Economics and business studies need regular reading. Balance your time by allocating more hours to calculation-heavy subjects.
Arts Stream: Reading and writing are key. Make good notes for history, political science, and geography. Practice writing answers regularly.
Your health comes first, and then you need to focus on your studies. You could not study well anyway without good health.
When it comes to studying, students tend to minimise sleep. This is the biggest mistake. When sleeping, your brain sets structures to all the things you had learnt during the day. When people do not get enough sleep, they have poor memory, lack the focus needed and are more likely to be sick.
Sleep issues: Going to sleep at the same time every day and sleeping and waking up, putting your phone on pause (at least 30 minutes prior to sleep), not studying in bed, and when sleepy, reading light reading material or listening to relaxing music.
Your brain needs fuel. Eat breakfast – even a banana and a glass of milk are upper stories to nothing. Always have healthy snacks on hand during studying, such as nuts, fruits or eggs. Avoid too much junk food. Keep yourself hydrated by placing water close to your table of study. Eat adequately – do not study without eating.
Sitting for hours is bad for your body and mind. You don't need to join a gym. Do morning stretches for 10 minutes, take an evening walk for 20-30 minutes, play a sport on weekends, or do simple home exercises. Exercise reduces stress, improves sleep, and helps you focus better.
A break doesn't mean scrolling social media. Real breaks include walking outside for 10 minutes, talking to family, doing something with your hands like drawing, or closing your eyes and breathing deeply. Your break should refresh your mind.
A good routine helps you, but sometimes you may feel stagnant or pressured. Or you are doing your best, but there is no improvement. The pressure may be too great to take on your own. This is entirely normal.
At Mentrovert, we know how the students feel. Our skilled counsellors deal with students like yourself, allowing them to develop effective study plans, alleviate stress and make wise choices about their future. You may be in Class 10 and need to determine your stream, or you may be in Class 12 and be deciding on your college route; having the proper guidance will make everything significantly easier.
Our school counselling is designed so that you have one-on-one counselling sessions where you get to share whatever is bothering you, whether it be over your studies, career confusion, exam anxiety, or anything that bothers you. Always remember that there is nothing weak about seeking assistance. It's smart.
Q1: How many hours should a Class 10 student study?
A Class 10 student should study 4-5 hours daily apart from school. This includes homework, self-study, and revision. Quality matters more than hours – focused study for 4 hours beats distracted research for 6 hours.
Q2: What is the best time for students to study?
The best time depends on when you feel most alert. Many students focus well early in the morning (5–7 am) or in the evening (4–8 pm). Avoid studying late at night, as it affects your sleep. Try different times for a week and see when you remember things better.
Q3: How can I wake up early to study?
To wake up early, you must sleep early – at least 8 hours before you want to wake. Start by waking just 15 minutes earlier each week. Keep your alarm away from bed so you don't have to get up to turn it off. Splash cold water on your face immediately after waking.
Q4: Should I study late at night before exams?
Studying all night before exams is a bad idea. Your brain needs sleep to store information properly. If you studied regularly, one good night's sleep helps more than last-minute cramming.
Q5: How do I make a study timetable that I actually follow?
Make it realistic. Don't plan 8-hour study days if you know you won't be able to stick to them. Start small – plan just 2-3 hours and follow it for a week. Once that becomes a habit, add more. Include things you enjoy, not just study.
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