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In Indian families, children are asked one question from childhood: “Beta, bade ho kar doctor banoge ya engineer?”

This question begins when the child does not even know what a doctor or engineer is or how to become one. Over time, this gradually transfers into pressure.  Especially in 9th grade, because it's in this class that we first learn about subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology in an explored way. And with that, our wait to choose between NEET and JEE is over. But even more challenging than the choice is figuring out how to prepare for NEET/JEE from Class 9. 

Every year, millions of students compete for a few JEE and NEET seats. With such intense competition, preparing in advance is a smart move. The earlier you start, the better. This will help you establish a solid base, develop smart study skills, and learn to be consistent. NEET/JEE both are tough entrance exams after 12th. The only way to succeed is through diligent preparation. Due to the high competition, delaying is not an option. You must start preparation from class 9th. Here we will explain to you the right way to start, how to study, what not to study, and how to build a strong foundation while enjoying school life.

Why Start NEET/JEE Preparation from Class 9?

Starting NEET or JEE preparation from Class 9 offers many benefits, such as strengthening their foundation in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology without the pressure of rushing about board exams or competitive exams. 9th standard student can revise and practice questions as much as they want, as per their time. Because at this stage the syllabus is very easy and the concepts are also entered slowly, so it becomes even easier to understand.  This gives you enough time to understand the concepts rather than memorizing them. 

Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and Biology are focused on the basics in class 9th. And these same basics come in a deeper way later in class 11. If a student completes these basic concepts in 9th grade, they find it easier to grasp other concepts, but if they don't, they find all the topics confusing and challenging. The 11th-grade syllabus is not easy either, so neither teachers nor students have the time to start from the basics. In 9th class, they have to give only 1-2 hours daily, but in 11th class, it becomes double or triple. And all with this, time management will also become a challenge for you. So make it a habit to study regularly. Later, when the syllabus increases, students already know some of the basics and can manage their time accordingly.

Another thing that you will clear after starting preparation early is that you will come to know whether you are more interested in studying the processes of Biology or in solving the problems of Maths. This class gives you the opportunity to study and understand both and decide whether you want to make your career in NEET or JEE. Starting your preparation early does not mean that you have to read tons of books; at this stage, just the NCERT books are enough.

How to Start Preparing for NEET/JEE from Class 9?

Think about when you first learned how to ride a bicycle. If you tried to go too fast on the first day, you were bound to fall. But you first learned about how to balance, then you learned how to pedal works, then the brakes, and other functions, and only then did cycling become easier. The same applies to preparing for the NEET and JEE. Class 9 is the stage where students learn to balance their studies.

Examples from daily life, such as the motion of a bus, how water boils, and how plants grow, are all part of the syllabus. When students connect these topics with real life, learning becomes natural. Pay attention to the things around you, like when the pressure cooker whistles, how the fan is rotating, how sunlight is affecting the plants, why the thing thrown up falls down and does not get stuck up. These small things are not common, but these are simple examples of Physics and Biology which are working in real life. This is the right time to build habits, understand basics, and study without fear of exams or ranks.

• Read NCERT books thoroughly before using any additional material.

• Spend 30–45 minutes daily learning concepts.

• Focus on understanding formulas, not memorising them.

• Solve NCERT questions first, then the basic extra problems.

• Make short notes for formulas and key points.

• Revise chapters weekly to avoid forgetting them.

• Avoid advanced-level questions meant for Class 11.

• Use limited study resources to avoid confusion.

• Solve topic-specific MCQs instead of full mock tests.

• Balance study with rest, play, and school activities.

NEET/JEE Preparation Books for Class 9

Starting NEET or JEE preparation in Class 9 doesn't mean collecting a ton of heavy books. Books at this time should provide students with basic clarity and understanding, rather than further confusing them. Due to students' lack of complete knowledge, they often buy whatever book someone suggests. However, a good book is sufficient if read properly and in the right way. When you need basic conceptual understanding in 9th grade, you should study NCERT. NCERT is more than enough to clear JEE/NEET. If you have NCERT at your fingertips, you can turn to reference books. Here are some books I recommend:

"Must-Have" Fundamentals

JEE Foundation (Engineering Focus)

NEET Foundation (Medical Focus)

Effective Strategies on How to Prepare for NEET/JEE from Class 9

As you may have seen, when a house is built, a complete plan is made as to what to build where, how to build it, and how to strengthen the base so that there are no cracks in the upper floor and stability is maintained. It's the same with starting your NEET and JEE preparation from the 9th grade. If you strengthen your basics, you will see its clear impact in the JEE/NEET exam. When you study in Class 11, you will see that concepts like motion, laws of motion, atoms, mole concept, cell structure, and basic algebra already come from Class 9. If these basics are clear, your brain won't face any challenges understanding those concepts at the advanced level. And this will give you a lot of confidence. In JEE/NEET preparation, strong basics do not guarantee success, but weak basics will guarantee failure. Here are some strategies you can incude into your preparation.

• Instead of memorizing answers without logic, focus on concept clarity by understanding why formulas and rules work.

• Follow NCERT seriously, as most competitive exam questions are based on NCERT concepts and examples.

• Instead of studying for long periods occasionally, study for 30–45 minutes daily to build consistency.

• Complete one chapter thoroughly before moving on to the next to avoid confusion later.

• Make short notes in simple language so revision is quick and easy.

• Revise topics weekly to remember concepts.

• Solve NCERT exercises first, and then attempt basic additional questions related to the same topic.

• Avoid advanced-level books meant for Class 11 as they can cause unnecessary pressure.

• Use limited and reliable study resources to avoid confusion due to excessive material.

• Maintain balance by devoting time to sports, hobbies, and adequate sleep to keep your mind active.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Class 9 NEET/JEE Preparation

Starting preparation for JEE/NEET from class 9th is a good decision, but there is a chance of making mistakes during this time. At this age, when you have high curiosity and get different advice from family, relatives, friends, and teachers due to which you feel pressured. Many students take early prepration start to mean studying like in 11th or 12th standard, and because of this, they buy lots of heavy books, start studying for hours, make strict schedules, stop travelling and playing, and gradually they start getting bored with all this, start getting irritable, and by the time they reach the class 1th, they become burnout.

Starting your preparation for Class 9th means gradually learning the basics, not rushing into a race. At this age, you should try to understand concepts by connecting them to daily life. And don't compare yourself to someone who has joined a coaching class and is solving tough questions easily, but you can't. This will only demotivate you. And you'll feel inferior, even if you're doing well. This is not the point of starting early, early preparation develops clarity, discipline, and curiosity, and helps in avoiding mistakes. Here I have made a list of some such mistakes

• Starting preparation like Class 11 students and taking unnecessary pressure

• Ignoring the NCERT and directly using heavy reference books

• Studying for long periods of time instead of short, regular sessions

• Memorising formulas without understanding concepts

• Solving very tough questions meant for higher classes

• Buying too many books and watching random online videos

• Skipping revision and rushing through it

• Taking all the NEET or JEE mock tests too quickly

• Comparing your progress with friends or toppers

• Studying without proper sleep and rest

• Ignoring school exams and internal assessments

• Losing interest due to excessive planning and unrealistic schedules

Wrap-up

If you have decided to start preparing for JEE/NEET from class 9th itself, then you are already one step ahead of the competition. Our intent here is to build a strong and clear foundation. Students who focus on the basics first remain more organized and stress-free in higher classes. By the age of 9, students are more curious, easier to manage their time, and learn easily how to cover the syllabus. The preparation also seems to connect to natural and daily life, as concepts such as motion, heat, automatic, and living organisms are already around us. When a student connects their studies with real life, they understand them quickly and easily.  In 9th class, you just have to focus on clarity and not on speed.

Focus on NCERT, understand it, revise it on a regular basis, and do not get caught in the trap of heavy books by getting influenced by anyone else. Both NEET and JEE exams have questions from NCERT, so base your knowledge only on NCERT. More books only support learning. While preparing, make the right strategy and avoid common mistakes. In the end, NEET or JEE is not a race that begins in Class 11. It is a journey that becomes easier when the foundation is carefully laid with patience, discipline, and the right mindset from Class 9 onwards.

Congratulations, if you have come here to read this article, then it means that you have completed your 10th examination, and you are confident of getting good marks in 10th, so now you are confused about which stream to choose in 11th standard. Choosing the best stream after Class 10 is the first big decision for your professional life. Because this choice not only determines your subjects for the next two years but also gives direction to your career. While we know there is no single "best" stream, but the best choice is one that combines your aptitude (what you're good at) with your passion (what you enjoy doing). Instead of following trends or peer pressure, ask yourself a question about which stream aligns with your interests, gives you strengths, and long-term goals.

Stream After Class 10th

With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), the boundaries between streams are becoming clearer, but there are primarily three traditional foundations. Until now, everyone has studied the same subjects. After the 10th class, everyone chooses a stream as per their interests and passions. At this moment, confusion, pressure, and fear are so common. Students come from different family backgrounds, learning abilities, and financial situations. Some students want to study for many years, while others need to start earning early. Some prefer books and theory, while others learn better through practical work. So, there preference are different for choosing a stream from each other. There is no one right stream that is perfect for everyone. India’s education system offers a variety of options to choose the best fit from their requirement criteria. After completing 10th class, students generally have three main streams to choose from:

• Science (Medical and Non-Medical)

• Commerce

• Arts/Humanities

Science Stream

In Indian families, children have been hearing since childhood that either the child has to become a doctor or an engineer, and for that, they are told from childhood that they have to take the science stream. Because they considered science to be the only "prestigious" ladder to success. And the science stream is actually a good option to choose after Class 10. But at the same time, it is equally challenging. This is good for those students who enjoy logical thinking, problem solving, experiments, and who are curious to know how things work. Science develops good analytical skills in you, which is useful in almost every career option today. 

The biggest advantage of this stream is that it will not limit your career to just science. If, after studying for two years, you feel that you are no longer enjoying science, then you can easily switch your stream to careers such as management, creative fields, commerce, Quantum Computing, Space Exploration, and Genetic Engineering. After all, Science backgrounds are a highly accepted and respected stream. One more reason is that science students develop discipline, time management, and conceptual clarity while studying science, so that they can handle any competitive exam or any kind of career challenge with confidence. 

Beyond textbooks, Science also prepares students for advanced technology, innovation, and scientific experimentation. It encourages curiosity in students to ask questions themselves about how things happen, why they happen, and what the scientific reason behind it is, and pushes them to research about it. The science stream is mainly divided into two main parts:

• Medical (PCB)

• Non-Medical (PCM 

Career Opportunities After Choosing the Science Stream in Class 11

Commerce Stream

The commerce stream after class 10 is a good decision for those students who enjoy understanding money, business, and trading. Commerce simply means studying how people buy and sell things, and manage money, as well as business decision-making. Commerce helps in developing strategic thinking, numerical skills, analyzing data, planning, and a clear understanding of the economy around us. Commerce also means learning how companies operate, how people earn and spend money, and how decisions are made in banks, stores, shops, companies, markets, and how trade happen in between people, cities, and countries. These topics are easy to relate to because we see these things around us every day in our real life. Overall, it gives practical knowledge to handle money. Choosing the commerce stream after class 10 offers a lot of benefits. Here, I will share a few of them that will help you in clarifying your decision:

• The commerce stream will help a student to understand how to handle their own money at a very young age.

• It teaches how to plan expenses, savings, and future goals wisely.

• Students learn skills that are useful even if they start a small business later.

• Rather than preparing students just for exams or textbook knowledge, it prepares them for real office and business life.

• While studying Commerce, students can understand news about the budget, prices, and the economy easily.

• It helps students in developing independence and confidence in financial matters.

• After Class 12, this stream allows flexibility in changing courses or careers.

Commerce Stream Subjects:

• Accountancy

• Business Studies

• Economics

• Mathematics (Optional)

Career Opportunities After Choosing the Commerce Stream in Class 11

Humanities/Arts Stream

As we all know, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machines are taking over all tasks in every department. Jobs are automated with their help and are replacing manpower. But even all of these, human thinking cannot be replaced. And this is what forces students to think that the Arts/Humanities stream is the best choice after 10th. The whole point of Arts/Humanities subjects is to teach you to generate new ideas, emotions, culture, ethics, communication, real-life problems, and an understanding of people and society, rather than memorizing facts, formulas, or textbooks only.  For this, you must be able to both write and speak your thoughts well, this is a very important skill for this stream. 

Where artificial intelligence calculates, writes, and analyzes data. Arts/Humanities helps students become confident, creative, and open-minded. Also, it teaches you how society works, how people behave, how history has shaped the present, how to connect with people, how to think freely, how to question systems, how to tell stories, and so on. Only humans can understand human pain, suffering, creativity, values ​​, or social change. Skills are required in careers that include leadership, social impact, creativity, teaching, law, psychology, writing, public policy, and media. 

The Arts/Humanities stream is becoming more valuable than ever because a famous AI leader, Sam Altman, said, “AI won’t replace humans. But humans who use AI will replace those who don’t.” This idea means that machines might take over many tasks, but people who can think creatively, understand emotions, or use AI wisely will always be important. And people who don't have any skills may find it difficult to get a job. In simple words, your career will be secure only if you have skills, not theoretical knowledge. For example, painting, sculpture, pottery, handicrafts, theatre, music, storytelling, and design depend on human touch, emotions, and creativity. An AI can generate an image, but it can not give a touch of emotion behind a handmade painting or the cultural meaning of a traditional craft. The same applies to professions like teaching, psychology, social work, writing, journalism, history, philosophy, and public speaking, all of which are based on human understanding of people and society. That's why choosing the Arts/Humanities stream is a safer, career-oriented stream that can never be replaced.

Humanities/Arts Stream Subjects are:

• Political Science

• History

• Psychology

• Sociology

Career Opportunities After Choosing the Humanities/Arts Stream in Class 11

Other Options After 10th

Not every student wants—or can afford—to follow the long academic route of Class 11 and 12. Some students want to earn income as soon as possible rather than immerse themselves in books. A few others, because their families are financially unstable, are forced to earn money quickly and support their families financially. For them, we suggest a few streams or courses here to choose from 

after Class 10. These options shouldn't be dismissed as "lesser choices." They also offer strong, hands-on experience, a practical way for students seeking skills, respect, and a quick income. For many, they become the first step toward independence and a better future.

• Polytechnic Diploma Courses

• Paramedical Courses

• ITI Courses

• X-ray Technician

• Interior Designing

• Animation & Graphic Design

• Hotel Management

Top Diploma Courses to Join Right After 10th

How to Choose the Best Stream After 10th?

Choosing the best stream after 10th grade is as important as choosing your future. But this is not as easy as it seems, this decision is quite confusing and stressful. At this point, you will find many people giving you free advice based on their experiences about which stream you should choose. But you need to ignore or put them aside. Focus on yourself and ask a few questions, give them an honest answer,  such as: 

• Which subjects do I truly enjoy and feel comfortable studying?

• What am I already good at, such as numbers, thinking, creativity, or practical work?

• How do I prefer to learn, like reading, writing, analysing, or hands-on experience?

• What is my family’s financial situation, and what do I need in the future?

• What kind of career or life do I see for myself in the coming years?

If you are able to give clearly answer to three or more out of these five questions, then choose your stream based on this clarity, not because of pressure from parents, siblings, friends, or society. Choosing a stream based on self-awareness always leads to better results and confidence. If you are still confused, don't worry or get upset, we have some more practical tips that will help you in choosing the best stream.

• Take a career aptitude or psychometric test to understand your abilities better.

• Note which subjects you enjoy studying without stressing.

• Research about future job career options and which will be in demand.

• Look at basic salary trends to understand growth and stability in different fields.

• Talk to people already working in the career you're considering.

• Attend career guidance sessions to clear doubts and get direction.

• Choose a stream that aligns with your interests and real career opportunities.

Science vs Commerce vs Arts

What If You Choose the Wrong Stream?

Choosing the right stream will make your career secure and successful, but even if you have chosen the wrong stream, you do not need to worry much. Because the world will not come to an end because of your decision. Many times student realise after studying a stream for a few days that the subject does not match their interests and abilities. Yes, this situation is challenging, but it also teaches you a lesson that a lot of people learn later in life, which is self-awareness. This helps you to know more about your true interests and take responsibility of result for your own decisions. 

When you find out that the stream does not suit you, it is very common to feel stressed, anxious, and everything feels boring. Even simple topics become difficult for you to understand, you start to lose confidence, and feel pressured to perform well. Or it can affect your mental health. Some students feel stuck at this point. They think that changing streams now will be a waste of time or disappoint others. But in this situation, you need to accept first that you have chosen the wrong stream. Then, you should talk about what you feel to your friends, parents, teachers, whoever you're comfortable with, or even a counselor if necessary. There's a solution for everything. And one stream does not decide your life, you should have the desire to learn, then you will be successful anywhere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing the Best Stream After Class 10

• Choosing a stream only because friends are choosing it.

• Selecting a stream just to satisfy parents or relatives.

• Believing one stream is “superior” and others are “less valuable.”

• Ignoring your own interest and comfort with subjects.

• Choosing based only on marks in Class 10 without self-analysis.

• Not thinking about long-term goals or future career options.

• Avoiding career guidance due to fear or overconfidence.

• Assuming changing a stream later means failure.

Wrap-up

There is no single stream that is best, the best stream is that one which fits in your criteria. I have seen many students who choose their stream under the influence of their parents, siblings, friends, and seniors, later regrets, become unhappy and stressed. So, choose the stream in which you are interested. No stream decides your future, your career is decided by your efforts. Science, Commerce, and Arts/Humanities, all three streams are great in their own way, and all three have their own importance. But the right one for you is the one you are capable of, understand easily, and that matches your family situation.

If you choose a course keeping these factors in mind, learning will be easy for you. India's education system is very flexible, you can switch streams anytime, learn a new course or skill anytime, anywhere. Instead of any influence from other, ask yourself first what you want to do, be honest with yourself. Each stream will give you career opportunities but for that, you require a positive mindset or willingness to learn.

Are You a Parent?

Yes! 🙂

Then congratulations, you have to play different roles for the rest of your life. 😂

Why Is Parenting More Than Just Parenting?
 

You have to play different roles like a teacher, a friend, a wellwisher and unknowingly an enemy sometimes. But no buddy knows when your kid(s) think that you are acting like an enemy. Young adults or teenagers often express their feelings through silence, not arguments when you overrule their requests or rights. You often have to switch your role from a supervisor to a support system, from a teacher to a friend forever. Modern parenting requires adaptability, not authority. The key to successful parenting is to understand your child's feelings and actions, and that is how you'll find out the best way to help them next.

In the early days, How do parents of millennials deal with the situation? 😀 

“When he doesn’t listen to his own father, what on earth will he listen to a teacher for? 

This will have to be corrected.” Now the punishment has begun → slap after slap, using whatever comes to hand: a belt, a shoe, a broom. He is being beaten.

But parents, ZenZ, Gen Alpha or the younger end of Gen Z. will not be able to handle this kind of pressure. It’s you who handles it just because of hard parenting. But you have to focus on gentle parenting. :)  In this blog you will learn how to help a child succeed in school, particularly focusing on the shift from "hard parenting" (physical punishment) to “gentle parenting.”

Building a Focus-Friendly habitat

Instead of forcing kids to study, create an environment where studying happens naturally. Here are a few actionable ways you can shift your parenting style today.

• No-phone zone: Create a rule where phones are parked in the living room during study hours. And your kid learns things from you so you have to put your phone first. 

• Sleep is non-negotiable: After long hours of study or to study continuously during exam season sleep will play an important role. A tired brain is a stubborn brain. Ensure that your kid completes at least 8 hours of sleep. Pulling all-nighters is a sign of poor planning not hard work. 

• Add the magic word: often parents don't do this. When your child says “I don't understand this” , correct them gently. “You don’t understand this yet”. This will motivate them and help them to deal with the pressure.

• Celebrate the struggle: When children are struggling with a mat problem, don’t jump in to solve it immediately. Let them try to figure out the solution. Praise the effort of trying: say “I love how you are sticking with this difficult problem”. They will find the way and their mind creates a path in their subconscious mind to solve all the similar problems. 

• Normalize failure: Share stories of your time. When you were their age how you solved your own mistakes. How you fix similar problems in your office. 

• Schedule boredom: In our growing hyper-connected world, kids rarely get a moment of silence. Allow them 25-30 minutes of unstructured time. At this time they are not required to study,  don’t be productive, do chores etc. just they are with themself. This is essential for creativity, problem-solving and processing the emotions for a long school day. 

• Hobbies are brain fuel: Dear parents please never treat hobbies as a waste of time. Whether it’s playing cricket, painting or learning a guitar. These activities train the brain and improve neuroplasticity. These activities provide a necessary emotional outlet and a sense of achievement that is separate from grade. Preventing the burnout that comes from a single-minded focus on academics. 

• Weekend detox: Keep at least a half day may be on Sunday where there is no academic zone. This time I refuse to discuss homework, grades or school projects. Let the home feel like a sanctuary rather than a coaching center 🙂. This downtime lowers stress hormones and reminds your child that your relationship with them is bigger than their report card. 
   

Why Emotional Safety Comes Before Academic Success?
 

A brain in “survival mode” literally cannot learn. If a child is afraid of your reaction his/her mind will go in survival mode in that he/she can only think about how to survive? Which is a natural instinct given by nature. To deal with this first create a no-stress study zone and then when they feel comfortable talk about studying their study plan etc..

Being a parent you have to shift the focus from result to the process. Instead of asking how much you will score in exams? What is the percentage you can achieve? Ask them what is the most interesting or difficult thing that you cover today? Are you able to understand concepts or need support? This approach will give motivation and improve problem solving techniques of your kid than making them feel questioned about the validity of their efforts.

Choose Motivation over Constant Monitoring

Consistent monitoring feels like a surveillance camera installed on you to watch everything that you do. It indicates to the child that “I don't trust you”. Motivation on the other hand helps them to improve. Instead of hovering over them, while they are doing homework. Set goals together. Let them take the ownership. When your kid feels responsible, they don’t need a supervisor, they need an internal advice or support system.
 

Talk Less, Listen More: The Parenting Skill That Changes Everything You know when a child stops talking, it’s usually because they feel that they are being judged. They doubt themself that they are saying wrong or something negative going on so stop. 

So rather than looking at them with popped eyes, just try the 80/20 rule. Listen to them 80% of the time and speak 20%. When they complain about a difficult teacher or a hard physics chapter, don’t just jump in with a lecture that “you are not attentive in class” or “you might be busy in dreams”.

Just listen to them and agree… once they feel heard they find the solution themselves or in extreme cases help them to overcome. 

Why Children Learn Better When Parents Act as Partners, Not Inspectors

You will not believe that an inspector always looks for mistakes to correct them but a partner looks for a solution. The behavior of the inspector is correct that he/she is working on a person to win so their strictness is fine. But for parents this is a bad choice. 
 

When you sit with your kid to look at their schoolwork, don’t act like a boss. Act like a teammate. Ask them how we can handle these difficult chapters together? Or “ should we find a tutor who can explain this better?” or “you can watch a youtube video” that will help you to understand the concept.
 

This partnership removes the pressure of “parent vs child” and replaces it with a common goal. 

The Real Definition of Success for a Parent

Success is not a report card full of A’s or B’s. If you feel so please don’t mind if i say that you are the -ve parent. The real success is raising a human being who isn’t afraid to ask questions, who knows how to bounce back from failure and who still wants to talk to you when they fail.
 

Conclusion

You might read the entire blog but does your kid understand what “academic success” or “becoming a topper” even means? 

Why do they have to go to school every day? 

Why are they learning things like physics, maths etc which may not be relevant for them.

Frankly speaking, When i was in my 12th grade, my parents never heard these questions. Because they only understood the teacher's language. If a teacher says your kid is good in academics that means they won the war. But if a teacher says your kid is bad in academics, then the battle starts at home.

Today, we know better. Your child isn't a soldier in a war, they are a seed in a garden. Your job isn't to beat the "wrong" out of them, but to provide the right soil, sun, and water so they can grow. Academic success is a byproduct of a happy, supported mind.
 

Let’s stop winning wars and start building futures.

Sometimes you feel that you don’t have time and sometimes you feel like you have plenty of time. Sometimes you feel like I have completed the syllabus and sometimes everything is left. 

These kinds of thoughts will always be there in your mind till the date when you attempt the last exam. So let us begin to prepare a strategy for 10th class board exams that will help you in scoring good grades.  

Image source: giphy

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Now it's time for your 10 class Board exams and you are here to streamline your study for the next 30 days. A major thing to keep in mind is that every student follows a different study pattern and this is also true that a single strategy will not fit every student. We will discuss a couple of popular strategies in the market opt by different toppers of different boards. You have to choose one which suits you best. But there is a simple strategy that fits most of the students and literally helps hundreds of students to score good in exams. Let us discuss that and then we will discuss a couple others at the end. 

Winning Strategy: The “Traffic Light System”

So the winning strategy is not to just prepare a timetable which applies on all the chapters of a subject and the same will apply on all other subjects. This is the wrong way to plan. 

Diagnostic revision of the entire syllabus of each subject will help you to score good in exams. What that means. Let me dissect for you.  Day 1 starts when you start preparing a blueprint for your final exams. That can be the last 30 days remaining for your exam but not in the last 5 days. Take the printout of the syllabus. 

Mark the chapter/topics in three colors. 

• Red: the red color means that you don’t know anything about the topic. You need to study the chapter from the very beginning and in detail. You have to prepare detailed notes on these chapters.   

• Orange: This color shows that you have some idea about the chapter/topic but need a revision or maybe a little more detailed study to understand it better. 

• Green: That is great! It means that you know the chapter/topic very well and understand almost everything. Just need a short revision and you are ready for a test😀
   

Now the hard part starts i.e time allocation. The time allocation to the above topics is quite critical as every student has their own pace of learning and time to understand a topic. There is no thumb rule for any topic that you have to give 80% or 70% of time to this topic. Everything is decided by the student. So you can change the time required to understand the topic. 

The time allocation for Marked topics

• Day 1-10 ( 60%-65% on Red): Don’t ignore the difficult chapters. They might cover 5-10 marks of your total but may impact your percentage by 6-12%. So, the preparation tip is to not read the same topic from different material 5 times rather watch a full-length video and take notes from it.

   

• Day 11-20 (30-35% on yellow): These are the topics where you understand the basic idea but need more practice to truly master them.  It's crucial not to ignore them, as they connect your weakest areas (red) with your strongest areas (green). With these topics, a fully correct answer will earn you full marks, but incomplete or partial knowledge might only earn you half marks or even zero. So prepare them well. Solve PYQs and practice sets to change the color from yellow to green 🙂

   

• Day 21- 29 ( maintenance for green): Just spent a short time reviewing the chapters and attempting test series and practice sets. Once you are fully confident it’s your choice to revise the red and yellow chapters again to turn all of them into green. 
  
   

A key strategy often talked by our expert Prabhakar Raut is 

“ It is better to solve one sample paper and spend 2 hours to analyze the mistakes then solving 5 sample paper and never look at your mistakes again”

• Prabhakar Raut

   

Why?

Because when you spend time on your attempted answers and are able to find the mistakes it is easy for you to correct them and map your mind so that you will not make mistakes again.

For example: you made a mistake in trigonometry and you know that and try to solve it again and clear the concept it will be easy to score on board then leaving it and moving on to the next test paper. Hope you got the point of discussion. 

There are couple other strategies popular in the market 

1. The Feynman Technique (For Concept Clarity): that we talked about in one of our blog How to Score 100% in CBSE Class 10 you can read more about that in that blog.

2. The Pomodoro Technique (For Avoiding Burnout): this talk about focus study for 25 minutes and take a short break of 5 minutes. After 3-4 such cycles take a long break.

3. The Blurting Method (For Active Recall): it talks about reading a topic for 10-15 minutes and then closing the book. Now write down everything you remember on the page. One of the effective techniques but for this you need at least 6 months to finish your syllabus that's why I haven't discussed it. 🙂

Simple Comparison between other techniques

Students keep in mind that this blog is not about how hard you work for your exam but how strategically you move. Whether you opt for the traffic light system to fix your weak spots or use blurting method to lock in your memory. The goal remains the same and that is transition from passive reading to active solving.

Overview

Remember the anxiety of forgetting everything is a natural part of the process even toppers feel it. The difference lies in the discipline. The only difference between topper and mediocre is that the topper follows these strategies throughout the year and uses some specific ones during the end to finalize their success. 
 

However, it is always better late than never to chase excellence. You still have every opportunity that a topper has. The only difference now is that you must work with double the intensity and focus of those who have been preparing all year. 

Finally, take a deep breath, pick your strategy, and give it your best shot. Your future self will thank you for the grit you show right now.