How many of us have sat down to study and ended up doing everything except studying? Most of us have done it. Opened the books, flipped through a few pages and then ended up reading those few lines over and over again. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. You need to find a study technique that works for you.
For a lot of us, studying is not a problem. It is how to study that makes it boring. You have to remember that it is also not about the number of hours you put in. It is about using effective study techniques and study methods. These study techniques help you understand and remember what you are learning. Through this blog, you can read about some practical study methods that don’t need fancy apps or tools but only a little bit of planning and consistency. These study methods actually work, not just for studying throughout the year but especially when exams are around the corner.
One of the most useful methods is Active Recall. Unlike passive reading or highlighting your notes, this study method pushes you to retrieve information from memory. It’s proven to strengthen memory and improve long-term learning. Here’s how to do it:
It may feel awkward at first, but it works wonders for memory and long-term retention.
Study techniques are all about revising. Study a topic, revise it multiple times with regular intervals in between. It helps to not only remember the information but also transfer the knowledge from short-term to long-term memory. Spaced repetition study method works best for memorising formulae, vocabulary, definitions, etc. A simple trick for it to be successful - Review your notes 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and then 10 days after first learning them. You can also take help from different apps or simply use a calendar.
This is one of the perfect study techniques for those who have a short memory span or get distracted easily. The Pomodoro Technique includes studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. After four such rounds, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. It helps to train your brain to focus in short, intense bursts. Along with this, you can track your productivity easily.
This one’s simple. If you can explain something in your own words like you're teaching a friend (or even a kid), you understand it. If you can't, you probably need to revise more. So next time you study, pick a topic and explain it to your sibling or even your pillow. You’ll find where you're confused and what you actually understand.
This study technique helps to read and retain written information.
Survey: Before you read the chapter or topic, skim through it. This will give you an idea of what the chapter entails. Read the headings or subheadings, text in any boxes, bold or italic text, graphs and images etc.
Question: All the headings you read? Turn them into questions. For example, if the heading was ‘Benefits of Copper’, ask ‘What are the benefits of copper?’ This will help you create a purpose for your reading.
Read: This is the time to read each section carefully as you try to find the answers to the questions you asked. You can underline, highlight or mark key information.
Recite: After you finish reading a section, summarise the main points of the text in your own words. Try to answer the questions without looking at the book or your notes.
Review: Read the information again. Re-read the text, your notes or summaries till you are able to state the answer confidently and without help. This is a fantastic method, especially for school or university students when trying to remember concept-heavy subjects.
This study technique is very similar to the SQ3R method of study.
Preview: Scan the chapter to get a general idea of what it is about.
Question: Ask who, what, where, when, why, and how to identify what you already know and what you will discover through the reading.
Read: As you read through the text, try to find the answers to the questions you asked. Mark important points while you read.
Reflect: Once you have finished reading a section, think about what you learned. Were you able to answer the question you asked? Was the information enough to help you understand the concept?
Recite: If you understood the section/concept, try to explain it to someone who does not know anything about it or explain it to a plant that you have.
Review: This is the last but critical step. Summarise the takeaways, the information that you gathered. If there is anything that you did not understand, read and reflect on it again.
Blurting Method is one of the most commonly active recall study techniques. All you have to do is choose a topic or a concept and set a timer for a few minutes, be it 10 minutes or 20. Once the time starts, write down everything that you know about the topic from your memory until the timer goes off. After the timer goes off, compare it with your notes. This will help you identify which areas you need to improve upon or need further review.
This study method is different from the other methods that focus on revising only one topic at a time until you memorise it completely. In this method, you mix different topics or problem types in the same study session. For example, while studying physics, solve a few problems related to lenses, then a few problems of energy, followed by a few problems of gravitation. This will help in retention and problem-solving as you switch your mind from one topic to another, mimicking a real-life exam scenario.
This is the most fun study techniques out of all the study methods available for memorising formulae or definitions. There are many different ways to use this, for example, some people use songs, some use acronyms, or some make connections. A simple example would be a mnemonic taught to students in school to remember the names of the planets. The mnemonic used is My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Noodles. The first letter of each word is the same as the first letter of the name of the planets.
One of the main things needed for effective studying and student success, one needs to know how to stay focused while studying. To improve your academic skills, you can include multiple revision techniques. The first thing that needs to be done, besides trying out all the study methods, is to create a study plan without becoming ambitious. Do keep in mind some of the things that help in creating an effective study plan:
Planning helps you stay on track without burning out. It also keeps the guilt away.
We all study differently. Some people are visual learners, others need to write things out.
• Visual learner: Try flowcharts, mind maps, and colour-coded notes.
• Auditory learner: Record yourself or use YouTube explainer videos.
• Kinesthetic learner: Use hands-on tools, write things down, and move while studying.
Figure out what works for you—it makes studying feel a lot less forced.
Q1: What’s the best study technique for university or board exams?
Active recall + spaced repetition along with revision using past papers.
Q2: How do I improve my memory while studying?
Use flashcards, mnemonics, and explain things out loud.
Q3: Is cramming okay?
Not really. It might work once or twice, but you won’t retain anything.
Q4: How often should I take breaks? Every 25–30 minutes is a good start. Adjust based on how you feel.
Q5: What do most students get wrong?
Trying to study everything in one go. Not taking breaks. Passive reading. Not practising.
The main thing? Just start.
Try different study techniques and study methods until you figure out what works for you the best. Don’t stress if something doesn’t work right away. This isn’t about being perfect; it’s about building better habits slowly. In the beginning, it is about trial and error to figure out what works and what doesn’t work. Your marks, your growth, and your confidence all improve when you study smart, not just hard. Keep it real, be patient with yourself, and keep going.
Learn how to study effectively with 9 powerful study methods: Active Recall, Pomodoro, Spaced Repetition & more. Improve focus, retention & ace your exams!
