Success in examinations depends not only on how much you study, but also on how effectively you plan, revise, manage time and present answers. The following practical techniques focus on disciplined preparation, calm examination-day behaviour and efficient use of the available writing time.
A short period of quiet reflection, mindfulness, prayer or meditation can be used as part of a study routine if it helps you settle your attention before studying. The objective is to begin study sessions with a calm and focused mind.
If you have six subjects and twenty days for preparation, divide the available days sensibly across all subjects. A difficult subject may deserve some additional time, but do not neglect subjects simply because they appear easy.
Record the main points, formulas, headings, legal provisions or concepts while studying. Concise notes make later revision faster and help you identify the material that needs another reading.
Do not treat the first reading as the end of preparation. Reserve time to revise every subject, using the summaries and short notes prepared during your initial study.
Avoid arriving at the last minute. Leave sufficient time for travel, security checks, verification of admit-card requirements, seating and other formalities prescribed by the examining authority.
Before beginning, look at the structure of the paper and allocate time according to the marks available for each part. The purpose is to prevent one answer from consuming time needed for several other questions.
| Questions | Total marks | Illustrative time allocation |
|---|---|---|
| 20 questions X 1 mark | 20 | About 30 minutes |
| 8 questions X 5 marks | 40 | About 75 minutes |
| 2 questions X 20 marks | 40 | About 75 minutes |
This is only an illustration. Actual allocation should depend on the examination pattern, instructions, marks, negative marking, reading time and the type of answers required.
Follow your planned time limits as closely as possible. If a question needs unusually long work, note it and return later rather than sacrificing several easier questions.
If an answer becomes too time-consuming, leave suitable space if the format permits and move to the next question. Return to the unfinished answer after attempting the other questions. This protects your opportunity to collect marks across the whole paper.
Do not discuss answers, exchange material, use prohibited devices or seek or provide unauthorised assistance during an examination. Apart from distracting you and wasting time, such conduct may lead to cancellation, debarment or other action under the applicable examination rules.
Where the paper has no penalty for an incorrect response and the instructions permit it, attempting a partially known descriptive question may help you obtain some credit. However, this approach should not be applied automatically to objective examinations with negative marking. In those examinations, follow the marking scheme and avoid unsupported guessing.
If you finish before time, review the answer sheet rather than submitting immediately. Check question numbers, omitted sub-parts, calculations, units, names, dates, statutory provisions and any answers that may have been left incomplete.
For computer-based tests, follow the interface and submission instructions issued by the examining body. The National Testing Agency's test-practice guidance also recommends beginning with a plan and reserving time at the end to revisit answers.
Once the examination is over, avoid spending excessive time worrying about an answer that cannot now be changed. Note any useful lesson for the next paper, then shift attention to rest, revision or preparation for the next examination.
Examination formats and permitted materials differ between institutions and testing bodies. Always read the current information bulletin, admit-card instructions and examination-centre rules issued for your particular examination.