Exam Hacks That Actually Work

Pre-Exam Strategy

2 Weeks Before

• Gather resources: Notes, question papers, study guides
• Know the syllabus: What's actually covered?
• Identify weak areas: Be honest with yourself
• Form study groups: But only with serious people

1 Week Before

• Start revising: Not reading—revising
• Solve previous papers: At least 3-5 years
• Mock tests: Time yourself
• Sleep properly: Pulling all-nighters starts the damage early

Day Before

• Light revision only: No new topics
• Pack your bag early: ID, hall ticket, pens, water
• Set multiple alarms: At least 3
• Sleep by 10 PM: Your brain consolidates memory during sleep

Exam Day

• Wake early: Time for breakfast and calm
• Reach early: Rushing = panic
• Use the bathroom: Before exam, not during
• Read entire paper first: Know what you're dealing with

In-Exam Strategy

Time Management

Question Selection

1. Read all questions first
2. Mark easy ones (do these first)
3. Allocate time per question based on marks
4. Don't get stuck on one question—move on

Writing Strategy

• Start with what you know: Builds confidence
• Use headings and bullets: Easy for examiner to read
• Draw diagrams: Visual = extra marks
• Write the formula first: Even if you mess up, you get partial marks
• Answer the question asked: Not what you wish they asked

What Actually Gets You Marks

The Truth About Grading

1. First impression matters: Clean handwriting, proper margins
2. Structure matters: Introduction, body, conclusion
3. Specific > Vague: "The GDP grew by 7% in 2024" > "The GDP grew"
4. Diagrams get marks: Label them properly
5. Answer all parts: If it says A, B, C—write A, B, C

Common Mistakes That Cost Marks

• Not reading the question fully
• Spending too much time on one question
• Skipping "easy" questions
• Illegible handwriting
• No conclusion/summary

Subject-Specific Tips

For Theory Subjects

• Memorize keywords
• Use examples
• Quote if relevant
• Structure your answers

For Numerical Subjects

• Show all steps
• Write formulas
• Check calculations
• Box your final answer

For Practical Exams

• Know your procedures
• Label everything
• Time your processes
• Stay calm if something goes wrong

The Recovery Strategy

If You Blank Out

1. Take 3 deep breaths
2. Close your eyes for 10 seconds
3. Write whatever keywords you remember
4. The brain often fills in gaps

If You Run Out of Time

1. Write in bullet points
2. Skip introductions—go straight to points
3. Prioritize questions with more marks
4. Write "continued..." even if you can't continue (shows intent)

If You Made a Mistake

1. Don't waste time feeling bad
2. Neatly cross out and rewrite
3. Move on—you have other questions
4. It happens to everyone

Post-Exam Protocol

• Don't discuss answers immediately (anxiety spreads)
• Eat something
• Prepare for the next exam
• What's done is done

Exams test preparation, not intelligence. Prepare smart.