Last 30 Days Exam Strategy
The last 30 days before an exam are crucial for solidifying your knowledge and boosting your confidence. Here’s a breakdown of effective strategies:
1. Revise, Don’t Learn New
- Stick to what you’ve already studied.
- Revise short notes, formulas, current affairs, key facts.
- New topics at this stage = confusion + low retention.
2. Mock Tests & Analysis
- Attempt full-length mocks every 2–3 days (more frequently in the last 10 days).
- After each test → spend time on analysis:
- Identify strong vs weak areas.
- Learn shortcuts for time management.
- Revise questions you got wrong.
- Keep a mistake notebook: write down repeated errors & revise them daily.
3. Subject-Specific Focus
- Quant/Reasoning → practice speed & accuracy, solve in time-bound conditions.
- GS/Current Affairs → quick revision of monthly magazines, last 1 year of current affairs.
- English/Language → revise grammar rules, practice comprehension & vocab daily.
- Essay/Descriptive papers (if applicable) → prepare outlines for 5–6 common topics.
4. Time Management & Strategy
- Practice your exam-day strategy in mocks:
- Which section to attempt first?
- How much time to spend per section?
- Train yourself to skip tough questions quickly (don’t get stuck).
5. Physical & Mental Preparation
- Maintain a regular sleep cycle — don’t change it just before exam day.
- Eat light, healthy food; avoid late-night cramming in last 3–4 days.
- Do 10–15 mins of light exercise/meditation daily for focus.
6. Last 7 Days Plan
- Stop heavy practice – focus only on light revision and mock rechecks.
- Revise only short notes, formulas, and important facts.
- Attempt 1–2 mocks just to stay in rhythm, not to exhaust yourself.
- Keep documents, admit card, ID proofs ready.
Golden Rule
- The last 30 days are about consolidation, not expansion.
- Your performance depends more on mock test practice, revision, and calmness than on reading 100 extra topics. Means to focus on revision and practice. Avoid learning new material, prioritize sleep, and manage stress and health.
