How to make a study timetable for exams

For many, exams can be stressful, however, a well-structured study timetable can make all the difference.

It helps you stay organized, manage your time effectively, and cover all subjects before your exams.

If you have an exam to write, you need one, and if you don’t know how to make one, you have no problem because here, I’ll show you how to create an effective study timetable that will boost your productivity.

Why do you need a study timetable for your exam?

A study timetable will help you:

• Manage your time: it helps you allocate enough time for each subject.
• Reduces stress: It will help you prevent last-minute cramming and anxiety.
• Focus more: With it, you will cover all topics systematically.
• Builds discipline: It will help you develop a consistent study habit.

How to make a study timetable for exams

To create one for yourself, check this out:

Step 1: Check your available time

Before making a timetable, you must figure out how much time you have until your exam.

This helps you plan your studies effectively and avoid last-minute panic.

How to do this:

• Count the number of days or weeks left before your exam.
• Decide how many hours per day you can dedicate to studying.
• Know your best study time (Are you more productive in the morning, afternoon, or night?).

Example:
If you have 30 days before your exam and can study for 4 hours daily, you have 120 hours to prepare.

If your best study time is in the evening, you need to study more during this time.

Step 2: List all subjects and topics

If you are a student who still deals with subjects, you should know that not all subjects require the same level of effort, so make a list of all the subjects and their major topics.

Breaking them down helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

How to do this:

• Write down all the subjects you will be writing in the exam.
• Break each subject into smaller topics to make them easier to cover.
• Check your syllabus or past questions to know the most important topics.

Example: Instead of just listing “Mathematics,” break it down into Algebra, Probability, Trigonometry, and Geometry.

If you’re preparing for Chemistry, separate it into Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.

Step 3: Share your study time based on subject difficulty

Notably, some subjects or topics need more attention than others. If you struggle with a subject, you need to put more study time into it.

How to do this:

• Assign more study hours to all the difficult subjects.
• Allocate less time to subjects you find easy but still go through them regularly.
• Mix difficult and easy subjects to prevent burnout.

Example: If you find Physics difficult, dedicate 1.5 to 2 hours to it per study session.

If English is easy for you, schedule 30-45 minutes to revisit it.

Step 4: Set realistic study goals

Your timetable must be achievable; otherwise, you will feel frustrated and give up.

Always remember that you don’t have to study too many topics in one day.

For example:

• Set daily and weekly targets.
• Keep your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).
• Stick to a consistent routine.

Example of a SMART Goal:
“I will complete and revise 3 chapters of Biology within 2 days before moving on to Chemistry.”

Step 5: Include breaks and rest time

You know one thing, studying for long hours without breaks leads to stress and poor concentration.

To keep your brain fresh, schedule short breaks.

What to do:

• Use the Pomodoro Technique – Study for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break.
• After 3-4 study sessions, take a longer 30-minute break.
• Do something refreshing during breaks, like stretching, listening to music, or drinking water.

Example study session:

Study 9 AM – 9:50 AM, take a 10-minute break, then continue from 10 AM – 10:50 AM.

Step 6: Be flexible and adjust when necessary

After setting your timetable, something can happen unexpectedly and stop you from completing your task, when such happens, simply reschedule it instead of skipping it entirely.

• Always be ready to adjust your timetable based on your progress.
• If a topic is harder than expected, spend extra time on it.
• If a subject is easier than expected, reduce its time and focus on harder topics.

Example: If you planned 2 hours for Organic Chemistry but finished in 1 hour, use the extra time for Physics or another tough subject.

Step 7: Use study timetable apps or tools

If you want to keep your timetable organized, use apps or tools that help you track your progress.

Some of the best tools to use are:

• Google Calendar – It helps you set reminders for study sessions.
• Study Apps like My Study Life or Timetable Planner will help you organize subjects and track study time.
• A notebook or whiteboard – With this, you can write your task where you can easily see it.

Step 8: Stick to your timetable and avoid distractions

Distractions are like killers. The truth is that even the best timetable will fail if you don’t follow it.

To stay focused:

• Turn off social media notifications while studying.
• Study in a quiet place to avoid distractions.
• Have a reward system – Treat yourself after completing a study goal.

For example, after 3 hours of studying, reward yourself with 30 minutes of music, Netflix, or chatting with friends.

Sample study timetable (For a Science Student)

Now, structure your timetable in a way that works for you.

Here’s an example of a study timetable:

Note: You can change this timetable based on your subjects and study time.

Recommended study time per day

• 4–6 hours daily (with breaks) is ideal for effective learning.
• Morning study (2–3 hours): Best for difficult subjects.
• Afternoon study (1–2 hours): Best for revision and practice.
• Evening study (1–2 hours): Light study or reviewing notes.

Final tips for success

• You must stay disciplined – Remember that a timetable is useless if you don’t follow it.
• Revise daily – Spend at least 15 minutes going through previous topics.
• Avoid distractions – Study in a quiet place.
• Get enough sleep – A rested brain performs better than a tired one.
• Stay positive – Believe in your ability to succeed.

If you follow the tips here, you will not only create the right timetable (the one that will help you stay focused, reduce stress, and pass your exams with excellent results) but you will also learn how to follow it.

Always remember that following your timetable is as important as creating one.