Hi, my name is Shikha Nair, and this is my success story.

Setting goals is one of the best ways to stay focused during study sessions, but not all goals are created equal. A vague goal like "study maths" often leads to wasted time and frustration. Clear, specific goals make all the difference.

It can be tempting to try and memorise everything for an exam, especially when time feels short. But real learning happens when students focus on understanding the material, not just repeating it.

One of the most powerful, but often underused, study tools is past papers. Practising with real exam questions gives students a clear idea of what to expect — and builds confidence before the real thing.

We've all been there. You open your books, stare at the page… and nothing happens. Motivation? Gone. Disappeared. Evaporated.

Procrastination usually isn't about laziness — it's about feeling overwhelmed. When students see a long to-do list or think about studying for hours, they often freeze before they even begin. That's where the 10-minute rule comes in.

Many students still believe that studying for long hours the night before a test is effective — but research and experience say otherwise. The most successful students are the ones who space out their learning across shorter, consistent sessions.

Consistency is key to academic improvement. A study routine helps students develop discipline, manage their time, and reduce the stress of last-minute preparation. More importantly, a routine builds a sense of control and predictability, which boosts confidence.

Reading over your notes isn't enough. In fact, passive study techniques like highlighting and rereading often give students a false sense of understanding. To study effectively, students need to engage with the content actively.

Mastering the GATE Exam: A Comprehensive Preparation Guide