How to Study Smart: 20 Scientific Ways to Learn Faster

You must’ve heard, “Winners don't do different things; they do things differently”. 

This quote proves right in academic life, where every student thinks they lack enough time to study to get good grades. And why not? After all, they’ve got so many assignments & projects to deal with and exams to study for. Plus, they also want to live their social life. 

But have you ever wondered how toppers could perform better in their exams with all things managed, as they’ve also got 168 hours in a week, just like you do? It doesn’t matter how many hours they have left, but how they utilise it. To improve your scores, you can either perform hours of constant studying or learn how to learn fast for exams.

Here in this article, we will discuss the top scientific ways to study smart & grasp things faster for exams. Keep reading to know:

Tips To Study Faster and More Effectively

Cramming things will surely not help you in the long run; thus, following these smart & effective learning skills may gear up your exam preparation. Take a look:

1. Stop Stressing Over A Book; give Multiple Books A Chance Each Day 

Many students study a single subject for hours, which is entirely justified. You have many exams, and it is obvious to focus on a single subject. However, we tend to need clarification & end up mixing similar topics & concepts often. Therefore reading multiple subjects daily is one of the best tips for smart study. For example, covering a little bit of math, history, physics, and chemistry every day is better than spending an entire day on just math etc. You get to grab different things at a time which will help you avoid contradicting the information.

2. Periodic Reviews Are Better Than Cramming

You cannot afford to forget things you’ve already learned, especially preparing for competitive exams like IIT JEE or NEET. Remember, our brain tends to fade things away if they aren't reviewed periodically. So, if you want to memorise studies for longer, perform a periodic review instead of cramming. It further helps with boosting concepts & clearing any doubts remaining.

3. Pen the Notes Instead of Typing 

If you’re wondering, “how to study smart for exams in less time?” The best idea is to develop a habit of writing important things down in a notebook every time you read. Studies suggest handwritten notes are likely to process in our brains faster than typed ones.

4. Let’s Get Loud

While studying or revising things, try to read the key information out loud to stress over it and train your mind to remember it faster. Various studies have shown that reading any information aloud helps process that information faster as it involves both reading & listening.

5. Multitasking Isn’t Good Every Time

You often try to multitask to get things done faster, which can sometimes complicate your studies. So, how to study more in less time? Whenever you sit to study, get in the zone and only focus on one task at a time. Try to avoid doing other things like watching TV, surfing the internet or gossiping with friends, or it will shift your focus and make you lose track.

6. Link One Information With Other

How to learn fast for exams? The most effective tip is to link what you’re reading with something similar that you’ve already learned. It will help you stick with that important information easily, effectively & for longer.

7. Know Where You Lack

Learning isn’t enough until you know your areas to improve & try to overcome them. The best idea is to test your preparations. Quiz your learnings by practising the previous year’s question papers or mock tests. It will help you clear all your issues and improve your speed & accuracy.

8. Study in Chunks 

Students often go for constant study hours, especially when the exams are around the corner. This makes your brain feel tired & drained out when you overburden it with constant studies. You end up remembering nothing but all dizzy & stressed. Then, how to study fast and effectively? Just give yourself a few minutes between every hour of study to get relaxed & recharged. Taking a 15 to 20-minute break is enough for a motivated study.

9. You Also Deserve A Reward 

When you start a study session or set a particular goal to cover a chapter within a specific time limit, decide a reward for yourself that you will deserve at the end of each goal or session. It will boost your motivation to continue your studies and strengthen your morale to stick with your goals. It can be watching your favourite movie etc.

10. Study Like a Teacher

Do you know how to study fast without forgetting? The best idea is to explain everything you’ve learned to someone else. This way, you can recall all your studies and overcome doubts. It also helps you memorise the concepts for longer.

Other Tips To Study Smarter

Here are a few tips that can help you study & learn faster. Take a look:

1. Find your Mnemonics - Everybody has their way of memorising information, like combining the first letter of a table or relating things with music. You need to find your mnemonics. 

2. Focus on Concepts - Learning a chapter has only use if you know what it is all about. Invest a significant time in understanding the concept instead of cramming things. Solve related questions.

3. Learn to Manage Time - You can make a timetable and stick to it throughout the preparations. It will help you keep your studies on track.

4. Study in Group - Studying in a group is also a good idea to have minds likewise. You can solve their issues and also get your doubts resolved. 

5. Keep Yourself Hydrated - Studies suggest dehydration slows our brain’s overall processing power. So, increase your water intake or try to have at least seven glasses of water every day.

6. Eat Healthy- Better food habits result in improved physical and mental health. Incorporate a balanced diet in your routine rich with nutrition & protein like eggs or Omega-3 fatty acids etc.

7. Sleep Better - An active, fresh & energetic mind is required to perform a productive study. Take at least eight hours of sleep.

8. Do Exercise - Studying smarter & faster will work better with good physical & mental health. Try to exercise for a week thrice.

9. Stop Procrastination - Avoiding reading or leaving them on tomorrow is your biggest enemy towards smart study. Prepare your mind and perform regular studies.

10. You Can Do It - Thinking positively throughout your preparation plays a vital role in your success. Stay in the company of people who encourage you and distance yourself from all the negativity.

Summing Up

These are a few tips to incorporate into your daily routine if you seek “how to learn fast for exams”. Whether you’re studying for a Bachelor's degree, MBA or competitive exams like JEE or NEET, these tips will help you get the most out of your studies.