Not everyone starts at the top of the class — and that’s perfectly fine. If you’re scoring around 60% or 70% and wondering how those 90%+ students do it, this one’s for you.
Here’s a spoiler: it’s not about being “born smart.” It’s about studying smarter, not longer. In fact, many toppers don’t even study more than 4–5 hours a day. They just use better systems.
So, if you’re tired of last-minute panic and want real, usable methods that work in 2025, read on. This isn’t just theory — this is stuff that real students are using today.
Why Most Students Stay Stuck at 60-70%
Let’s call it out. Most students don’t lack intelligence — they lack systems.
Here’s what usually holds them back:
- Studying without a plan
- Passive reading (just highlighting and re-reading)
- Zero revision strategy
- Poor time management
- Stress during exams due to no mock practice
- Comparing with others instead of tracking self
Once you identify what’s wrong, you can fix it.
First, Fix Your Foundations
Before you even open a book, do this:
Step 1: Know Your Syllabus Inside Out
Download your syllabus and mark every topic:
✅ Done
🟡 Needs revision
🔴 Not touched
Step 2: Get Your Resources Sorted
Stick to 1–2 sources per subject.
Don’t collect PDFs you’ll never open.
Step 3: Set a Target (But Be Real)
Shooting for 95%? Cool.
But if you’re at 60%, target 80% first.
Then stretch further.
Now, Use These Smart Study Techniques
Here’s the gold:
1. The Pomodoro Technique (with a twist)
- 25 mins study
- 5 mins break
- After 4 rounds, take a 20 min break
But here’s the twist: during breaks, do nothing screen-related.
Walk. Stretch. Close your eyes. That’s real rest.
2. Active Recall > Passive Reading
Don’t just read your notes. Test yourself.
- Close the book
- Write or say answers out loud
- Use flashcards or apps like Anki
This trains your brain to retrieve info — what actually matters in exams.
3. Use the Feynman Technique
Explain tough topics like you’re teaching a 10-year-old.
If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it yet.
4. Spaced Repetition
Instead of revising a topic once and forgetting, revise using a gap method:
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Learn |
| 3 | First revision |
| 7 | Second revision |
| 14 | Final revision |
This locks it into long-term memory.
5. The 80/20 Rule for Studying
80% of your exam comes from 20% of your syllabus (most important concepts).
Find that 20% and master it early.
Mock Tests and Past Papers Are Your Secret Weapon
If you only do one thing before your exam, let it be this.
- Solve 3–5 years of past papers
- Time yourself like a real exam
- Then analyze your mistakes (don’t skip this)
Mock tests reduce fear, improve speed, and boost confidence like nothing else.
Build a Weekly Study Plan (Example Template)
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 AM | Revise notes | Flashcards | PYQs | Revise | Quick tests | Rest | Plan next week |
| 10–1 PM | Math practice | Science theory | English essay | Physics numericals | Chemistry MCQs | Mock test | Topic revision |
| 5–7 PM | Formula recall | Diagrams | Group study | Write summary | Doubts clearing | Light revision | Self-check quiz |
| 9–10 PM | Review + Journal | Review + Notes | Podcast or video recap | Review mistakes | Meditate + plan | Chill + reflect | Family time |
Customize this to your subjects and energy levels.
Tips from Students Who Jumped 30%+ in One Year
We spoke to students who went from 60% to 90% — here’s what they had to say:
“I stopped studying the whole night and started sleeping 7 hours minimum.”
- Kritika, Class 12
“I deleted Instagram and gave myself a strict 1-hour reward rule after every study session.”
- Arjun, BTech 2nd Year
“Making my own notes instead of borrowing helped me remember things better.”
- Tanvi, NEET Aspirant
“One subject per study block. No multitasking. Ever.”
- Aman, UPSC Aspirant
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Studying everything equally (focus on high-weightage topics)
- Studying only what you like
- Ignoring NCERT when it’s the base for competitive and board exams
- Cramming the night before
- Not practicing writing (especially in theory-heavy exams)
Tools That Help
Use tech, but wisely:
- Notion for planning
- Anki or Quizlet for spaced repetition
- YouTube for visual learning
- Google Calendar for blocking time
- Forest App for focus sessions
Final Thoughts
Reaching 90% isn’t magic. It’s strategy.
It’s not about how hard you study. It’s about how smart you plan, revise, and rest.
Start slow. Build momentum. Track progress weekly. And don’t let one bad test stop you — the climb from 60 to 90 is real, and you’ve got this.