Smart Study Habits Every CBSE Student Should Develop

posted on May 13, 2026

Gurukul The School, regarded as the top school in Ghaziabad, came to the conclusion that the problem is not a lack of effort or intelligence, but the lack of smart study habits.

Most students nowadays have a dedicated study routine they follow each day. They keep time for focused studying and also keep aside a good amount of time for homework and other learning activities. Yet it is often seen that there remains a huge gap in the academic performance of students across classes.

We understand that as a hard-working student, it can be disappointing to not receive the same results as others despite putting in the same amount (or sometimes even more) of effort and time. Hence, we decided to speak to various students to get to the real issue.

After discussing with several CBSE students with varied performance track records, we at Gurukul The School, regarded as the top school in Ghaziabad, came to the conclusion that the problem is not a lack of effort or intelligence, but the lack of smart study habits. If you unknowingly spend time rereading textbooks, delaying the difficult subjects for later, or trying to cram information a few days before the exam, you need to change your study habits immediately. These habits are not going to get you the results you desire to achieve. You have to switch to smart study habits to improve those grades on your scorecard.

If you’re unsure what changes to make or which study habits to adopt for visible improvements, stick to the following smart study habits.

• Stop Treating Every Subject the Same

Different subjects need different learning approaches. However, unfortunately, many students overlook this simple fact and try to study every subject in the same way. It’s why they don’t get the desired results.

For example, mathematics needs practice, not reading. So, instead of trying to study it the same way you study English literature, start solving more mathematical problems. This subject will improve automatically when you repeatedly solve problems and identify where mistakes occur.

Similarly, when studying science, you should try to understand the ‘why’ behind every concept. You cannot solve science questions on paper, as you do for mathematics.

Conducting small experiments related to the topic or asking more practical questions, like why does metal expand when heated or why do plants need sunlight, is a far better learning approach for science subjects. Smart studying starts the moment you stop assuming that every subject can be learned the same way.

• Develop the ‘Recall Before Revision’ Habit

Traditionally, many students revise their subjects using a familiar pattern:

• Read a chapter
• Read it again
• Highlight important lines
• Read once more before exams

On the surface, this method may appear normal. However, close introspection will highlight that this approach creates familiarity, and familiarity isn’t the same as learning. According to us at Gurukul The School, students should replace this revision method with the ‘recall before revision’ method.

It’s a simple yet incredibly beneficial method. Here’s how it works: You finish reading a chapter or a topic, and then you close the book. Now, you try to recall everything you remember without checking any notes or the textbook again.

This method works because it makes your brain work harder to retrieve information. It gradually strengthens memory pathways, making it easier for you to retain information for a long time. You can start noticing the improvements in your test scores after consistently studying using this method.

• Start Tracking Mistakes, Not Just Marks

Examination scores provide deep insights into students’ preparation and knowledge, but unfortunately, many students focus only on their marks rather than trying to understand what went wrong. Different students can lose marks for different reasons.

For example, some may get lower marks because they failed to understand the question properly. Others may lose marks because they were underprepared, rushed the examination, or couldn’t manage their time.

As a student, you must maintain a register in which you note both your marks and the possible reasons for scoring lower. Use this information to make timely adjustments to your learning style. Over time, it will help you improve your academic performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is studying late at night better than studying in the morning?

Neither is automatically better. You should experiment with studying at different times and stick to what suits you better and gives you the best results.

• Can smart study habits improve marks quickly?

Some habits may show quick results, but most would demand consistent application over months before delivering any visible improvement in academic performance.

• How many hours should students study every day?

No ‘fixed’ number of hours works equally well for every student. As long as you study effectively, even 2 hours a day is fine.

• Why do I keep forgetting concepts despite revising them multiple times?

It may happen if your revision method is inefficient. You should try the ‘recall before revision’ method, as it helps your brain retain information longer.

Conclusion

We’ve all heard the phrase, ‘work smarter, not harder.’ Let us tell you this doesn’t just apply to working professionals but to students as well. According to us at Gurukul The School, the top schools in Ghaziabad, academic success cannot always be determined by how many hours you spend studying, but by how effectively you use your time. Even small changes in the way you approach learning can bring about significant improvement in your overall learning experience and, in turn, your results.