Competitive Exam Me Time Management Kaise Kare
When I teach offline, many students often ask me, “Sir, I am not able to manage my time properly. How should I plan my day so that I can complete all my targets?”
So, let me tell you honestly, first of all, you need to clear the mess and confusion around your preparation. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Set Clear Goals
Decide your exact goal—are you preparing for UPSC, SSC, or any other exam? If it’s SSC, then which one—CPO, CGL, or CHSL?
For example, if you’ve recently appeared for the CPO exam and are thinking of preparing for the physical test along with CGL, first ask yourself:
- Can I manage both preparations together?
- Do I have enough time for both?
- Will focusing on one affect the other?
Once you’ve finalized your goal, divide it into smaller goals. Assign targets for each subject. For example:
- “I will complete 200 reasoning questions from series topic.”
- “I will follow the 51-day maths marathon.”
- “I will complete this particular batch or class.”
Write it all down clearly on paper. This helps in better execution.
2. Prioritize Your Tasks
Be honest with yourself and learn to prioritize. When I was preparing, I followed my own strategy, which helped me crack five government jobs.
My first priority was always syllabus completion. Second priority was giving sectional and full mock tests.
Don’t do things out of order—like giving mocks before completing the syllabus. If you do this, your mind will stay confused:
- While giving mocks: “Oh, the syllabus is incomplete.”
- While studying: “Others are taking mocks. I should too.”
This leads to a chaotic situation.
So, clearly set your priorities:
- What is the most urgent?
- What is less urgent?
- What can wait?
3. Say Goodbye to Distractions
There comes a time when everything seems entertaining—reels, matches, shows, etc. But you must cut off from the outside world and focus only on yourself.
In my last 60 days of preparation, I only stepped out of my room to eat. I had no distractions—no social media, no outings, no unnecessary conversations.
Why? Because I knew if I didn’t give these 60 days my best, I wouldn’t get another chance. That one attempt could push me a whole year behind.
Avoid comparing yourself to others. Set your own example. Reduce phone calls, cut out unproductive activities, and limit your time on things like eating, chatting, or tea breaks. Even 10 minutes is enough to eat—don’t turn it into a one-hour distraction.
Time limits are important.
British education systems emphasize that success depends largely on managing your time. Imagine walking without knowing your destination—your journey won’t be fruitful.
Set a clear goal and timeline:
- “I’ll finish this chapter in 3 days.”
- “I’ll memorize 100 vocabulary words in a week.”
- “I’ll cover these grammar rules in 10 days.”
Your brain works within the targets you give it. If you tell it to memorize the table of 10 in one hour, it will. But it won’t do 11 or 12. So, always set your limits.
4. Learn to Say “No”
Sometimes you have to say no to many things—even to close relationships.
Yes, this includes personal distractions. Today’s focus should be on your career. Everything else can wait. If you succeed, your future will be secure. If you don’t, even sincere relationships may move on.
This doesn’t mean you should block everyone or stop communicating completely. Just be mindful of your time. Use it wisely. If you waste one hour chatting or scrolling, that’s one hour lost from your dream.
Make your mind fertile before planting seeds.
First, create the right mindset and remove distractions. Then your study efforts will actually yield results.
5. Reverse Calendar Technique
This is a method I personally used. I’d buy a ₹20 chart paper (yellow, pink, or cyan) and stick it on my wall. Then I’d write the number of days left before the exam in reverse order—starting from 60, 59, 58, and so on.
Each day, I’d cross off a day. If I missed something that day, I’d write a note on it (e.g., “History left to study”).
This constant reminder creates pressure and keeps you accountable. You won’t need motivation from outside. This simple trick will keep you focused.
On one side of the chart, maintain:
- Days left
- Missed topics
On the other side, make a list of tasks, such as:
- Four chapters in maths to complete: Algebra, Percentage, Geometry, Mensuration
- Vocabulary from a specific book
- Current Affairs from a specific source
- Important GS topics
- Formula book
Make a complete task list for the next 60 days. Promise yourself: “I will study only from this. Nothing else.”
6. Use Sticky Notes
Buy sticky notes and divide them into three sections on your chart:
- Weak Topics: Note down areas where you struggle. These are your problem areas and need priority.
- Skipped Topics: Write down the ones you haven’t even touched yet.
- Must-Do Topics: The ones that are top priority.
Accept your weaknesses. Only then you can improve them. Once you identify your weak points, you can fix them and see a real increase in your score.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, remember: you are your own guide, your own support system. Teachers can only provide direction. The real fight is yours.
Use this strategy with honesty and consistency—and you’ll be able to achieve your exam goals.