How to Make a Study Timetable That Actually Works

Most timetables fall apart by day three. They're made for an imaginary student with endless energy. Here's a way to plan for a real week.

Step 1: List what you have to cover

Write down every subject, its chapters and the exam date. This is your master list. If you're preparing for boards, check the latest syllabus on the official GSEB website first.

Step 2: Rate each topic

Mark each chapter weak, medium or strong. Be strict. If you can't explain it without your notes, it isn't strong yet.

Step 3: Find your real free time

Take away school, tuition, travel, meals, sleep and chores. What's left is the time you can really study. If you plan for more than that, the plan will fail. Track one normal week first. See how to track study hours.

Step 4: Block time by subject

• Put your hardest or weakest subject in the part of the day when you have the most energy.
• Use blocks of 45 to 60 minutes with 10 minute breaks, or Pomodoro blocks.
• Touch every subject a few times a week. Don't give a whole day to a single subject.

Step 5: Leave gaps and rest

Keep one free block every day and one lighter day every week. Don't cut sleep. Teenagers usually need about 8 to 10 hours a night.

Step 6: Review every Sunday

Compare what you planned with what you did. Move missed topics forward, drop what's now strong, and change next week's blocks. The StudyTracker planner and charts make this a five minute job.

A sample weekday

Change the times to suit your own day.

Frequently asked questions