How to Concentrate on Studies for Exams: Best Time to Study for Maximum Concentration

Exams bring pressure, deadlines, and endless revision. But the real challenge for most students is not what to study; it’s how to focus while studying. The good news is that concentration can be improved with the right timing, techniques, and routines.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best times to study for exams, proven focus strategies, a personalized daily routine, and weekly milestones that help you prepare with confidence.
Not everyone studies best at the same time. Still, science shows there are certain times of the day when your brain naturally performs better. Here’s how to use them to your advantage:
The key is to listen to your own rhythm. Find the hours when you feel naturally alert, and use those for your most difficult study tasks
Some simple, practical strategies that make a big difference:
Choose a clean, quiet, well-lit place. Keep your phone on silent or in another room. Avoid studying in bed; it signals your brain to relax, not focus.
Studying at the same time every day trains your mind to switch into “focus mode” automatically. A consistent habit reduces procrastination.
Don’t just read, engage. Use flashcards, mind-maps, quizzes, and past exam papers. Teaching someone else or explaining concepts aloud strengthens memory.
Study in short bursts: 25–45 minutes of focused work, then a 5–10 minute break. This keeps your brain fresh and prevents burnout.
Eat light meals, stay hydrated, and get 7–8 hours of sleep. A tired body means a tired brain. Even a 10-minute walk can refresh focus.
Simple breathing exercises or meditation before studying can calm your mind and sharpen attention.
Every student’s energy levels are different, but here’s a sample plan (study skills) you can adapt to your own rhythm.
Time | Activity |
6:30 am – 7:00 am | Wake up and do light exercise (stretching, walking, or yoga) to activate the brain. |
7:00 am – 9:00 am | Focus on your hardest subject – peak concentration time. |
9:00 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast + short break. |
9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Practice tests or solve important questions (Maths, Physics, problem-solving). |
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm | Lunch + relaxation (avoid screens). |
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Revise lighter topics (diagrams, notes, or language subjects). |
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm | Power nap or short walk – quick reset. |
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Study creative/visual subjects (history timelines, mind maps, flowcharts). |
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Use flashcards or self-testing for quick recall. |
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Relaxation, hobbies, or dinner prep – brain downtime. |
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Revise what you studied earlier – strengthens memory. |
9:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Light dinner. |
9:30 pm – 10:30 pm | Capsule revision or mental recall (formulas, key points, summaries). |
10:30 pm – 11:00 pm | Wind down with meditation, light reading, or relaxation before bed. |
Adjust this plan to fit your energy levels. Some students prefer late-night study; others perform best early morning. What matters is consistency.
Board exams require long-term focus. Here are extra tips:
Exams are not just about hard work; they’re about smart preparation. That’s why Interval Learning offers Crash Courses for Classes 8 to 12, specially designed to give students the final push they need before exams.
What makes our crash courses effective:
With Interval Learning’s crash courses, students don’t just revise; they prepare with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
Staying consistent with study plans isn’t always easy; distractions, stress, and exam pressure can break focus. That’s where Interval Learning’s one-on-one tuition makes a difference.
Whether it’s board exams or regular school tests, Interval Learning helps students focus better, study smarter, and achieve success.
Give your child the advantage of one-on-one tuition with Interval Learning today. Contact us today!
Morning (7–11 am) and evening (6–9 pm) are usually the best times, but it depends on your body rhythm.
Get proper sleep, eat light meals, practice mindfulness, and revise in short, focused sessions.
Plan milestones, practice past papers, revise regularly, and avoid last-minute cramming.
Yes, if you’re a night owl. Just make sure you get enough sleep and avoid screens before bed.
Stay organized, use active learning methods, study in short blocks, and revise daily.
We provide one-on-one tuition that helps students build routines, clear doubts instantly, and stay consistent with revision.
Unlike group classes, one-on-one tuition gives your child full attention, a study plan tailored to their strengths and weaknesses, and regular progress tracking.
Yes. Our expert tutors specialize in board exam preparation, covering all subjects with personalized strategies for maximum performance.