Practical Tips on How to Study in Class 11 to Crack Any Competitive Exam

Written By Anshima | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 23rd Jan, 2024


Stepping into Class 11 after a lot of hard work and pressure in Class 10 board exams often feels like a breath of fresh air. Don’t you feel a sense of relief, and the 11th grade seems like a welcoming change? However, as the dust settles, the reality of the challenges becomes more clear.  

The things you learned in Class 9 are back in Class 11, but now they’re a bit fancier and more detailed. If you don’t get the basics right now, it might trip you up later. That’s why planning your time right from the start is super important.

In our blog, we will share some awesome preparation tips to make studying easier and help you figure out where to put your focus. So, get ready for the study tips on how to tackle Class 11th and 12th like a pro.


Quick Summary

Practical Tips on How to Study in Class 11

Tip 1: Coaching or Self-Study

Tip 2: Time management at School

Tip 3: Time management after School

Tip 4: Three times revision technique

Tip 5: Balanced Routine (dincharya)

Conclusion

FAQs


Tip 1: Coaching or Self-Study

Let us understand the points mentioned in the Kannada Language Act 2015 in simple words.

In 2015, the Karnataka government decided that all students in grades 1–10 should learn Kannada in schools. This applies to every type of school, whether run by the state government or privately owned.

All schools were told to gradually teach Kannada as the first or second language. Even if a school hadn’t taught Kannada before, they now have to start teaching basic Kannada from grade 1 up to grade 10. The schools must use Kannada textbooks provided by the state government. If a student doesn’t pick their mother tongue (other than Kannada) as their first or second language, they can learn it as a third language.

There’s a person in charge, often called the “competent authority.” The government can give them directions if needed, and whatever the government decides is the final word. Nobody can take legal action against the people in charge of the government for doing things the right way.

Many students gearing up for competitive exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, etc. often find themselves at the crossroads of deciding between coaching and self-study. 

  • Coaching institutes play an important role in preparing students for these challenging exams. 
  • Their approach is very structured. 
  • The complete syllabus is broken down into manageable segments so that students cover all essential topics. 
  • Experienced faculty members bring in-depth knowledge and insights, helping students grasp complex concepts with clarity. 
  • Additionally, coaching institutes offer a competitive environment, fostering peer interaction and healthy competition, which can be a motivating factor.
  • Moreover, coaching institutes often provide study materials, practice exams, and expert guidance on exam strategies. These resources can significantly enhance a student’s preparation and confidence, aligning them with specific exam patterns.

Points to Remember

  • Remember, before joining a coaching program, always ask for a trial lesson, it’s your right. Ensure it aligns with your needs and learning styles. This way, you will save time and money.
  • Don’t forget to check if the teacher you prefer is staying throughout the course and has a contract with the coaching class to avoid mid-session changes.

While coaching institutes offer valuable support, the role of self-study cannot be overstated. Self-study is like the solid base that helps students understand and retain concepts. There are many stories of students who have excelled in competitive exams through self-study. However, it is essential to note that success in self-study demands responsibility, maturity, and passion. 

  • Start solving the previous year’s question paper from the very beginning.
  • Make a timetable in which you give 8 hours of sleep and 4 hours of extra household work, 6 hours to school, and the remaining 6 hours for your self-study. 

Tip 2. Time Management at School

Tip 2. Time Management at School

We can all assess if our time at school is worthwhile. If you feel it’s not adding much to your learning journey, consider skipping it, but make this decision sensibly and with maturity. If you choose to attend school, be proactive in class – ask questions, whether they’re related to coaching or the lesson itself. Take advantage of hands-on learning in labs. If you have a free lesson, use it for revision or solving math problems. Maximizing your time at school is crucial, and being curious and engaged in class can have lasting benefits.

Tip 3. Time Management After School

After school, you will nearly get 6 hours. If you join coaching, it will take around 3–4 hours, and 2 hours for self-study.

  • Revise what you learned in class during your self-study time. Aim for three revisions before the next class, with the last one just 15 minutes before it starts. This helps reinforce and remember the material effectively.
  • Write questions at the top of the page during your first revision. This way, you won’t need to revisit the entire content later. Instead, just ask yourself the question, and your brain will actively recall the answer. This technique enhances retention for a longer time.
  • When you’re studying, go to a quiet spot without your phone. Give your phone to a family member, and tell them to give it back if there’s an urgent call. This way, you won’t get distracted and can concentrate better on your studies.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even if you’ve asked them before. If you shy away, you might miss out on understanding something crucial that could appear in exams. Remember, when you ask questions, you’re also helping classmates who might be too shy to ask. 
  • Make the most of your weekends by studying a lot. Use this time to understand tough topics and catch up on hard things. It’s a great way to use all your time wisely.
  • Stay healthy by getting enough sleep and eating well, it will help you concentrate.

Tip 4. Three Revision Techniques Before Class

Success lies in the three-step revision process. When you revise what’s taught in class, on the same day, the next, and 15 minutes before your next class, you’re already on the path to ace any competitive exams.

  • Take notes during class to save time, and ask your teacher to slow down if needed.
  • Your notes should be so clear that even after a year, you can understand them. This technique will save time.
  •  After making notes, revise the topic. Initiate the first revision on the same day, framing questions based on the notes you’ve taken. This strategy eases the process for the second revision. 
  • While reviewing, actively address doubts and engage in extra practice questions to clear uncertainties before the next class.
  •  Do the third revision just 15 minutes before the class, ensuring clarity on the topic so that you can confidently address any remaining doubts during the session. The three-time revision technique ensures a longer retention of the concept. 

Many students learn in coaching or at school but struggle to find time for revision. Without revisiting what’s taught, the knowledge tends to fade, making the initial learning effort somewhat wasted since the brain may struggle to retain it.

Tip 5: Balanced Routine (dincharya)

Now this is something super important- your health! 

Ever heard of Ayurveda? It’s an incredible ancient wisdom from India, that keeps everything in balance for a smooth life. Your secret mantra to success lies in your daily routine.

  • Tell us are you waking up and sleeping at the same time every day? 
  • And those little rituals like oil pulling and nasal cleansing?

 These little things can make a great difference in your well-being. We may not notice but these activities keep stress at bay and aid to better focus and concentration.

According to Ayurveda, there are 3 doshas in our body 

  • Vata
  • Pitta
  • Kapha

These doshas represent different combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and sky)

During exams or preparing for a competitive test we often tend to get stressed and then the doshas in our body get imbalanced and any specific dosha will increase and eventually we fall sick. You can take a verbal test available on YouTube to know which dosha in your body is prominent. Understanding your predominant dosha can guide you in making lifestyle choices that maintain balance. 

Tips: 

  • Practice meditation and yoga, which are integral to Ayurveda, and can help manage stress and balance the doshas. 
  • Ayurveda recommends consuming fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced foods. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of proteins.
  • Eat Warm and cooked meals, as they are easier to digest.
  • Eat slowly and chew each bite at least 20 times for better digestion.
  • Use herbs and spices in your daily diet. Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and tulsi are believed to help the body adapt to stress.
  • Drinking herbal teas or infusions made from Ayurvedic herbs may be recommended to support the nervous system.
  • The most important tip is waking up and going to bed at consistent times, which can contribute to better sleep quality and improve memory.
  • Incorporating self-care practices such as oil massage (abhyanga), tongue scraping, and nasal cleansing can be beneficial for overall well-being.

Conclusion

In school and competitive exam coaching classes, it is important to note that some of your peers might have already covered the class 11 syllabus by the time you’re just beginning. Keep in mind, that in school or a competitive exam coaching class, there will be peers who have already covered the class 11 syllabus when you’re just starting. The competition will be intense from the beginning. Therefore, we advise you to commence preparation during the summer break after your class 10 board exams. This approach allows you to cover the class 11 syllabus multiple times by the end of the year. 

If you want to achieve success in competitive exams in the very first go, you will require a blend of willpower, passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment. Our top advice is to minimize distractions like phones, outings, celebrations, etc., especially during these 2 years.

The years in class 11 and 12 really decide how your education goes and what your future will be like. If you get into a good college, things are set for a good life. 

We hope these tips were helpful, and we extend our best wishes for your future success!

FAQs on How to Study in Class 11 for Competitive Exams

Q1: Should I Take Coaching or Study on My Own?

A: It depends on how you like to learn. Coaching classes give structured help while studying on your forms a strong base. A mix of both often works well.

Q 2: How Can I Make the Most of School Time?

A: Be active in class – ask questions, use free time for revision, and be interested in what’s being taught. Being engaged in school sets you up for success.

Q 3: What’s a Good Plan After School, Especially with Coaching?

A: Set aside time for self-study after coaching. Revise what you learned three times before the next class. Find a quiet spot without your phone, and use weekends for deeper study.

Q 4: How Can I Revise Before Class Using the Three-Step Technique?

A: Take clear notes, revise on the same day, ask yourself questions, address doubts, and do a quick revision just before class. It helps you remember stuff for a longer time.

Q 5: What’s Ayurveda, and How Can It help to make my Routine?

 A: Ayurveda is an old Indian way of staying healthy. It says to wake up and sleep at the same time every day, do self-care like oil massage, eat local and fresh foods, and try meditation and yoga to handle stress.



Varsha & Adi

Hi, we are Varsha and Adi, and we’re on a mission to help parents make the right choice for their kids’ education. Picking a school is like a 10-year commitment, and we realized parents needed clear, no-nonsense info. That’s why we created Candid Schools, where you can get the real deal on schools without the fancy jargon. Our goal is simple: to give parents the info they need to make the best choice for their little ones.

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