Let’s face it: no one really loves exams. Whether it’s your semester finals creeping up, CUET madness, or dreaming big with UPSC or CAT, one thing’s for sure — exams are everywhere. And they never come alone — they bring anxiety, late nights, and that familiar guilt of “I should’ve started earlier.”
But don’t worry. You’re not the only one winging it sometimes. The good news? You can actually prep smarter — not harder — by understanding the kind of exam you’re facing. Here’s your go-to breakdown of how to deal with different types of exams — without losing your mind or your social life.
1. Semester Exams (DU, IPU, etc.)
These sneak up fast. One minute you’re attending freshers’ parties, and next thing you know, it’s exam week.
How to survive:
Start with previous years’ papers. Seriously. DU students live on these.
Focus on key units. Not everything is important — learn to filter.
Learn how to write: structure matters. Even if you know a lot, you need a clean intro-body-conclusion format.
Read your class notes + whatever your professors hint at during lectures. They usually drop clues!
Pro tip: Studying with a friend who’s panicking just like you = instant motivation.
2. CUET (for 12th Graders Eyeing DU, JNU, etc.)
CUET feels like that huge wall between you and your dream college.
Smart prep tips:
Stick to NCERT books for domain subjects. They’re gold.
Practice general tests regularly — reasoning, English, GK.
Take mock tests seriously. CUET is as much about strategy as it is about knowledge.
Pro tip: Start small — 2 hours a day is better than 10-hour marathons that only happen in dreams.
3. UPSC/SSC/Banking (aka Serious Aspirants Only)
This isn’t just prep. It’s a lifestyle.
Real talk:
Build a routine that you can follow — not some 5am YouTube topper schedule.
Read the news, yes. But learn to filter what’s actually useful for exams.
Start mock tests early — you’ll learn more from what you get wrong than what you already know.
Pro tip: Study in a reading room or library. The silent guilt of watching others study is powerful.
4. MBA, Law & Entrance Tests (CAT, CLAT, etc.)
These exams test your brain’s flexibility, not just your memory.
Best prep tricks:
Solve RCs and logic puzzles like a game — it helps with burnout.
Work on speed + accuracy — especially in quant and DI.
Mix study with light revision daily — even 1 hour a day makes a difference if you’re consistent.
Pro tip: Don’t just prep hard, prep smart. Analyze your mistakes like you’re Sherlock.
5. IELTS/TOEFL (Language Proficiency Exams)
These are all about your everyday English — not Shakespeare.
How to prep without stress:
Watch English content daily — with subtitles, without guilt.
Record yourself speaking. Sounds cringe, but it works.
Write one timed essay every few days. You’ll see the improvement.
Pro tip: Find a buddy to practice with — someone else struggling makes it feel less weird.
6. NET, PG Entrance Exams & More
Planning to teach or study further? These exams go deep.
Tried-and-true tips:
Go back to your UG notes — they’re more helpful than you think.
Stick to one or two reference books instead of ten.
Practice MCQs and build your theory base slowly.
Pro tip: Group study actually helps here — discussing theories makes them stick better.
Bonus Tips for All Kinds of Exams
Make a to-do list for each week. Not fancy, just real.
Use the Pomodoro technique (25 min study + 5 min break). Surprisingly effective.
Keep snacks and water nearby — fuel = focus.
Don’t cut sleep! Your brain literally needs rest to remember stuff.
Final Words (from one student to another)
Let’s be honest — no plan works 100% of the time. You’ll still have lazy days, off days, and panic days. But that’s okay. You don’t have to be perfect — just a little consistent.
Even if you start small — reading two topics a day or solving a few questions — you’re doing more than most.
