In a country where academic pressure is constant, Indian students are always on the lookout for ways to study “smarter.” Advice comes from everywhere—teachers, parents, toppers, YouTubers, and even tuition center posters. But not all commonly shared “study hacks” are effective. Some of them, despite sounding helpful, actually reduce productivity, retention, and long-term performance.
Here are 12 popular Indian study habits that seem smart on the surface—but may be holding students back more than helping them move forward.
1. Studying Late at Night for Fewer Distractions
Many students believe the best time to study is late at night when the world is quiet. But for most people, late-night studying leads to fatigue, poor concentration, and disrupted sleep—which directly affects memory and performance the next day.
Better approach:
Study when your mind is most alert—typically mornings or early evenings. If you must study late, limit it and ensure proper sleep.
2. Skipping Breaks to Study for Hours Without Stopping
“Study 6 hours straight without getting up” sounds impressive—but it drains your focus and burns out your brain. Long, uninterrupted sessions reduce mental efficiency and make it harder to retain what you’re learning.
Better approach:
Use short study cycles like the Pomodoro method—25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break.
3. Multitasking with Music, TV, or a Phone Nearby
Many students study with songs playing, notifications pinging, or a TV running in the background. This splits attention, reduces deep focus, and slows learning—even if it feels like you’re “used to it.”
Better approach:
Keep your phone away, close irrelevant tabs, and study in silence or with low-volume instrumental music only if it truly helps.
4. Highlighting Everything in the Textbook
Using a highlighter makes you feel productive, but highlighting entire paragraphs or random sections without processing the meaning doesn’t help retention.
Better approach:
First understand the material. Then highlight key concepts selectively. Even better—write your own summary in your words.
5. Following Topper Routines Without Personalisation
Every year, students copy “Toppers’ Schedules” from interviews and YouTube. But these routines may not match your energy levels, subjects, or learning style.
Better approach:
Create a timetable based on your personal focus hours and subject priorities. The best schedule is the one you can actually follow.
6. Using Only Previous Year Papers to Prepare
While solving past papers is important, many students use them as their only study tool. This may help with pattern recognition but not deep understanding—especially if questions change or topics shift.
Better approach:
Use past papers for revision and time management. Build a strong foundation first using NCERTs, standard books, or video lessons.
7. Group Study as a Social Excuse
Group study feels collaborative, but without a clear plan it often leads to gossip, off-topic discussion, or comparison stress.
Better approach:
Use group study only for solving doubts or discussing difficult topics. Set clear goals and a time limit beforehand.
8. Memorising Without Understanding
Rote learning (mugging) is still widely practiced, especially for theoretical subjects. It may help in exams but weakens long-term understanding and application—especially in competitive exams.
Better approach:
Focus on “why” and “how” instead of just “what.” Use diagrams, examples, or stories to connect concepts meaningfully.
9. Studying New Topics Just Before Sleeping
Many believe that studying before bed improves memory. But learning brand-new material when you’re tired leads to poor absorption.
Better approach:
Use bedtime to revise previously learned material instead of starting new chapters. Sleep improves memory consolidation—if used wisely.
10. Relying on ‘Study With Me’ Videos for Motivation
These videos may boost discipline or give a sense of community, but they can also become passive distractions. Watching others study isn’t the same as doing the work yourself.
Better approach:
Use them for time-block structure only if it helps. Track your own effort—don’t compare pace or screen time.
11. Rewriting Notes Repeatedly Without Adding Value
Rewriting the same notes again and again may look neat, but unless you engage with the material differently, you’re just copying—not learning.
Better approach:
Convert notes into flashcards, flowcharts, or teaching summaries. Rewriting should involve reorganizing or reinforcing, not repeating.
12. Waiting to Be ‘In the Mood’ to Study
Many students procrastinate by waiting for the “right mood” or ideal motivation to start. But waiting can waste days—and moods are unreliable.
Better approach:
Use time-based goals, not mood-based ones. Build discipline through routine, even in small 30-minute sessions.
Summary: Popular Study Habits That Need a Rethink
| Habit Students Rely On | What’s Actually Better |
|---|---|
| Studying late at night for peace and quiet | Use morning hours when your brain is more alert |
| Studying for hours without taking breaks | Break sessions into short, focused time blocks |
| Keeping music, phones, or background distractions | Study in silence or use low-volume instrumental |
| Highlighting everything in books | Understand first, then mark key points selectively |
| Following toppers’ schedules blindly | Build a routine that fits your own pace and energy |
| Using only past papers to prepare | Combine past papers with concept-based learning |
| Group study as default method | Use it only for doubts or group discussion, not all topics |
| Relying on memorization alone | Prioritize understanding with real-world examples |
| Learning new material before bed | Use that time to revise and reinforce, not cram |
| Watching ‘Study With Me’ videos passively | Use them for structure, not as a replacement for effort |
| Rewriting notes for neatness | Try mind maps, summaries, or teach-back techniques |
| Waiting for motivation to strike | Stick to time-based routines regardless of mood |
The wrong study habits don’t always feel wrong. Some of them are deeply rooted in our school culture or exam mindset. But smarter learning isn’t about how hard you study, it’s about how effectively you learn. By replacing these common yet unhelpful “hacks” with science-backed, personalized strategies, you’ll not only save time but actually understand better and feel less stressed. In a world of competition, focus on clarity, not shortcuts.
