We have compiled a useful guide designed specifically for students—whether they are attending college or preparing for competitive examinations. We are presenting this information based on our own experiences as well as feedback received from students. We provide insights into the specific actions students should take—and those they should avoid—in order to achieve excellent grades while attending school or college, or while preparing for competitive exams.
We cover various aspects of a student’s life, including how to structure their daily routine, diet, exercise regimen, and study strategies. We offer guidance on what students should and should not do while navigating student life. In essence, we provide a glimpse into the lifestyles and daily habits of top performers—including toppers in exams such as IIT, NDA, UPSC, Railway Exams, Banking Exams, as well as 10th and 12th-grade board examinations.
The “Daily Routine Guide for Students” is outlined below:
- Diet:
Students should always consume nutritious food. If you are living in a hostel and the quality of the mess food is substandard, you should supplement your diet with dry fruits. Soak Matki (moth beans) every evening and consume them the following morning. Eat fruits that are affordable and easily available. Opt for milk instead of tea. Avoid consuming oily or greasy foods. Simple, nutritious meals provide you with energy and prevent digestive issues.
Avoid fast food and junk food. Ensure you eat your meals on time; while skipping breakfast occasionally might be acceptable, having your main meals at the scheduled time is crucial. Nutritious food and a balanced diet are essential for enhancing memory and maintaining a physically fit body. Furthermore, a nutritious diet helps resolve issues related to insomnia or sleep deprivation.
- Sleep:
Good, adequate sleep is absolutely essential for students. The body requires a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Many students experience issues with insomnia or difficulty sleeping, the primary cause of which is insufficient sleep. Therefore, going to bed on time is of utmost importance. Students should establish a fixed bedtime and adhere to it. As far as possible, late-night studying should be avoided, as staying awake to study at night can lead to insufficient sleep. In India’s traditional Gurukul system of education, students were required to go to sleep on time; consequently, their mental and physical capabilities were robust because they understood the importance of sound sleep. Good sleep enhances memory retention and boosts the immune system. Medical research has also confirmed that staying awake at night and suffering from insufficient sleep can lead to insomnia. Students should, whenever possible, avoid studying at night and instead prioritize studying in the morning. If you examine the schedules of successful candidates in competitive exams or top-ranking college students, you will realize just how much importance they placed on getting adequate sleep at night. - Exercise –
If it is feasible for you, you can engage in simple physical exercise. If a gymnasium is not available in your area, you can go for a run or go swimming. If you find conventional exercise tedious, you can perform Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) or practice various forms of Yoga. Regular exercise keeps your body fit and strengthens your immune system. Physical activity helps alleviate physical fatigue, ensuring that you enjoy a sound night’s sleep. If daily strenuous exercise is not possible for you, you can practice Yoga every day instead. Daily exercise stimulates your appetite and increases your food intake. Exercise is essential for building a strong and robust body. - Studying –
Students should not merely focus on the quantity of study, but rather prioritize quality study and smart work—specifically, through revision. Some students rely solely on rote memorization. Instead of reading four or five different books for a single subject, it is far more effective to read a single book ten times and thoroughly revise it. You should not rely entirely on coaching classes for your studies; instead, you should engage in self-study and create your own personal study notes. You can revise the study notes you have created at any time.
Every UPSC topper will tell you the exact same thing: your approach to studying must be characterized by ‘smart work.’ If you wish to clear a competitive examination, you must engage in both smart studying and smart working. You should listen to the speeches of successful candidates from that examination; by analyzing the book lists they recommend, you can select the specific books that are most suitable for your own needs. When compiling your book list, you must conduct your own research and make the selections yourself. You should not rely on anyone else to provide you with a book list. This, precisely, is the essence of smart studying and smart working.
- Simple Living and a Strong Mindset –
Apart from your studies, you should not harbor an addiction or obsession with anything else. You should not stress over what clothes you wear—or how you dress—nor should you worry about what others might say regarding your simple lifestyle. Students may certainly dream of a luxurious life, but they should not attempt to live a life of luxury while they are still students.
Aside from your academic pursuits, you should not allow anything else to exert an undue influence on your mind. A simple life—characterized by simple living and simple friends—is the true essence of the student phase. You may certainly spend money on books, but you should refrain from spending it on things like movie tickets.