“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.’’

“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.’’

Mark Twain

With exams around the corner, many students find themselves struggling to concentrate amid endless distractions. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, focus has become a skill that separates calm, confident learners from those who end up stressed and overwhelmed.Concentration is not a gift reserved for a few—it is a habit that can be developed with intention, consistency, and the right strategies.

• The mind performs best when it follows a structured routine. Setting fixed study hours helps train the brain to enter “focus mode” at that particular time every day. Instead of long, exhausting hours of studying, students benefit more from short, productive sessions followed by quick breaks. The popular Pomodoro technique—25-40 minutes of focused study followed by a 5–10minute break—keeps energy levels high and prevents burnout.
• Smartphones, online games, and social media notifications remain the biggest enemies of focus. Even a single buzz can break a student’s flow and reduce productivity. Keeping phones out of reach, turning off notifications, or using screen-blocking apps during study hours can make a remarkable difference.
• Effective exam preparation is not about the number of hours spent studying but the quality of work done within those hours. Smart revision techniques such as summarising lessons in one’s own words, creating colourful charts, using flashcards, and practising previous years’ papers boost both understanding and memory.
• Instead of reading pages repeatedly, students can switch to the mind-map study pattern. A mind map helps break down long chapters into small, visually connected points,improve memory by linking ideas,provide a quick revision tool before exams
• Tackling difficult subjects when the mind is fresh—usually in the morning—leads to much better outcomes than late-night studying. 
• Self-testing, a highly recommended learning method, helps students identify weak areas and track progress realistically.

A composed mind, a clear plan, and consistent effort can transform exam preparation from a stressful race into a confident, structured journey. Concentration may take time to build, but once it becomes a habit, it becomes a lifelong ally—supporting students not just during exams but in every aspect of learning and decision-making.

Dr Jaspreet Kaur

Principal

Bal Bhavan International School