What to Study 2 Hours Before Your Exam: A Survival Guide

BY DR AK RANA

Ah, the final two hours before an exam—a mix of anxiety, last-minute cramming, and self-doubt. These precious hours can make or break your game plan. Before we dive into how to utilize this time, let’s clarify something: these 2 hours exclude travel time to the exam hall and the 20 minutes you’ll spend settling into your seat, calming your nerves, and mentally preparing for the battle ahead.

Ready? Let’s break this down into two distinct camps: The Prepared Scholars and The Last-Minute Hustlers.

If you’re in the second ONE, feel free to skip to the next section.

For the Prepared Scholars

First of all, congratulations! You’ve prepared well for your exam, and now you just need to fine-tune your mind to enter the exam hall with confidence and focus. Here’s how you can make the most of your time:

Revisit Key Points: Compile a list of the most critical topics in advance. These could be formulas, definitions, or summaries. Use this time to go through your notes, focusing on just the highlights.

Stick to One Source: Don’t confuse yourself by jumping between books or notes. Choose one concise resource and stick to it.

Stay Calm, Stay Sharp: This exercise is meant to keep your mind active and engaged—not to learn something new. The goal is confidence, not chaos.

Stay Confident: The hard work is behind you. Don’t overthink or stress about what you may have missed. Believe in your preparation and walk into the exam hall like a champion.

Remember, silly mistakes and poor time management can ruin your effort. Be cautious, stay calm, and give it your best shot. All the best!

For the Last-Minute Hustlers

Now, for those of you who are standing at the edge of a cliff that’s about to crumble—don’t worry! You’re not doomed. Here’s how you can turn those two hours into a lifeline:

Deep Breaths First: Before diving in, pause. Take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. Panic won’t help you. Stop blaming yourself for procrastinating. Regret won’t help right now. Instead, channel all your energy into these two hours.

Start with the Latest Question Paper: Grab the most recent exam paper. Don’t try to read every word. Look at the headings and skim through the key points of each question. You’ll have to prioritize speed and focus.

Ghajini-Style Memorization: Treat this as short-term memory work—just enough to survive the exam.

Prioritize High-Weight Topics: Identify the big-ticket topics. Spend no more than 5 minutes per topic—this isn’t the time for deep dives.

Quick Memorization Hacks: For subjects like math or physics, focus on formulas, problem-solving steps, and key definitions. You don’t need perfect understanding—just enough to solve problems and earn marks.

Keep Moving: Don’t dwell on what you don’t know. Cover as much ground as you can in the time you have. Time is your biggest enemy right now. Don’t spend too long on any one topic. Cover as much ground as possible without panicking.

No Regrets: Don’t waste even a second regretting your choices. Regret drains energy, and you’ll need every bit of focus to make it through.

Universal Tips for Both Groups – for your exam

Whether you’re in the “prepared” group or the “last-minute” group, these 2 hours are all about keeping your cool and using your time efficiently. The moment you walk into the exam hall, your preparation ends, and it’s time to deliver.

No Regrets Zone: Regretting wasted time won’t help now. Focus on what you can do in these two hours.

Self-Belief: You’ve got this. Trust in your abilities and tackle the exam head-on.

Stay Healthy: Avoid overloading your brain. A relaxed and focused mind will serve you better than a frantic one.

To the prepared ones, stay confident and composed. To the last-minute hustlers, focus and fight until the very last minute. Exams are not just about knowledge—they’re also about strategy, attitude, and the will to do your best.

Good luck, warriors! Let me know how you prepared in the comments below or share your stories with me at halleysclinic@gmail.com.

Stay tuned for more tips at Halleysclinic.com!

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