Saying managing your time is challenging is an understatement. Few people manage their time appropriately and end up with a day with all tasks completed. Managing your time becomes even more critical when you are preparing for an examination. Here are a few tips to improve the way you manage your time:

1. A time-table

The reason a school runs as smoothly as it does is because there is a time table for every class that tells the teachers and students what to study when. It is one of the most basic tools of planning and perhaps one of the most neglected. Whenever someone asks us to make a time-table, we tend to feel sheepish and the first thought that flashes across our mind, “I am not a kid. I don’t need a time table.” A time-table is absolutely necessary when we are studying as many subjects as we are for UPSC. If you still feel ‘small’ using a time-table, you can call it an Organizer or Scheduler. All CEOs use it – one of the best tools to make sure we have a productive day. Of course, we have to follow the schedule that we have built for ourselves too. The time-table/Scheduler/Organizer alone is absolutely useless. We need to inculcate the discipline to follow the time table. 

2. Throw your phones away 

Switch them off or on silent without vibration. Your phone is your number one enemy while preparing for your exams. No facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and I do not know what else. No friends during the weekdays. If you really have to meet them, half an hour in the evening when you really need a break and this time should come out of your break time. Meet your friends during the weekend for an hour. You need to sacrifice a bit for a future. No long dinners, No full day shopping streaks. I am not asking you to become an introvert and stop living your life. I am only asking you to not get distracted. You have a goal in mind and you should not be straying. Your friends need to understand and support you in this. If they do not, then do think about the kind of friends you have. Phone, friends who just sit aimlessly chit-chatting and Video games are your enemies. Remember. Sports, Gym, Running and Cycling are awesome. Get some friends here, socialize with them. It will serve the dual purpose of having friends and also of keeping yourself fit. If this sounds too utilitarian, it is because it is utilitarian – that is how you will save time and be able to finish your studies. 

Or simpler – if you can manage to study the number of hours you have earmarked for yourself in the time-table everyday – friends, phone, video games are all welcome. If not, put them on hold till you clear your Civil Services Examinations. 

3. A good long sleep

You would have heard it at umpteen number of places a zillion times. A good night’s sleep is absolutely necessary. 

Bare minimum – 6 and a half hours.

Maximum – 8 hours

Do not fall on either side of the boundary as a routine. A good night’s sleep helps in developing a good memory and also in staying focused. This does not necessarily mean you do not put in the long hours when you are in the flow. Make hay while the sun shines, goes the cliché. Do make hay when the sun shines, just don’t burn out.