Study schedule is one of the most important thing children have to follow. Without proper study schedule, students cannot excel in their studies and achieve outstanding results. Without proper study schedule, attaining their goals and becoming successful in life will be the toughest tasks for them in the years to come. Student life is a long journey and to make this journey meaningful, enjoyable and successful, children should follow a proper study schedule. Once prepared a proper study schedule, the momentum will gather and things will start moving on their own. By preparing a proper study schedule children can be sincere, enthusiastic and energetic to explore knowledge and excel in school. 

Importance of proper study schedule:- Planned or unplanned activity makes a heavy difference. Carrying out an activity without proper and systematic planning never produces the same result as work carried on with a definite arrangement and clear-cut lines. No magician ever pulled a rabbit out of a hat without carefully putting one there in the first place. No man can arrive at a particular place if he does not know where he is going. Hence, studying without a proper study schedule will be like a ship without radar, floating in the sea at the mercy of wind and tide.

Proper study schedule has many utilities. (i) It saves in time and effort. Without it you are likely to spend much time in planning and decision making—in making up your mind when and what to study.

(ii) It makes the proper use of time. It reminds you when to study, and when to play, when to watch TV and converse idly with friends.

(iii) It increases the self-confidence and sense of competence which comes from regular daily work.

(iv) It makes study easier and enjoyable.

(v) It paves the road for efficiency and effectiveness.

(vi) It develops good study habits and provides excellent results.

How to prepare a proper study schedule?

(1) A study schedule is a guide. It is an aid, not a task-master. It must be flexible. It can be changed from time to time to meet present needs and exigencies.

(2) As much as possible prepare a study schedule having much time in day because during the day our attitude towards work is more positive, and we have more energy and less fatigue.

(3) Fix the hours that you know to be within your powers.

(4) Estimate the total amount of time to be given to study and divide the subjects you should cover. The more difficult subjects should come first and the easiest last.

(5) Keep definite time for reading, writing and revision.

(6) Keep regular time for interval periods to refresh your mind during study hours. In the course of study, rest periods or breaks are essential and invaluable.

(7) Don’t be overly rigid in the use of your time-table. If you cannot finish your target work at the exact moment, don’t hesitate, and finish it suitably.  

(8) The length of the study periods to be devoted to each subject depends upon the nature of the subject and your stage of advancement. Experts have suggested 60 minutes as the suitable average period of study for a subject.

(9) Give equal time to your subjects. But, if you find a particular subject difficult allot more time to it than to others.

(10) First make a long-term plan taking up the total time you have at your disposal. For making the long-term plan find out all about the syllabuses you have to cover, the text books and other material you must read and learn, the practical work you have to cover and other requirements which you have to satisfy. Revise and evaluate your long-term plan from time to time. Keep an over-all picture of your study-work and the time-range of your plan. Divide the long-term plan into periodical short-term plans like monthly, fortnightly, weekly or daily as per your convenient and requirement. Keep a record of the progress of your plans-in-action.

How to work according to a proper study schedule?

(1) Your proper study schedule will be fruitful only if you study according to that, giving top priority to their implementation and putting your whole heart into them.

(2) Put your undivided attention in your short-term study schedule. Don’t look farther than each stage. Believe in the homely saying “Little by little and bit by bit” that provides patience and perseverance.

(3) Don’t be discouraged by the size of the task you have to do. Stick to it in spite of hindrances and temptations of others. Do what you have planned; the day will come quickly when you can have the satisfaction of reaching your goals and free time for pleasure while others are still dabbling, wobbling and struggling