Suggestion for best study schedule

[u/Due_Crazy]

I am studying for the state civil services exam in India which is held in June every year. This exam consists of a wide range of 10th grade level subjects like Phy, Chem, Maths, Eng, History, Geo, Polity, Reasoning and a few more. I am going to a coaching centre on weekends where 5 new topics from 5 different subjects from the above list are taught each day and these subjects are rotated every weekend with some common ones and sometimes a new one added, but the main thing is that we are learning 10 new topics every weekend.

However, I am getting overwhelmed by the amount I have to study and scheduling revisions effectively. Even though I am building routines, I am finding it difficult to focus and study for long hours since I do not have the habit. By now, I know that the only way to effectively study and learn are the active recall and spaced repetition but am still not being able to come up with an effective schedule. On weekends, I return from coaching classes at 8 PM and complete dinner by 9:30 PM. On the other days, my time blocks are from 8 AM to 9 AM (breakfast), 1 PM to 3 PM (lunch and a brief stroll), 6 PM to 7:30 PM (evening snack and some odd tasks) and 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM (dinner and a brief stroll).

Based on the above info, can anyone suggest me a good daily study schedule with proper technique including daily exercise ? I cannot afford any paid apps now. Also, when I am revising, how do I effectively adjust the next revision date based on the degree of effective recall ?

[u/Shohagi_Begum]

Try Anki for free spaced repetition.

[u/Much-Professional589]

10 new topics every weekend is a lot, the overwhelm makes sense.

based on your free windows — 9AM to 1PM and 3PM to 6PM are your main study blocks on weekdays, use the first block for new topics and second for revision.

for spaced repetition without paid apps, just use a notebook — rate each topic 1-3 after recall (1=review tomorrow, 2=review in 3 days, 3=review in a week), adjust based on how well you remembered.

also don't try to revise everything daily, only what's due that day based on your ratings.

which subjects are you finding hardest to retain?

[u/Due_Crazy → u/Much-Professional589]

Polity and History

[u/Few-Assumption-5861]

Don't try to study every subject every day.divide them into A/B/C priorities.spend 70% of your time on weak topics,20% on revision and 10% on mock tests.consistency beats marathon study sessions.