It's exam time for Class X students. And at the last minute, there are always too many things to do and too little time. Here's a guide on how to organise your study for various subjects.

Last minute revision

Mark all the important points or jot them down during your earlier revisions, so that you can scan through them for the last minute revision.

"Do not waste time in reading and re-reading the entire book. Just scan through the important points, headings, examples, diagrams, tables and charts, etc," advises Tripti Kavdikar, who conducts private coaching classes for Class XII students.

"Do not write too much while studying on the eve of the examination, instead conserve that energy for the actual  paper," adds Tripti.

Work on spellings, for one loses marks easily there. Concentrate on important questions marked by the teacher. Speak to friends who will NOT get you all worked up.

Mathematics

One of the most dreaded subjects for students, mathematics can be made easy with regular practice and getting your basics right. Mathematics chapters are short, so read them thoroughly. Also read each solved example -- that's like reviewing the entire syllabus. Go through the theorems, corollaries and formulae.

Science

For science subjects, make sure you have the definitions right. "I used to write them down for correctness and to avoid spelling mistakes," remembers Abhinav Mane, an SSC merit holder. Perfect your knowledge of formulae in physics. In chemistry, knowing the molecular formulae is a necessity; remember the reactants and the resultants and balancing the equations.

English and other languages

Read the actual chapter in your textbook, instead of only concentrating on guides and notes. Go through the poems; make sure you have understood hidden meanings. Solve at least three sentences of every grammar topic in the syllabus.

Be thorough with the correct pattern of writing a letter or a report. Be smart in choosing the type of letter.

Formal letters are always a safe choice. For comprehensions, read the passage, then go over the questions and again read the passage -- you'll locate the answers easily. Write the composition in the end. However go over the topics before starting the paper. Then, you can think about the subject matter of the chosen topic while writing the remaining paper.

Geography

Understand the concepts in each chapter instead of trying to learn them by heart. Refer to a map during your course of study, so you remember the answers better. Practice maps and diagrams, thoroughly.

History

Treat the history book like a story book. Try to remember the events as they happen chronologically. In other words, they should run in front of you like a movie. Make a list of important years and events.

"I tried to remember the key words in each of the answers and elaborate on it. My sister would often revise with me. And every time I wrote the answer, I would recall my sessions with my sister," recalls Medha Mirchandani, who completed Class X in 2006.