Drawing insights from a di- verse array of sources such as accomplished Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) toppers, productivity YouTu- bers, and committed students, we present a step-by-step guide to enhance your learning experience

- Focused study sessions, as advocated by the author of Deep Work Cal Newport, can enhance productivity and learning.

- Create a dedicated study environment free from distractions, and consider using techniques like time blocking to allocate specific periods for deep work.

- Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks spread over time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

- This technique capitalises on the spacing effect, reinforcing learning through repeated exposure to info.

- Instead of traditional highlighting, try mind mapping to visually organise all the information.

- Consider using online tools for digital mind maps, and experiment with different structures to find what works best for you.

- The visual hierarchy aids in understanding complex relationships between concepts.

"I have a particular interest in History. So I go beyond the syllabus, read up on extra stuff, watch YouTube videos on the topic and then come back to the text. This makes the learning way more interesting," shares Sai Sharan, Student

- Use visual and verbal representations like diagrams, videos, or mind maps to process information more deeply.

- Experiment with various multimedia resources, such as educational videos, to enhance your understanding of complex topics.

- Teach what you’ve learned to reinforce understanding.

- Explain a concept you have read in your own words and then review it to see where you went wrong.

- You can either explain it to yourself by writing or explain it to another person. However, the trick is to be able to explain it to someone simply, without using technical or complex terms.

"I’ve explored different study methods, and the Feynman technique really caught my attention. What sets it apart is its impact on comprehension. By breaking down complex concepts into simpler terms and articulating them, I not only reinforced my understanding but also identified gaps in my knowledge," says Sai Sharan, Student

- Go beyond memorising and understand the deeper meaning. Ask “why” and “how” to connect new knowledge.

- Engage in discussions with peers, create scenarios related to the material, and seek real- world applications to enhance your understanding.

- Make abstract concepts easier to understand with real-world examples or your own creations.

- Actively seek practical applications of theoretical concepts to enhance your grasp on the subject matter.

"A key tenet to learning is relatability, a true catalyst to effective learning. If a teacher or a student can strike a correlation between the concept and their real-life surroundings, nothing tops this. It’s the simplest way to retain conceptual understanding," says Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, acclaimed as the World’s Fastest Human Calculator