Over 50 percent students say self-study is the best way to succeed in examinations: Shiksha Poll

In a poll conducted by Shiksha.com, we asked students 'How do you prefer to study for tests and exams?'. More than 50 percentage of students prefer self study. Check the opinion of other students too.

How do you prefer to study for tests and exams? We created a poll on this and 52% percent students prefer self study. 17% students prefer youtube tutorials, 11% students voted for group study, and 13% voted for notes from school. Only 8% voted for coaching classes. Students preparing for the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams 2026 will be having different methods for their studies.

Different students will be having different preferences and plans on how to study for the exams. Some students will like self study, while some prefer group study. Some will depend on youtube tutorials, while some will go for coaching classes, and some students will depend only on the notes they get from school. Let us read about the different preferences to study on this page.

How do you prefer to study for tests and exams?

Self study

In self study, students must make their plan and time table. They can create flash cards, short notes etc for easy learning and memorizing concepts. They are advised to practice the previous year question papers. Also they should approach their teachers or friends to clear doubts. Regular revision is most important in self study. They can make use of online resources also. Maintain a postive attitude and focus on your goals.

As per the Shiksha poll, 52% students voted for self study. Check the screen shot of the poll below. 

Group study

Group study offers several benefits like mutual motivation, share the knowledge, note making, etc. There are few disadvantages for combined study. Students must focus on their studies instead of wasting time by talking and playing. However, it is very important to make effective study groups with focussed students and make clear goals and a well planned method to achieve the best results. Combined study helps you to find others to help you stay on track and achieve your goals. The exchange of ideas that comes from group study can enhance your ability to understand difficult ideas which will be harder to grasp when you study alone. 10% students opted for group study. 
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YouTube tutorials

Nowadays, Youtube has become a common method for learning. It is a cost effective method of learning. There are large number of Youtube channels which provide classes online. Students can access these classes for free. They can revisit the lectures, if they have doubts. Even if they miss the class at school, they can view the classes provided on Youtube at their convenience. A main advantage of youtube is flexibility. They can access videos at any time, any where. Concepts that are difficult to understand through books can be better understood through visual demonstrations in Youtube. According to Shiksha poll, 17% students voted for Youtube tutorials. 

Coaching Classes

Coaching classes provide focussed and personalised learning. Students will get study materials, sample papers, previous year question papers etc at coaching centres. Mock exams will be conducted at coaching centres, which help students to boost their confidence and thus face the exam stress free. Even though coaching classes are costly, many students get the benefit from these classes. They can interact with the teachers directly and clear their doubts. They get individual attention at coaching classes. This will help students to develop a disciplined study habit, and thus achieve better scores. Only 8% voted for coaching classes in Shiksha poll. 

Notes from school

The notes given by your teachers will help you to achieve better score. These notes will contain the points which are important and will be helpful while revision. Teachers will give important and sure questions for the board exams. Hence students are advised to learn the notes from school properly. They must also practice previous year question papers and sample papers along with the school notes. As per Shiksha poll, 13% students have voted for notes from school.