How Many Revision Hours Per Day Should You Study?

When exam dates loom, the first question that pops up is: "How many hours should I revise each day?" The answer isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all number. It depends on your age, the subject difficulty, and how well you can focus. Below we break down the key factors and give you a simple plan you can start using right away.

Factors That Influence Your Ideal Study Time

First, think about your age group. Younger learners (primary school) usually benefit from short, focused bursts—about 30‑45 minutes at a time with a few minutes break. Teenagers preparing for GCSEs or A‑levels can handle longer blocks, typically 1.5‑2 hours before taking a 10‑15 minute pause. College students tackling university modules often need 2‑3 hour sessions, but only if they stay actively engaged.

Second, consider the subject’s complexity. A language lesson with lots of memorisation may feel tiring after an hour, while solving maths problems can keep you busy for longer. Mix harder topics with easier ones to avoid burnout.

Third, look at your personal energy cycle. Some people feel sharp in the morning, others peak in the afternoon. Schedule the toughest revision during your high‑energy window and reserve lighter review for low‑energy periods.

Simple Strategies to Build a Daily Revision Routine

Start by setting a realistic target. If you normally study 1 hour, add a 15‑minute increment for the next week. Use a timer: 45 minutes of work, 10 minutes of rest. This “Pomodoro‑lite” method keeps your brain fresh and prevents the dreaded slump.

Keep a revision log. Jot down what you covered and how long you spent. After a week, spot patterns—maybe you’re spending too much time on one topic and neglecting another. Adjust your plan accordingly.

Include active techniques. Instead of rereading notes, try teaching the concept out loud, creating flashcards, or doing practice questions. Active work makes each hour count more than passive reading.Don’t forget breaks. A quick walk, a stretch, or a glass of water can reset your focus. Skipping breaks might seem efficient, but it actually reduces retention.

Finally, protect your study time. Turn off non‑essential notifications, set a dedicated workspace, and let family know you’re in “focus mode.” When distractions are low, you get more out of each hour.

Remember, quality beats quantity. If you can stay fully engaged for 90 minutes, you’re likely learning more than a distracted two‑hour session. Tune in to how you feel, tweak the hours, and stick with a routine that matches your lifestyle. With the right balance, you’ll finish each day knowing you made solid progress toward your exam goals.