Build your study plan
Sample subject setup
This example shows how weights and difficulty can change the recommended focus.
| Subject | Weight | Difficulty | Mastery | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 40% | 4/5 | 2/5 | High exam share and low mastery increases allocation. |
| Science | 35% | 3/5 | 3/5 | Steady practice with balanced learning and revision. |
| English | 25% | 2/5 | 3/5 | Lighter allocation, then frequent short recall sessions. |
Formula used
First, the calculator counts study-eligible days between your start date and exam date, excluding selected rest days. Total planned hours are: Total Hours = Study Days × Hours per Day.
Next, time is reserved for mock tests and revision: Mock Hours = Mock Count × Mock Duration, Revision Hours = (Total Hours − Mock Hours) × Revision %, and the remainder becomes learning hours.
Learning hours are distributed using a priority score per subject: Score = Weight Share × Difficulty Factor × Need Factor. Need Factor increases when mastery is lower, so weaker areas receive more time.
How to use this calculator
- Set your start date and exam date, then choose daily study hours.
- Select rest days you want to keep free each week.
- Add each subject with its weight, difficulty, and your current mastery.
- Choose a revision share and add mock tests if you have past papers.
- Click Create schedule to generate the plan above the form.
- Export the plan as CSV, or download a PDF for printing.
Time window and workload sizing
A reliable plan starts with a clear time window. The calculator counts study‑eligible days between your start and exam dates, then subtracts chosen rest days. If you have 20 study days and 2.5 hours per day, the baseline capacity is 50 hours. Adding 1–3 buffer days near the end reduces last‑minute overload and protects review time for mistakes, flashcards, and timed drills. Increase hours gradually by 10–20% only after a stable week.
Subject weighting and priority scoring
Subject weights translate your syllabus importance into time. A 40% weight typically deserves close to 40% of total attention, before difficulty and mastery are considered. Difficulty (1–5) scales effort for complex topics, while mastery (1–5) lowers or raises “need.” The planner multiplies these factors into a priority score, so a high‑weight, high‑difficulty, low‑mastery subject rises to the top. This keeps weaker, high‑impact areas visible every week. Update mastery weekly to reflect progress.
Revision cadence and spaced retrieval
Revision is treated as a dedicated share of capacity, commonly 15–30%. The tool allocates revision hours by exam weight, then starts emphasizing recall later in the timeline. In many plans, revision becomes dominant after roughly the last third of the study window, helping you convert notes into retrievable answers. Use revision blocks for active recall: closed‑book summaries, mixed problem sets, and error‑log retests. Keep sessions short and frequent for better retention overall.
Mock tests and feedback loops
Mock tests provide measurement, not just practice. When you add mock count and duration, the calculator reserves those hours first and spreads mocks across the main study period. A common cadence is one mock every 7–10 days, followed by immediate review. Treat the review as high‑value study: categorize errors, rewrite solutions, and schedule a targeted redo within 48 hours. This feedback loop improves speed, stamina, and accuracy under pressure for exam-style questions.
Sustainability and adjustment rules
A schedule works only if it is sustainable. Keep at least one full rest day per week and protect sleep, because fatigue reduces recall and increases careless mistakes. If you miss a day, do not “double up” the next day; instead, use buffer days or trim low‑priority items. Adjust hours per day when school workload changes, and keep session lengths consistent, such as 25–50 minutes with breaks. Small, repeated wins beat bursts.
Frequently asked questions
How should I set subject weights?
Use your syllabus or mark distribution. If a section is 30% of the exam, start near 30%. If you are weak in that area, raise its weight slightly and reduce lower‑impact topics.
What if I’m preparing for multiple exams?
Create one plan per exam window, or set the earliest exam date and treat later subjects as lower weight. After the first exam, update the dates and mastery values to regenerate a fresh schedule.
How does mastery change the schedule?
Lower mastery increases the “need” factor, which boosts a subject’s priority score. As you improve, raise mastery to shift time from learning to revision and practice questions.
Can I include rest days for light study?
Yes. Keep them unchecked as rest days, then optionally do 15–30 minutes of flashcards or error‑log review. The schedule will still protect recovery time and prevent overload.
What revision percentage is realistic?
Most students do well with 15–30%. Use the lower end when content coverage is incomplete, and the higher end when you are polishing speed and recall. Increase revision as you approach the exam.
How should I use buffer days?
Treat buffer days as flexible slots for missed topics, past‑paper corrections, and confidence building. Avoid heavy new learning. If everything is on track, use them for sleep, light review, and calm preparation.
For best results, regenerate your plan weekly as your mastery changes.