The 3-Hour Study Secret: Balancing School, Tuitions, and Self-Study in Class 10

The “New Session” energy is great, but let’s be honest. Between the heavy school bag, those long tuition hours, and the endless “introductory” homework, your free time is disappearing. You might already be feeling like you’re falling behind, even though it’s only the first month.

At Padhai.co, we see this every year. The students who top the boards aren’t the ones who sacrifice sleep; they are the ones who master their schedule before July hits. Here is how you can find that perfect balance.

The Myth of the 10-Hour Study Day

If you see a YouTube video titled “How I studied 12 hours a day in Class 10,” keep scrolling. It’s not sustainable, and it’s not necessary.

The secret is the 3-Hour Rule. If you can give just three hours of focused self-study every day (outside of school and tuition), you will finish your syllabus by October.

1 Hour for Math: Because it’s a skill, not a subject. You need daily practice.
1 Hour for Science/SST: Alternating days.
1 Hour for Backlog/Homework: To ensure you never have a “Sunday Panic.”

Where to Focus First? (The High-Weightage Early Birds)

Don’t just start with Chapter 1 because it’s the first page. Start with the chapters that are easy to master but heavy on marks.

In Science, focus on Chemical Reactions and Life Processes right now. They form the base for everything that follows. In Math, mastering Polynomials and Real Numbers early gives you a massive confidence boost because they are relatively straightforward but appear in every single mock test.

Use Your Resources Wisely

You don’t need five different reference books. In fact, having too many books is the fastest way to get confused.

Stick to your NCERT and one solid digital resource. This is where Padhai.co comes in. Instead of carrying heavy books everywhere, use our chapter hubs to access notes on your phone during your commute or break. We’ve highlighted the “Must-Know” definitions and reactions so you don’t waste time on fluff.

The “Cheat Sheet” for PYQs

You might think it’s too early for Previous Year Questions (PYQs), but it’s actually the best time. When you finish a chapter—let’s say “Power Sharing” in Civics—go straight to the Padhai.co PYQ section.

If you can solve the questions that came in the 2024 or 2025 Boards right now, your brain stops seeing the Board Exam as a monster. It becomes just another test that you are already prepared for.

Don’t Ignore the “Easy” 100 Marks

English and your second language (Hindi/Sanskrit/etc.) carry the same weightage as Math and Science. Most students ignore them until February and then struggle to get an aggregate of 95%.

Spend just 30 minutes on the weekend reading a literature chapter like “A Letter to God” or “Nelson Mandela.” It feels like reading a story, but it’s actually securing your top rank.

Your Strategy for This Week

This week, don’t try to be a superhero. Just try to be consistent.

Clear any homework the day it’s given.
Solve 5 Math problems every evening.
Check out one chapter-wise PYQ on Padhai.co to see where you stand.

You’ve got a long year ahead, and you’re going to do great. Take it one chapter at a time.

Are you finding Math or Science harder this month? Tell us in the comments and we’ll send over a simplified guide for that chapter!

Padhai