Puttur, September 2, 2026: Regular practice, revision and repeated study of lessons can improve memory and reduce examination anxiety among students, said Dr Rajesh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Yenepoya Medical College, Mangaluru.
He was delivering a special lecture on “Smart Study: The Secret to Achieving Excellent Results in Competitive Examinations While Overcoming Mental Stress” at Ambika Residential Pre-University College, Bappalige, Puttur, run by Nattōja Foundation Trust.
Dr Rajesh said both excessive stress and a lack of adequate pressure could affect students’ performance. Adequate sleep, a strong understanding of subjects, a regular study routine, exercise, avoiding comparisons with others and seeking teachers’ help when necessary are important for managing stress effectively.
He emphasised that students preparing for competitive examinations should focus on what needs to be studied rather than trying to read everything. Identifying the subjects and topics required for the examination and concentrating on important and highly important areas can make preparation more effective.
“Smart study means studying what is necessary effectively rather than trying to study everything,” he said.
Students should calculate the time available before the examination and prepare a study plan accordingly. Losing sleep to study for longer hours can be counterproductive, as inadequate sleep can affect memory and may also contribute to mental health difficulties, Dr Rajesh cautioned.
Planning Is Essential
Dr Rajesh advised students to set clear goals and ensure that their goals are measurable, achievable, relevant to their examination requirements and time-bound. He also said that young people may experience various mental and behavioural difficulties due to lifestyle factors, academic pressure and personal and social circumstances. Such problems should not be ignored. Recognising them at an early stage and seeking appropriate support is important.
He urged students and parents to seek professional help if symptoms such as beliefs that are disconnected from reality, hearing voices or seeing things that are not present, or significant changes in thinking and behaviour are observed.
“Mental health problems are not a sign of weakness. Like other health conditions, mental health difficulties can also be addressed through appropriate treatment and counsellin
g,” he said, stressing the need to create greater awareness among students about mental health.
Principal of Ambika Residential Pre-University College Ganesh Prasad D.S. and Vice-Principal Pradeep K.V. were present. Student Gayana compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.
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Smart Study, exam stress, Dr Rajesh, competitive exams, Ambika PU College Puttur, student mental health, Puttur Suddi, Puttur News Today, Citizen News Puttur
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