The key to effective study is having a structured plan. Break down your syllabus into smaller topics and assign them to specific days. Combine this with active learning methods like summarising notes, teaching others, creating flashcards, and solving previous exam questions. Most importantly, review regularly instead of cramming the night before.

Both methods have benefits. Studying alone helps you concentrate, reflect, and move at your own pace. Group study can be helpful for discussing difficult topics, testing each other, and sharing notes. A mix of both—solo study followed by group sessions—often works best.

This depends on the difficulty of your subjects and your personal pace. In general, 2 to 4 focused hours per day is effective for most students. It's better to study in shorter, high-focus sessions (like 50 minutes of study with a 10-minute break) than to sit for long, distracted hours.

Yes, they are one of the most powerful tools for exam preparation. Mock tests simulate real exam conditions, improve your time management, and reveal your weak areas. Reviewing your performance after each mock test helps you understand where to improve before the actual exam.