A must read for every student after interacting with thousands of students and interviewing 100's of Toppers, I realized that most of the students score less not because of lack of knowledge or hard work or intelligence but because of lack of guidance, planned approach and poor study techniques. So, the problem most of the students face is not of potential but of converting that potential into performance. Hard work should bring achievement but only when coupled with efficient and appropriate study techniques and proper strategy. The book recapitulates and reinforces the basic strategies adopted by Toppers and helps in mastering study Skills and techniques for efficient learning. This book would tell how to develop the right attitude towards an exam and also offer useful suggestions to overcome negativity and improve one's mental endurance and performance in crucial exams like boards, JEE, NEET, and many more. Br> table of Contents competitive examinations: myths & realities Board exams vs competitive exams are Toppers God gifted? Five steps of a smart preparation step 1: positive attitude, firm determination & well thought plan step 2: mastering fundamentals and learning new skills step 3: How to sharpen problem solving skills? Step 4: improving your output step 5: action plan # consolidation Phase (6 to 8 weeks before exams) # rapid review Phase (7-10 days before exams) # tips & techniques on “how to attempt a Paper?” # how to learn Physics/ Chemistry/ Mathematics/ Biology better & faster? # beyond marks # role of parents # frequently asked questions # values for success # The different strokes.