Ramadan is almost at our doorstep, which for most of you means shorter days and extra chill time. Yay, you! But before you switch on your rejoice mode, let’s spare a thought for those students who are in the trenches of exam season this month. Especially the 20,000+ students who are sitting their CBSE and ICSE board exams in the UAE. While some UAE schools and universities have pushed major assessment tests to avoid clashing with the holy season, many high-stakes exams are still set in stone. Let’s be real : exams in itself are daunting enough. But what happens when religious commitment collides with it? When you’re expected to pore over books, grasp concepts and master them without food and water to power you. Sounds intense, right?  

But here’s the good news: UAE students say it’s totally doable. All you need is a game plan! With this in mind, we have rounded up top tips (plus real student experiences) to help you stay sharp, energized, and in control while fasting. So, let’s dive right in.

Also read: Students Can Now Get 50% Off On All Public Transport & Up To 70% Off Shopping!

Tip #1: Study Smart, Not Hard  

Fasting and late-night cramming is anything but the ideal combination. In fact, if you ask me, it’s a recipe for exhaustion. The trick? Work with your energy levels instead of pushing against them. I’d say early mornings are your best bet since the weather’s cooler, and your mind is alert.

Pro-tip: Break study sessions into 25-minute blocks (hello, Pomodoro technique!).  It also helps to swap passive reading with active recall – think flashcards, jotting down key points, or a mini self quiz. 

Adila Navas, a Grade 12 student of Global Indian School says the biggest challenge will be staying focused past midday when energy levels drop. “Mornings after Suhoor are when I feel the most fresh, so I’ll focus on heavy studying then. Evenings after Iftar will be my second best slot. During the day, I’ll stick to light revision so I don’t drain myself”, she shares.

Tip #2: Fuel Up Like Nobody Else

So, here’s the thing. Breaking your fast or taking a bite at suhoor isn’t only about curbing your hunger pangs. In fact, ask any fasting student, and they’d say it’s the secret weapon to amp up your focus and stamina during exams. Yup, the right sort of grub definitely has the power to make or break your concentration. Especially in those early hours of the day! 

So, what does a solid suhoor look like? Load up on protein, fiber, and slow-burning carbs like oats, eggs, yogurt, and whole grains. Toss in a handful of nuts for an extra brain boost. For iftar, break your fast with dates and fruit for a quick sugar kick, followed by a protein-packed meal. And yes, we hate to break it to you, but cutting back on fried food (adios samosas!) will do wonders for your energy levels. However, be mindful and avoid processed sugar! Sure, it will give you an instant energy boost, but the crash afterward is crazy. Just about the last thing you need before an exam!

Saad Muhammad Safeer, a student of DPS Dubai who is appearing for his Grade 12 board examination shares his strategy, “I’m hoping the time I spend eating can now be used for studying. Jokes aside, Ramadan brings me a deep sense of inner peace and spirituality. Since I’ve been fasting from a young age, it doesn’t feel too difficult anymore. However, last-minute exam prep can be exhausting. To make up for lost sleep from suhoor, I will take naps so I can go back to studying after iftar. I will also avoid fried food and fizzy drinks, stay hydrated, and ensure my meals provide essential nutrients.”

Also read: Office Survival 101: Supporting Your Fasting Colleagues This Ramadan

Tip #3: Sleep > Scrolling (Duh!)

Oh yes, we get it – Ramadan nights hit different and the temptation to stay up is real! But, hear me out, if you’re running on 3 hours of sleep, your brain is barely registering, let alone retaining anything. Yup, talk about airplane mode! So this month, let’s trade in those late night scrolling sessions with a solid sleep routine that includes power naps of 20-30 minutes during the day.

Fathima Fatheen, a Grade 12 pupil of Sharjah Indian School says, “Usually, I stay up at night to learn, but as Ramadan is approaching, I’m planning on waking up earlier during the morning prayers and start learning. I plan on covering more portions in the morning so that I can relax a little after iftar. This is the first time I’m writing an exam during Ramadan, so I’m not entirely sure how to tackle this, but I hope I’ll be able to study efficiently as well as do my religious duties.”

Also read: Symbiosis International University Launches Dubai Campus With Grand Inauguration

Tip #4. Slay That Energy Management Game

If you say that a 3-hour paper with no water is overwhelming; I’d say that’s an understatement. But here’s what you can do to keep fatigue in check:

• Hydrate like a champ: Get in at least 8 glasses of water between iftar and suhoor.
• Conquer the stress ninja: Simple breathing exercises can keep you cool under pressure.
• Shake up, Wake up: Quick walks or light stretches between study sessions can keep you from dozing off. And remember, doomscrolling TikTok while strolling isn’t a break – it’s an energy drain (just saying).

Sarah Anjum Shabeer Ahmed, a Grade 12 student of DPS Dubai speaks of the challenges she anticipates, “Dehydration from long fasting hours can cause fatigue, while the lively atmosphere during the festive gatherings may disrupt focus. The key is to focus on quality over quantity during study sessions, set realistic goals and take regular short breaks to enhance retention. I plan to adapt my sleep schedule by taking power naps after Fajr or in the afternoon to make up for late-night studying and prayers. My aim is to tackle the most challenging subjects right after Suhoor or in the morning when my brain is the most active and reserve lighter revisions for the evening. ”

Saad Muhammad adds, “If at all I feel dizzy during the day, I will just take a break from studies, go for a short walk or recite Quran.”

Tip #5: The D-Day Plan

So, it’s the night before the exam! Shift your focus to some light revision and getting ample rest. Last-minute all-nighters aren’t exactly the best idea out there (or should we just say it’s the worst?), so make sure you have a restful night. During the exam, if you start feeling lightheaded, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes for a moment, and refocus. And after the exam, no matter how drained you feel, just don’t skip iftar.

Ahmed Khalid, a UAE student who’s appearing for his university exam in the upcoming week told us, “I will practice deep breathing before entering the exam hall – I’m sure it’ll calm me down and keep my focus sharp.”

Also read: #IftarOnABudget: 5 Iftar Deals Under AED 100 In Dubai

Trust Us, You Got This!

Fasting and exam preps might feel like a boss-level challenge, but aren’t you already a boss at handling tough situations? With the right strategy, you can power through Ramadan and exam season like a pro. The secret sauce? Stick to a routine, tune into what your body needs, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

As one student (who wishes to stay anonymous) put it, “It’s all about balance. Ramadan teaches patience, and exams test discipline—both go hand in hand.”

So take a deep breath, switch the ‘plan mode’ on and trust yourself – you’re going to crush this! Good luck from all of us at Gulf Buzz! 

You may also like: Ramadan Mubarak Vs Ramadan Kareem – Which One Should You Say?