Class 9 is a crucial academic year — it not only sets the foundation for your Class 10 board exams but also builds the base for competitive exams like Olympiads, NTSE, JEE, NEET, and other talent tests. The challenge most students face is managing both Olympiad preparation and CBSE syllabus without feeling overburdened.
We provides a realistic and effective timetable for Class 9 students, along with study tips to balance both goals efficiently.
Why a Balanced Time Table is Important for Class 9 Students
- CBSE builds conceptual clarity needed for Olympiads.
- Olympiads demand application-based problem solving, which improves school exam performance.
- A proper study schedule ensures consistent progress without burnout.
Step 1: Understand the Syllabus Overlap
Before making a timetable, identify the common chapters between CBSE Class 9 syllabus and your target Olympiad (like NSO, IMO, or IJSO).
- Physics: Motion, Force, Work, Sound
- Chemistry: Matter, Atoms, Molecules
- Biology: Cell, Tissues, Diversity in Living Organisms
- Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Probability
Action Tip: Prepare these common topics in depth — it will save time and strengthen both school and Olympiad performance.
Step 2: Best Daily Time Table for Class 9
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM | Wake up, light exercise, freshen up |
| 6:00 AM – 6:45 AM | Revise previous day’s topics (Olympiad focus) |
| 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM | Breakfast |
| 7:15 AM – 1:30 PM | School hours |
| 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM | Lunch & rest |
| 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | Homework & CBSE assignments |
| 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM | Olympiad-specific study (Physics/Math practice) |
| 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM | Short break/snack |
| 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Olympiad-specific study (Chemistry/Biology concepts) |
| 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM | Physical activity / hobby |
| 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM | CBSE chapter revision & notes making |
| 7:15 PM – 8:00 PM | Dinner |
| 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Practice Olympiad MCQs & past papers |
| 9:00 PM – 9:15 PM | Next day’s plan & light reading |
| 9:15 PM – 5:30 AM | Sleep |
Why This Works:
- Mornings are used for revision when the brain is fresh.
- Afternoons focus on school-related tasks.
- Evenings are dedicated to problem-solving and Olympiad practice.
Step 3: Weekly Study Plan for Class 9 Olympiad & CBSE
- Monday & Thursday: Physics + Maths (Olympiad + CBSE)
- Tuesday & Friday: Chemistry + Biology
- Wednesday & Saturday: Full-length Olympiad mock test + CBSE assignments
- Sunday: Revision + Weak topics focus + Rest
Step 4: Combine School and Olympiad Preparation
- If school is teaching Algebra, do Olympiad-level problems on Algebra the same week.
- Use class notes as your base and then add advanced Olympiad explanations.
- Maintain one combined notebook with school topics + Olympiad questions for easy revision.
Step 5: Use the Right Study Resources
- CBSE Prep: NCERT textbooks, RD Sharma (Maths), Lakhmir Singh (Science)
- Olympiad Prep: MTG Olympiad Prep Guide, Pearson Olympiad Books, Past 10-year question papers
- Online Resources: Mock tests, chapter-wise quizzes, doubt-solving apps
Pro Tip: Avoid overloading with too many books — focus on quality over quantity.
Step 6: Track Your Progress Weekly
- Maintain a study log to track hours spent on CBSE and Olympiad.
- Test yourself every week with a mini mock test.
- Adjust your timetable based on weak areas.
Step 7: Maintain Health and Avoid Burnout
- Sleep at least 7–8 hours to improve memory retention.
- Include brain foods like almonds, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
- Take short breaks between study sessions to stay focused.
- Include physical exercise daily for energy and stress relief.
Sample Study Distribution for a Day (Class 9)
- CBSE Revision: 2–3 hours
- Olympiad Practice: 1.5–2 hours
- School Homework: 1 hour
- Mock Test / Past Papers: 30–45 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Balancing Olympiad and CBSE
- Neglecting one for the other – Over-focusing on Olympiad may affect school grades and vice versa.
- Not revising regularly – Without revision, retention drops.
- Following unrealistic schedules – Overly strict timetables lead to burnout.
- Using too many books – This causes confusion and lack of depth in any one source.