Time Allocation and Planning

The volume of material for SQE1 is large. Map out a realistic study schedule early, build review cycles into it, and adapt that plan as you go so nothing slips through the cracks.

Start early and plan thoroughly
Most experts recommend 3–6 months of preparation. Cramming rarely works for SQE1. Use the SRA syllabus as your roadmap: break the content into manageable chunks and block out time for all 12 subjects (FLK1 + FLK2). Allocate extra time to subjects you find difficult.

Establish a consistent routine
Consistency beats marathons. Study a bit each day rather than doing infrequent long sessions. For example, if you have 15 hours/week, try 2 hours on weekday evenings and 5 hours at the weekend. Use a calendar to block study time and include rest days. Use short pockets (commute, lunch) for flashcards or quick reviews.

Front-load your studying
Aim to complete the bulk of learning several weeks before the exam so you have time for full mocks and final review. Front-loading means steady, disciplined study early, not burning out. If you work while studying, consider negotiating a few dedicated study days or taking leave in the final weeks to ramp up mocks and intensive review.

Time-blocking and micro-goals
Use focused study blocks (e.g., 60–90 minutes) dedicated to a single task—no distractions. Give each block a micro-goal, e.g. “Finish easements + 10 MCQs” or “Do 20 tort questions and review answers.” Weekly goals (e.g., “Complete first pass of Criminal Law”) help track progress and motivation.

SQE study cycle: review and practice
Make your plan cyclical, not linear. Aim to revisit each subject 3–4 times before the exam:
• First pass — learn the material.
• Second pass — practice-heavy and review.
• Third pass — consolidation, mocks, and problem areas.
End each week with a short review: re-read summaries, spin through flashcards, and redo the MCQs you missed. Keep a “mistake log” of tricky questions and revisit them until you answer them confidently.

Regular self-assessment
Build in regular quizzes and mini-mocks. Data suggests more mock practice correlates strongly with success—candidates who did 25+ mocks had notably higher pass rates. Do a 30-question mixed quiz weekly and track scores. Use full-length practice tests periodically to measure progress and stamina. Let performance data steer your plan: spend more time on weak areas, not on comfortable topics.

Use mock exams as milestones
Schedule at least two timed mocks under exam conditions: one halfway through your prep and one roughly 3–4 weeks before the real exam. Simulate the exam day (timing, breaks, environment). After each mock, review every wrong answer to identify whether the error was knowledge-based, a misunderstanding, or careless. Adjust your plan accordingly (e.g., revisit Business Tax if you miss patterns there; practice pacing if you ran out of time).

Summary
• Start 3–6 months ahead; front-load the content so you can focus on mocks later.
• Keep a sustainable routine and use short study pockets for micro-reviews.
• Use time-blocking and clear micro-goals for each session.
• Cycle through material 3–4 times (learn → practice → consolidate).
• Regular self-assessment and many mock tests help identify weak spots—then act on them.
• Treat timed mock exams as checkpoints for stamina, pacing and accuracy.