57 Inspirational Exam Quotes to Crush Your Tests (+Wallpapers)

If you’re struggling with:

• Study motivation for your next exam
• Text anxiety and self-doubt
• Getting through final exam season

I’ve compiled a list of 5? inspirational exam quotes to encourage you on your next exam.

With powerful quotes from renowned authors and scientists to activists and entrepreneurs, I hope you’ll find the boost of motivation and confidence you need to ace your next exam.

(Also, you can save all of these quotes as wallpapers here!)

Let’s jump in!

Motivational Quotes for Students to Study Hard

Feeling unmotivated to study for your next exam? These quotes will help you overcome procrastination!

1. Find opportunity in failure

“Never walk away from failure. On the contrary, study it carefully and imaginatively for its hidden assets.” ― Michael Korda, novelist and former editor-in-chief of Simon & Schuster

If you feel discouraged while studying, remember that setbacks are what help you improve. Take the time to analyze what went wrong and learn from your mistakes.

Failure can be a great teacher if you approach it with the right mindset.

2. Realize the power of learning

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ― Nelson Mandela, social activist and politician

It’s often easy to forget that attending school isn’t just for a good grade on the next test. Education is what gives you the knowledge and skills to make a real difference in the world.

Remember that you should think of education as a privilege, not something you’re forced to do.

3. Go slow and steady

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” ― Confucius, philosopher and politician

Like the tortoise in the old tortoise and rabbit parable, you don’t have to be the fastest or the most efficient to succeed. If you get stuck, keep persisting, and remember that persistence will pay off eventually.

4. Choose to understand, not know

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” ― Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize laureate

Don’t just memorize facts and figures—actually try to understand them! When you really understand a concept, you can apply it in all sorts of ways.

For instance, anyone can memorize a math formula. But when you understand the intuition behind the formula, you’ll be less likely to be stumped by a problem you’ve never seen before.

Check out this post for scientifically-proven study tips that will improve your understanding and retention of information.

5. Persistence pays off

“It is not that I’m so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer.” ― Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize laureate

Another quote from Einstein—this one is a reminder that smartness isn’t just about innate ability. It’s also about persistence and curiosity.

You don’t have to get a concept on your first try. But what you should do is continue persisting even if you don’t get it at first. Try learning the concept in different ways—by looking at diagrams, watching a video, or asking a classmate.

6. Find interest in the subject

“I think the big mistake in schools is trying to teach children anything, and by using fear as the basic motivation. Fear of getting failing grades, fear of not staying with your class, etc. Interest can produce learning on a scale compared to fear as a nuclear explosion to a firecracker.” ― Stanley Kubrick, film director

When you’re interested in what you’re studying, you’re way more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn. Instead of seeing studying as a means of getting a good grade, try to find meaning in the content.

How is what you’re learning related to pursuits you’re interested in? How could you apply the material in a future situation? Even in classes you don’t like, it’s possible to find some application to spur your interest.

7. Never stop learning

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ― Mahatma Gandhi, nationalist and spiritual leader

This quote is a reminder that time is limited. Would you rather spend more time acquiring knowledge to make a difference in the world or sitting back and relaxing?

8. Knowledge is beautiful

“Knowledge is power.” Rather, knowledge is happiness, because to have knowledge – broad, deep knowledge – is to know true ends from false, and lofty things from low. To know the thoughts and deeds that have marked man’s progress is to feel the great heart-throbs of humanity through the centuries; and if one does not feel in these pulsations a heavenward striving, one must indeed be deaf to the harmonies of life.” ― Helen Keller, author and activist

In school, learning can often feel mundane. However, Helen Keller reminds us that knowledge is beautiful—that through knowledge, you can better appreciate the complexity of the world.

9. Learning empowers you

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” ― Maimonides, philosopher and physician

Remember that learning empowers you. It’s like when you invest money and the interest starts to compound over time—your knowledge compounds across your lifetime in the same way. The more you learn, the more you can learn, and the more you can achieve.

10. Consistency can turn you into an expert

“One hour per day of study in your chosen field is all it takes. One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within three years. Within five years you’ll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do.” — Earl Nightingale, author and motivational speaker

Persistence and consistency are what come out on top in the long run. It’s not about innate talent or luck—it’s about putting in the time and effort to improve your skills and knowledge every day.

Even if you dedicate just one hour a day to studying and practicing in your chosen field, you can become an expert in a few years.

It can be difficult to stay consistent, but by building productive study habits, it’s possible to overcome procrastination and increase the productivity of your study sessions.

Short Inspirational Exam Quotes

These are shorter quotes to inspire you to study and do well on your next exam.

11. Learning never stops

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” ― John Dewey, father of modern education

Don’t think of preparation for the next exam as just a means of getting a good grade. Remember that education helps you learn and grow, shaping who you become.

Life is an endless journey of learning, so the earlier you learn to appreciate it, the better.

12. Unlock your potential through learning

“Develop a passion for learning. If you do, you will never cease to grow.” ― Anthony J. D’Angelo, founder of the non-profit Collegiate Empowerment

When you have a genuine passion for learning, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Dive into your interests, explore new topics, and let your curiosity lead the way.

13. Combine positive thinking and action

“Your positive action combined with positive thinking results in success.” ― Shiv Khera, author and motivational speaker

Here’s the secret recipe for success: take positive action and think positively!

In psychology, there’s a concept known as the self-fulfilling prophecy. According to this concept, your expectations about a future event will manifest because your expectations influence your behaviors.

In other words, the first step to success is having a can-do attitude, which will motivate you to put in effort and set you on the path to success.

14. Believe in yourself

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”― Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the U.S.

Again, half the battle of achieving your goals is simply believing in yourself. Let go of your doubts, find your inner confidence, and keep pushing forward!

15. Recognize the value of challenges

“The key to life is accepting challenges. Once someone stops doing this, he’s dead.”― Bette Davis, actress and Hollywood legend

If you’re worried about your next test, remember that challenges are what help us grow and discover our true potential. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is necessary to continuously improve.

16. Consistent effort is key

“Continuous effort ― not strength or intelligence ― is the key to unlocking our potential.” ― Liane Cordes, entrepreneur and founder of the Virtual Assistant Industry

Unlocking your potential is not about being the strongest or the smartest. It’s about how often you show up. Consistency and determination can take you farther than you imagined.

So keep showing up and studying, and your efforts will pay off!

These morning-to-night student routines can help you stay focused and energized throughout the day and consistently productive in the long run.

17. Failure is better than not trying

“You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” ― Beverly Sills, operatic soprano and director

We’re often scared to pursue things because we fear the possibility of failure. We’d rather live with this uncertainty than face the certainty of failure.

But remember that not trying creates a certainty in itself! If you never try, you’ve already written the end of your own story: certain failure. So instead of choosing inevitable failure, choose the possibility of success!

And remember that if you do fail, it’s not the end of the world. Learn from it and try again. The only true failure is not trying at all.

18. Just get started

“The hardest thing about getting started, is getting started.” ― Guy Kawasaki, marketing specialist and author

Often, the most challenging part is simply taking that first step. Getting started can feel daunting, but once you do, the momentum starts building, and things become easier.

So don’t overthink it, don’t procrastinate—just take that leap and get started!

19. Mindset is powerful

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” ― Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company

Your mindset is a powerful thing. If you believe in yourself and think you can do it, you’re already on the right track. Don’t hold yourself back with self-limiting fears and doubts.

Motivational Quotes for Competitive Exams

If you’re taking a competitive exam, you’re probably feeling a lot of stress right now—stress that you won’t do as well as you’d hoped or not measure up against other test-takers.

These inspirational exam quotes are meant to remind you that you shouldn’t compare yourself to others or let adversity drag you down.

20. Don’t try to be better than others; try to be better than yourself

“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” ― William Faulkner, writer and Novel Prize laureate

Remember that even in a competitive exam, you shouldn’t compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on improving yourself.

21. Comparing yourself to others is unproductive

“Comparison with myself brings improvement, comparison with others brings discontent.” ―  Betty Jamie Chung, actress and author

Again, don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on your progress and growth. Try to be better than who you were yesterday than who someone else is today.

By striving to improve yourself little by little each day, you can far exceed your expectations. In contrast, comparing yourself to others will only bring discontentment and little progress.

22. Go at your own pace

“Whatever your passion is, keep doing it. Don’t waste time chasing after success or comparing yourself to others. Every flower blooms at a different pace.” ― Suzy Kassem, writer and philosopher

Even in a competitive exam, don’t get caught up in the pursuit of external success or validation. Each person has a unique journey and timeline, so you should focus on your growth and development rather than comparing yourself to others.

Just like flowers blooming at their own pace, we each have our timeline for growth and progress.

23. Don’t compare your struggles to others’s successes

“The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” ― Steven Furtick, pastor and author

Seeing other people’s success often creates feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. However, you should remember that everyone has personal struggles and challenges. 

When you face obstacles, remember that behind every success is hard work and struggle. Facing struggle does not make you inferior to anyone else.

24. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses; accept yours

“Be confident. Too many days are wasted comparing ourselves to others and wishing to be something we aren’t. Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses, and it is only when you accept everything you are – and aren’t – that you will truly succeed.” ― Unknown

Just because someone else is better at something than you doesn’t mean that they’re “smarter” or more “accomplished”. Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses.

Instead of measuring your weaknesses against other people’s strengths, focus on developing your strengths, and you’ll be able to achieve more.

25. Challenge is necessary for growth

“Challenge and adversity are meant to help you know who you are. Storms hit your weakness, but unlock your true strength.” ― Roy T. Bennett, author best known for The Light in the Heart

Embrace challenges and adversity as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. As you approach your exam, remember that facing the challenge of the exam will help you become more resilient.

You will be forced to recognize personal weaknesses, but it is only through recognizing areas of improvement that you unlock the potential to improve.

26. Limits exist only in your mind

“Do not let the memories of your past limit the potential of your future. There are no limits to what you can achieve on your journey through life, except in your mind.” ― Roy T. Bennett, author best known for The Light in the Heart

Past experiences and mistakes don’t define your future potential. The only limits that exist are those we create for ourselves in our minds.

Instead, focus on the possibilities and opportunities ahead.

27. Your potential is limitless

“The potential of the average person is like a huge ocean unsailed, a new continent unexplored, a world of possibilities waiting to be released and channeled toward some great good.” ― Brian Tracy, motivational speaker and author

We all have untapped potential within us. You can achieve great things if you believe in yourself and put in the work.

Again, don’t restrict your potential through self-limiting beliefs.

Quotes on Exam Stress

Struggling with test anxiety? These quotes are meant to help you let go of self-doubt and find confidence in your abilities.

28. Self-confidence is necessary for success

“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” ― Norman Vincent Peale, minister and author

Let go of self-defeating thoughts. Remember that after preparation, the only thing that remains to do well on the exam is believing in yourself.

29. You can surprise yourself with your capabilities

“If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” ― Thomas Edison, inventor and businessman

You have more potential than you think you do. Believe in that, and you may surprise yourself with what you can accomplish.

30. Not trying is always the worst option

“One thing’s for sure, if you don’t play, you don’t win.” ― Kylie Francis, motivational speaker and author

If you don’t try, you can never get better. Instead of focusing on getting a “good” or “bad” grade, focus on improving yourself.

If you don’t prepare well for the exam, you stump your progress. And even if you prepare and don’t get a satisfactory grade, remember that trying is what matters. Your effort won’t go to waste.

Every time you try, you’re taking steps toward improving yourself!

31. Self-doubt is the greatest enemy

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” ― J.M. Barrie, novelist and playwright

According to the self-fulfilling prophecy in psychology, your expectations about a future event come to fruition because your expectations influence your action. If you doubt yourself, you won’t be able to do well.

Conversely, if you believe in yourself, you can achieve more than you thought you were capable of.

32. Your ability to learn is limitless

“Research shows that you begin learning in the womb and go right on learning until the moment you pass on. Your brain has a capacity for learning that is virtually limitless, which makes every human a potential genius.” — Michael J. Gelb, author and speaker

It’s easy to doubt your abilities, but according to science, everyone has a limitless ability to acquire new learning!

Remember that the next time you’re studying and feel like your brain can’t handle any more information. (According to this article, your brain can “hold three million hours of TV shows. You would have to leave the TV running continuously for more than 300 years to use up all that storage.“)

33. Life is an endless journey of learning

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” ― Jiddu Krishnamurti, philosopher and speaker

It may help to remember that your grade on a single exam is not the end of the world. It won’t determine your fate or future potential. It is just one learning experience amongst a myriad of others.

Think of it as one challenge among countless others you’ll encounter in your life that, if faced with resilience and optimism, can help you learn and grow.

34. Learning makes you more open-minded

“The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” ― Malcolm Forbes, entrepreneur and publisher of Forbes magazine

Again, instead of focusing on the exam itself, situate it within the context of your education as a whole. Remember that it’s a learning experience meant to provide you with the ability to assess the nuances of the world and eventually contribute to its progress.

35. Failure is necessary for growth

“We learn from failure, not from success!” ― Bram Stoker, author of Dracula

Even if you don’t do as well on the exam as you hoped, remember that failure is not the end of the road. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow from your mistakes. Use your failures as a stepping stone to success.

Words of Encouragement Before a Test

If you’re still struggling with confidence before a test, these quotes are meant to remind you that hard work and the right mental attitude can help you achieve far more than you think you’re capable of.

36. A test score does not determine your future

“If my future were determined just by my performance on a standardized test, I wouldn’t be here. I guarantee you that.” ― Michelle Obama, former First Lady

A test score does not define your worth or future success. While exams are important, they are just one aspect of your academic journey, and you should not let them define your potential.

37. Focus on areas of improvement

“Practice and study what you don’t know and review the stuff that you do know.” ― Anthony T. Hincks, author and philosopher

This quote emphasizes the importance of targeted studying. Instead of reviewing everything, focus on the areas that need improvement. By studying what you don’t know and reviewing what you do know, you increase your chances of success.

However, you should also keep in mind that some study techniques are more effective than others. Studying more is not the same as studying efficiently. Check out these effective tips for studying that will help you study more efficiently.

38. Outdo yourself

“If you think you can do better, then do better. Don’t compete with anyone; just yourself.” ― Bob Fosse, dancer and choreographer

Always strive to do your best, not to outdo others. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s unfair and unreasonable to compare your performance to someone else’s.

Comparing yourself to others only breeds discontentment. Instead, you can make much more progress by focusing on yourself—recognizing your weaknesses and working to improve them, as well as your strengths and working to expand upon them.

39. Use hard work to break through boundaries

“Don’t be afraid of hard work. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Don’t let others discourage you or tell you that you can’t do it. In my day I was told women didn’t go into chemistry. I saw no reason why we couldn’t.” ― Gertrude B. Elion, biochemist and pharmacologist

Break the boundaries set by yourself and others. Elion didn’t let societal limitations or negative feedback discourage her—she pursued her work with resilience and courage and made breakthroughs in drug development during a time women weren’t seen as competent scientists.

If you work hard and persist, you too can break past the boundaries set by yourself or others.

40. You’ll regret not trying

“Failure it appears is not the regret that haunts most people; it is the choice not to risk failure at all.” ― Dr. John Izzo, psychologist and motivational speaker

It’s okay if you try and don’t perform satisfactorily. However, if you don’t try, you’ll come to regret not trying.

Some day, you’ll regret not investing as much effort in your education as you should have. Even if a subject feels pointless right now, you may some day find useful applications. Here are tips I’ve applied to classes I didn’t like to find motivation and inspiration.

41. Action banishes self-doubt

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” ― Vincent van Gogh, painter and artist

Often, the hardest part about facing a challenge is just getting started. Self-doubt is unproductive and only delays your progress. Letting yourself wallow in self-doubt makes it certain that you won’t get anything accomplished.

Instead of submitting to this certainty, just get started, and you’ll be able to achieve more than you think.

42. The best remedy for fear is action

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” ― Dale Carnegie, writer and lecturer on self-improvement

Again, you must take action to overcome fear and anxiety. Don’t let fear hold you back. Don’t wait for courage and inspiration to strike you.

Instead, just start studying and working hard, and you’ll find confidence and courage along the way.

43. How you respond to fear determines your success

“Successful people have fear, successful people have doubts, and successful people have worries. They just don’t let these feelings stop them.” ― T. Harv Eker, author and motivational speaker

It’s perfectly normal for everyone to experience fear and doubt. However, those who succeed don’t let these feelings prevent them from achieving their goals.

You too should not let fear prevent you from working hard. After all, it is only by facing challenges and overcoming them that you can learn and grow.

44. Have the proper mental attitude

“Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” ― Thomas Jefferson, Founding father and 3rd President of the U.S.

Your mindset is essential to your success on an exam. With the right attitude, you will work hard, believe in yourself, and overcome obstacles. In contrast, a negative attitude will hold you back and prevent you from reaching your true potential.

Final Exam Quotes for Students

Final exam season is one of the most stressful times of the school year. All the studying and preparation may make you feel like you’re stuck in a high-pressure cooker, bound to pop at any instant.

However, these quotes are meant to remind you that you won’t regret persisting through final exams, you’ll emerge more resilient and satisfied than if you didn’t try.

45. Challenges make you stronger

“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” ― Dr. Robert Schuller, motivational speaker and author

Although final exam season may be very challenging and test your stamina, remember that it will be over soon. And when it is, you’ll emerge stronger and more resilient because of it.

46. Use your time wisely

“Don’t say you don’t have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr., author of the book Life’s Little Instruction Book

Final exam season is a busy time. However, remember that we all have the same amount of time in a day as some of the most accomplished and successful people in history. It’s up to us to make the most of that time.

During final exams, it’s especially helpful to create a study schedule in advance. That way, you’re not scrambling to cram everything in last minute. Some of my favorite tips for keeping up with studying without feeling overwhelmed are to:

• Plan your week in advance
• Use time blocking in Google Calendar to create organized daily schedules
• Install website/app blockers like the Forest app to help you stay focused

47. Success requires hard work

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” ― Pele, Brazilian soccer player

Success is not just luck. It’s the result of hard work, dedication, and passion. If you work hard this exam season, your hard work will pay off.

48. Hard work pays off

“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” ― Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father and 3rd President of the U.S.

Again, your hard work will pay off. The more effort you put into preparing for your exams, the better you’ll do.

49. Don’t fear making mistakes; focus on learning from them

“To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future.” ― Plutarch, ancient Greek philosopher

Even if you stumble along the way, realize that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growth. If you make mistakes while doing practice problems, see it not as evidence of your “incompetency” but as a learning opportunity.

And even if you don’t do as well on your exams as you hoped, remember that every mistake is a learning opportunity to improve yourself for the future.

50. Fulfillment in life comes from overcoming challenges

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist and poet

Studying for finals can feel stressful and difficult. However, this quote serves as a reminder that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow and expand your future potential.

51. You are capable of more than you think

“What we face may look insurmountable. But I learned something from all those years of training and competing. I learned something from all those sets and reps when I didn’t think I could lift another ounce of weight. What I learned is that we are always stronger than we know.” ― Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor and former professional bodybuilder

When you face a seemingly impossible challenge, remember all the times you’ve pushed yourself to the limit and surprised yourself with your own strength.

You’re capable of more than you think, so don’t give up!

52. Learning can be a joyful experience

“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” ― Leonardo da Vinci, artist and inventor

This quote serves as a reminder that one of the greatest feelings is finally understanding something that was once difficult or confusing. When you feel discouraged while studying, keep in mind that learning can be very fun and rewarding, even if it’s not always easy.

53. Your success is a reflection of your mindset

“We become what we think about.” ― Earl Nightingale, radio speaker and author

Positive thinking is powerful. If you believe in yourself and your abilities, you’re more likely to do well on your exams. So focus on your thoughts and make sure they’re helping, not hindering, your progress.

Funny Exam Quotes for Students

Finally, I’ve included a few quotes to lighten the mood…

54. Don’t get stressed when others write more than you do

“Not everyone who takes extra paper during exams write extra sense” ― Ernest Agyemang Yeboah, author

55. Study like Elle Woods

“Live every day like Elle Woods after Warner told her she’s not smart enough for law school.” ― Unknown

56. The most stressful sound during an exam

“It came during exams when it was completely silent and you heard everyone turn to page 2 while you were still on the first question.” ― Fuad Alakbarov, activist and photo journalist

57. Fred and George Weasley know best

‘“E” for “Exceeds Expectations”. And I’ve always thought Fred and I should’ve got “E” in everything, because we exceeded expectations just by turning up for the exams.’ ― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Overview of Inspirational Exam Quotes

In preparation for your next exam (or exams), don’t let fears, doubts, or negative self-talk hold you back. Instead, choose to take action and maintain a positive mindset.

When things get hard, remember that persisting through challenges is the key to success. When you make mistakes, remember that learning from mistakes is key to growth. When you compare yourself to others, remember that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, so you should focus on going at your own pace. When you find yourself mired in self-doubt, remember that limits exist only in your mind.

Hopefully, you were able to resonate with at least some of these inspirational exam quotes! If you want to use any of these quotes as a phone wallpaper, click here.

Also, check out these posts on studying and self-improvement:

• 7 Secret Tips For Studying That Will Transform How You Study
• 14 Methods of Note-Taking That Are Efficient & Effective
• 7-Day Dopamine Detox for Studying—Skyrocket Your Focus Now!
• Best Aesthetic Note Taking App (Free & Easy-to-Use)
• 5 Ways to Increase Attention Span While Studying Immediately
• How to Build Habits That Stick: 4 Failproof Steps I Follow
• How to Wake Up at 5am to Study—Tips From a Former Night Owl
• 11 Ways to Stop Getting Distracted by YouTube While Studying

Do you experience test anxiety? If so, how do you handle it? Let me know in the comments below!