Will the one who did not study throughout the semester and supplicated to Allah on the eve of the exam for success succeed? Is formal education a means of sustenance for which one must strive? And can Allah answer a supplication without any effort?

A Muslim must take all necessary means while relying on Allah Almighty. Therefore, a student should review their lessons and strive in supplication. If a student falls short in taking the means and neglects studying, then the response to their supplication for success rests with Allah. Formal education is one of the greatest means of obtaining sustenance, but it is not the only way. A believer takes the means and relies on Allah, knowing that the results are by Allah Almighty's permission. Supplication is one of the means, and abandoning means while relying solely on supplication is a blameworthy form of dependence.