<p>The Common Entrance Tests will be conducted on April 28 and 29 by the Karnataka Examination Authority for admission to medical, engineering, technology and dental courses in the State. <br /><br />In spite of the incessant power cuts and oppressive summer heat, it’s back to books and intense study for those preparing to take the CETs.<br /> “After the stress of Pre University exams, students are generally advised to take a short break before tackling the CETs that will enable them to get into the professional stream of their choice. Of course the preparations will be intense, very focused and also slightly different from the way the students prepared for their PUC exams,” says Prof Ranganath, who runs a CET coaching centre mainly for engineering students.<br /><br />Akshata hopes to get into mechanical or electrical engineering. “I attend a tutorial for about 2 hours every day and when I get home I revise what has been done in the classes. I also use reference books, notes and guide books extensively. Practising on mock question papers and timing yourself strictly also helps build up confidence and speed,” she says.<br /><br />For Aakruthi, who wanted to get into aerospace engineering, it has been a bit of a disappointment as the I-Sat exam she appeared for did not pan out as per her expectations. <br /><br />“There are no aerospace colleges in Bangalore so I decided to take the CETs and get into mechanical or electronic engineering instead. After my PUC exams I took a short break for about ten days and then it was back to the grind, with guide books, tuitions et al,” she says. <br /><br />Unlike PUC exams, which require more extensive and wordy answers, CET questions tend to be more succinct and tailor-made for short and to the point answers.<br />So how is she preparing for the exams? “Our group generally feels that an intelligent system of study where quality trumps quantity works well for us. We allocate about six hours to study and revision per day. During the exam, time allotment for quantitative questions is very important as some questions are easier and yield solutions faster. It’s important not to get stuck on one question and neglect the others. We do some light revision just before the exam but not too much. Last minute cramming is not very useful,” she explains.<br /><br />Prof Ranganath has some advice for CET students. “It’s important to sleep well before an exam. It’s no use getting stressed out and losing sleep. Carry good stationary and don't panic. Relax and write everything you know, watch the clock carefully and whatever happens, don’t give up. In case you do fare poorly, remember you should use your experience to avoid making the same mistakes that cost you success the last time you took the exam.”<br />Jackie Pinto</p>
<p>The Common Entrance Tests will be conducted on April 28 and 29 by the Karnataka Examination Authority for admission to medical, engineering, technology and dental courses in the State. <br /><br />In spite of the incessant power cuts and oppressive summer heat, it’s back to books and intense study for those preparing to take the CETs.<br /> “After the stress of Pre University exams, students are generally advised to take a short break before tackling the CETs that will enable them to get into the professional stream of their choice. Of course the preparations will be intense, very focused and also slightly different from the way the students prepared for their PUC exams,” says Prof Ranganath, who runs a CET coaching centre mainly for engineering students.<br /><br />Akshata hopes to get into mechanical or electrical engineering. “I attend a tutorial for about 2 hours every day and when I get home I revise what has been done in the classes. I also use reference books, notes and guide books extensively. Practising on mock question papers and timing yourself strictly also helps build up confidence and speed,” she says.<br /><br />For Aakruthi, who wanted to get into aerospace engineering, it has been a bit of a disappointment as the I-Sat exam she appeared for did not pan out as per her expectations. <br /><br />“There are no aerospace colleges in Bangalore so I decided to take the CETs and get into mechanical or electronic engineering instead. After my PUC exams I took a short break for about ten days and then it was back to the grind, with guide books, tuitions et al,” she says. <br /><br />Unlike PUC exams, which require more extensive and wordy answers, CET questions tend to be more succinct and tailor-made for short and to the point answers.<br />So how is she preparing for the exams? “Our group generally feels that an intelligent system of study where quality trumps quantity works well for us. We allocate about six hours to study and revision per day. During the exam, time allotment for quantitative questions is very important as some questions are easier and yield solutions faster. It’s important not to get stuck on one question and neglect the others. We do some light revision just before the exam but not too much. Last minute cramming is not very useful,” she explains.<br /><br />Prof Ranganath has some advice for CET students. “It’s important to sleep well before an exam. It’s no use getting stressed out and losing sleep. Carry good stationary and don't panic. Relax and write everything you know, watch the clock carefully and whatever happens, don’t give up. In case you do fare poorly, remember you should use your experience to avoid making the same mistakes that cost you success the last time you took the exam.”<br />Jackie Pinto</p>
