<p>Never hate or fear the impending examination. Don’t worry too much about the end result. The fact that competitive exams help colleges/ institutes/ boards choose the best of the lot make them challenging. The answer lies in staying motivated and being well-prepared.<br /><br />So, how does one prepare for a competitive exam? It boils down to having the right set of skills and a plan of action. Here are a few key strategies that you could incorporate into your study routine:<br /><br />*Self-belief: Change must begin with confidence. Start believing in yourself and your abilities. You must never lose sight of the bigger picture.<br /><br />*Time & data management: You must dedicate a minimum of four hours a day to study. Prepare a timetable for a week. Keep a record of what you have learnt at the end of the week. This can become your weekly data bank. Make a note of the time taken to study each subject. Keep track of the completed syllabus, time required for revision and time spent on mock tests. This will help you understand your competency. Each student has a unique way of assimilating information. Whether you study in the wee hours of the day or late in the night will certainly not affect scores. It is not ‘when’ you study but ‘how’ you study that matters.<br /><br />*Sample papers: Work on as many sample papers as possible before your final test. Sample papers help you adapt to the style of the question paper. They also help you build strategies for each section of the test.<br /><br />*Mock tests: Take mock tests. They will help you tackle your fear of taking the actual exam. Use the mock tests to time yourself. Mock tests are created to help students deal with stress and teach them time-management skills.<br /><br />*Bone up on the basics: Domain knowledge is very important. If you have not understood concepts, theory and formulae, you need to seek help...fast! <br /><br />*Stay alert and focused: A sharp mind helps you grasp concepts, focus on the questions asked and give quick and correct responses. The main purpose of competitive examinations is to differentiate sharp, analytical-minded students from the rest. Stimulate your brain with exercises such as crossword puzzles or Sudoku.<br /><br />Competitive exams<br /><br />*Try to break down the problem through the conventional method first.<br /><br />*If that fails, understand the problem from a different perspective and find clues that can lead you to the solution.<br /><br />*Go through concepts related to the problem and see how they can be applied to the given problem.<br /><br />*Turn to the ‘answer’ section only when you have exhausted your options. <br /><br />Understand your mistakes and work your way back from the solution to the question.<br /><br />*Devise your own shortcuts to tackle specific kinds of problems.<br /><br />*Your speed and strike rate matter. You need to be quick and accurate to achieve high scores. High speed with poor accuracy can bring down scores.<br /><br />*Never use a calculator while preparing for a competitive exam. Being adept in mental calculations can increase your speed to a great extent. Besides, devices such as mobile phones are not allowed in the examination hall.<br /><br />*While taking the test, select your questions wisely. About 25 per cent of the questions paper is usually easy, 60 per cent is moderately easy and the remaining 25 per cent is difficult. Attempt the easy questions first. This will boost your confidence. </p>
<p>Never hate or fear the impending examination. Don’t worry too much about the end result. The fact that competitive exams help colleges/ institutes/ boards choose the best of the lot make them challenging. The answer lies in staying motivated and being well-prepared.<br /><br />So, how does one prepare for a competitive exam? It boils down to having the right set of skills and a plan of action. Here are a few key strategies that you could incorporate into your study routine:<br /><br />*Self-belief: Change must begin with confidence. Start believing in yourself and your abilities. You must never lose sight of the bigger picture.<br /><br />*Time & data management: You must dedicate a minimum of four hours a day to study. Prepare a timetable for a week. Keep a record of what you have learnt at the end of the week. This can become your weekly data bank. Make a note of the time taken to study each subject. Keep track of the completed syllabus, time required for revision and time spent on mock tests. This will help you understand your competency. Each student has a unique way of assimilating information. Whether you study in the wee hours of the day or late in the night will certainly not affect scores. It is not ‘when’ you study but ‘how’ you study that matters.<br /><br />*Sample papers: Work on as many sample papers as possible before your final test. Sample papers help you adapt to the style of the question paper. They also help you build strategies for each section of the test.<br /><br />*Mock tests: Take mock tests. They will help you tackle your fear of taking the actual exam. Use the mock tests to time yourself. Mock tests are created to help students deal with stress and teach them time-management skills.<br /><br />*Bone up on the basics: Domain knowledge is very important. If you have not understood concepts, theory and formulae, you need to seek help...fast! <br /><br />*Stay alert and focused: A sharp mind helps you grasp concepts, focus on the questions asked and give quick and correct responses. The main purpose of competitive examinations is to differentiate sharp, analytical-minded students from the rest. Stimulate your brain with exercises such as crossword puzzles or Sudoku.<br /><br />Competitive exams<br /><br />*Try to break down the problem through the conventional method first.<br /><br />*If that fails, understand the problem from a different perspective and find clues that can lead you to the solution.<br /><br />*Go through concepts related to the problem and see how they can be applied to the given problem.<br /><br />*Turn to the ‘answer’ section only when you have exhausted your options. <br /><br />Understand your mistakes and work your way back from the solution to the question.<br /><br />*Devise your own shortcuts to tackle specific kinds of problems.<br /><br />*Your speed and strike rate matter. You need to be quick and accurate to achieve high scores. High speed with poor accuracy can bring down scores.<br /><br />*Never use a calculator while preparing for a competitive exam. Being adept in mental calculations can increase your speed to a great extent. Besides, devices such as mobile phones are not allowed in the examination hall.<br /><br />*While taking the test, select your questions wisely. About 25 per cent of the questions paper is usually easy, 60 per cent is moderately easy and the remaining 25 per cent is difficult. Attempt the easy questions first. This will boost your confidence. </p>
