Preparation for Competitive Exams

Now a day, competitive exams have become a strict and perfect standard for selecting various professional courses in our country. But unfortunately, the demerits of such a system, competitive exams are a reality for the thousands of students who appear in them every year.

In such a situation, everyone wants to be successful. Success in these exams brings enormous credit and self-assurance to the individuals, besides giving them a clear and certain break into their career. However, seats are limited in numbers and everybody who appears cannot be selected. But it does not mean that those who are rejected do not deserve training in these courses. It only means that there no sufficient seats to put up all the deserving candidates. Keeping this in mind, let us explore what it takes to succeed in these competitive exams particularly at the undergraduate and school level.

According to experts the determination is the first qualification for success in these examinations. The student must be quite sure of his level of inspiration. Without a high level of motivation, no one can go through the exact preparation for study. Thus, you must be completely determined to give your best efforts in your attempt. Once student is sufficiently motivated, he needs to be ready to give adequate time for studies. This is genuine hard work and absorbs significant sacrifices on the part of the individual. "All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy". Therefore it is also important that the candidate does take out some time for relaxation either through sports, music, art or hobby. Regular exercises (about 20 - 25 minutes) every day will help maintain a healthy body which in turn wills residence of healthy mind.

The selection of the right study material is third requirement. He/she should not go for shortcuts. There is no shortcut for success. Instead of shortcut, try to understand the chapters / concepts in detail and practice sufficient number of questions. Therefore go for standard and quality textbooks, study materials, as various correspondence courses and other coaching institutions serve as additional and corresponding material to the textbook material.

The fourth concern is a proper study strategy. A very common question asked by students is, how to balance the study of school as well as competitive exam. Think that school studies can be integrated within the broad structure of one's competitive exams' preparation strategy. One strategy is to have a look at each chapter as a chapter to be learnt, a material to be mastered; rather than making a classification in school & competitive exam-related study material.
One can use periodical tests in school as a chance to master the material that one has collected rather than limiting yourself to the partial knowledge & practice that is needed for doing well in the periodical test itself. Of course, you may not be able to complete all the practice material for single test but clear the concepts. You can use the rest of the practice stuff for revision and self estimate at a later time. As the examinations come closer, practicing previous year’s papers is also a key to doing well in these examinations. In addition, revise the significant concepts, facts, problems that you would have marked during your years of preparation before the examination.

And most importantly on the day of examination keep yourself cool and attempt the questions. Remember, if you have given your best during the last 1.5 - 2 years, you need not fear anything. Eventually, only effort is in your hand not result. Rest is your destiny. So go forward, give your best and leave the rest!