How To Prepare for competitive Exams -10 Tips You Must Know

Every year, millions of students appear for competitive exams but only a few of them actually clear. Why? Because there are only handful of students who use pragmatic approach to prepare for the exams. You can mug up as much study material you want but remember, smart work always beats hard work. So, before you start unpacking your books and start preparing, let this article usher you to the right path which will lead you nowhere but to desired destination.

No matter whichever exam you are planning to appear for. If you follow these points religiously and stick to them, I bet you’d clear your exam in flying colors.

So, here are top 10 tips:

1. Jot down a time-table

Each one of us has only 24 hours. Nothing less. Nothing more. How wisely you use these 24 hours is what matter the most. As a quote by Shiv Khera states, “Winners don’t do anything different. They do things differently.” So, you have to be sure how well you utilise these 24 hours. So the first and foremost thing to do is jot down a time table which should be a proper combination of study hours, sleeping hours and relaxation time. Because you can’t just fill your minds with question, answers, queries….your mind needs rejuvenation in order to work effectively and efficiently. So, make sure you have proper sleep and some ‘ME’ time too in which you can pursue your hobby or exercise or do anything which makes you feel light.

2. Find your weak and strong subjects

Once your time-table is set, the next thing you need to do is find your weaknesses and strength. Most of the students don’t do the reality check. It is of utmost importance to find which is your strongest subject and weak. So that you can allocate the time accordingly. Spend more time in strengthening your weak subjects and also keep a grab on your strong subjects.

3. Practice sectional test and mock papers

Merely studying a subject is never enough. Giving mock tests are equally important. Mock tests are beneficial in umpteen ways. Every topper suggests to attempt as much mock tests as you can during your preparation.

Some of the advantages of mock tests are:

  • Solving mock tests helps you in managing your time in exam
  • Increases your frequency and accuracy of solving questions
  • Help you in sitting for 3 hours for exam day
  • Aware you of your capabilities and weak points

4. Analyse mock tests

Most of the students make a mistake of not analysing their mock question paper. You must analyse it, get it reviewed by your peers, mentors and seniors. It is highly recommended to nalayse your mock test with full honesty. Once you start doing it, you will find yourself improving with every mock test.

5. Take breaks

To keep yourself calm throughout your process, it is very important to take breaks in between studying. Spare at least an hour daily to pursue your hobby or play or just listen to good music. Do whatever relaxes the strained nerves of your mind and soul. Keeping yourself mentally and physically is very much important in order to study daily with full enthusiasm. So, make sure that you give ‘breaks’ a place in your daily routine.

6. Qualitative study over quantitative study

There is a misconception in students’ mind that studying for certain number of hours can make them clear the exam. You could sit and study for 14 hours in a day and still not clear the exam. So, it is not about how many hours you sit in front of the book but how many hours you actually spend studying without any distraction is what matters. So, measure the amount of focused study you are doing.

7. Read Newspapers

While Verbal Ability forms part of every competitive exam, it will also be very helpful in acquainting you with current affairs. By reading newspaper I don’t mean reading news which don’t add value to your existing knowledge. By reading, I mean to say, read good newspapers like The Hindu (especially the editorials), The Indian Express, Economic times etc..

Make it a habit of reading newspaper as soon as you get up. Do it religiously for 21 days and you will be automatically reading it without any push. And once you read, make sure you debate over a current on going topics with your colleagues and friends. It will prepare you with group discussion as well.

8. Avoid Distractions

We are all humans and it is so natural for us to get distracted. The real question here is not how to avoid distraction? Rather it is, how to fully concentrate?

In order to avoid distractions, you can

  • mediate for a few minutes in a day
  • Study in alone
  • Make sure your room has no TV or games or other such stuff

9. Revise well

Revising whatever you have studied at least twice is very much necessary before the exam.Dedicate your last month for revising your syllabus, so that you don’t miss on important points.

10. Don’t panic on the exam day

Most of the students have sweat palms on the exam day, which is a bit obvious because that day decides your future. Being nervous can affect your efficiency during the paper, so make sure that you maintain your calm. Utilise a few minutes to scan through the paper and decide which questions and easy and tough. And then, start attempting the easy questions first. If you find any questions unsolvable, leave them attempting them may result in negative marking.

Hope you find these tips helpful for your preparation, And if you know any other tips, do let us know in the comment section below. All the best.


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