The syllabus one studies for competitive exams is drawn from the subjects one has already studied in school and PUC. Yet, acing the competitive exams is a different ballgame and cannot be approached using the same strategy one uses for the college/school annual exams. For instance, the PUC board exams will have essay-type answers and short answers where one is expected to show the work on how they arrive at the solution. Contrarily, for most entrance tests there are multiple choice questions and may have one essay in some cases. Thus, it is important to approach the exams with a firm strategy.
When you are in PUC, you are facing two exams - one, the board exams at the end of 12th grade and after a break of a few weeks, the entrance exams for different professional college programmes. For these two years, the student must approach their studies with proper planning and strategy to give adequate time for all aspects of their daily schedule, balance their time between different syllabi, and manage stress levels. Even with friends, family and teachers for guidance, one has to create an approach to suit their learning style.
The first step is to understand the course or test objectives. Study the syllabus and curriculum to understand what portions seem challenging, what portions you are familiar with and how much time you must spend on which subjects or lessons. Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and identify the potential areas that will be time-consuming.
The syllabus for competitive entrance tests such as JEE, NEET, KCET etc. are the same as the PUC and CBSE syllabus, but the exam approach and objective are different. Hence, focus on understanding the concepts and their application. This way, irrespective of what type of question is posed to you, you will be able to answer it.
Students receive extra notes and assignments virtually, so gadgets cannot be completely avoided. While they can be used as a learning tool, gadgets can also be a source of distraction. So, if you are working on a laptop or phone, turn on the focus mode and schedule short 5-10-minute break times for yourself to browse the internet, play a video game, watch a video or listen to something online. Practise utmost discipline because browsing just one more video, or one more level can spiral into half an hour of wasted time.
Every day revise the syllabus that has been covered and then study something new. Your learning must not be only about preparing for an entrance exam or board exam, it must be about acquiring new skills. So, research the topic in books and online to understand the applications of the concepts that you are studying.
Not just breaks between studies, but also short vacations you may take through the two years. This will help you to say ‘no’ to unplanned activities and have a backup plan for the ‘missed’ time. You will have the year’s holiday schedule, so plan how you wish to spend the holiday, studying or unwinding.
From the college and coaching classes, you will attempt many mock tests. You can even access past question papers and model question papers online. Try to attempt as many as you can to be familiar with exam patterns and the type of questions that are generally asked.
Maintain consistency in your schedule, unwaveringly dedicating time to studies, attending classes, preparing notes, and giving mock tests. Even your breaks must be scheduled as much as possible. Your consistency will also help you maintain a keen focus on your goals.
It is important to be realistic about one’s capabilities and aspirations so that you can take up tasks that challenge you without affecting your mental and physical well-being. Play some sports, spend time talking to family and friends and allow yourself some distractions. Do not isolate yourself completely with a single-minded focus on your goals. Spare some time for meditation and exercise. While preparing for competitive exams requires unwavering focus from the aspirant, it is also important to know how far you can push yourself without harming your well-being. Keep many career and college course options for yourself. There are many career paths in which one can excel and have a strong future.
