Preparing for competitive exams: A DIY

In order to get entry to the lucrative and prestigious job market, especially in the government sector, you need to crack the Competitive Exams. The task requires sustained dedication and focus over a period extending several months. Sometimes you may also feel the necessity for high-quality specialized coaching for the competitive exams.  This is certainly not a must, though trained and experienced faculty/mentors do help to clear doubts and show you the way forward. Still, highly motivated and determined aspirants can surely prepare for these exams totally on their own.

All you need to have is a clear focus and planned routine of study.

So, here is a DIY (Do it yourself) guide for the preparation of Competitive Exams.

1. Plan Well

If you don't know where you are going, chances are that you will go nowhere. A proper plan means you are half way done. Find out the schedule of exams that you are attempting, so that you can begin to prepare well on time and appropriately assign the required time.

2. Check the syllabus required to study for exam.

So you know when a certain exam will take place. But do you know what you are expected to prepare? Clearly, familiarising yourself with the syllabus is the next step. Accordingly, arm yourself with the most-recommended books, notes and other resources. Go over the syllabus thoroughly, and cover every aspect of  it in detail, including every chapter or topic mentioned. It is quite possible that you may encounter a few things which you are unable to understand or get a hand on. For that you may require help from someone, maybe a close friend or relative.

3. Shorter, concentrated bursts of Study 

Studying till the last minute may lead to stress and enervation. So, do proper time management and allocate the required time to each subject. While, formulating your study plan, arrange the examination syllabus and measure how much time and effort is required for each section. Students should give extra time to weaker areas on regular basis rather than in one go.

Excellence is a habit. A little a day goes a long, long way! Research has it that if you do something everyday without fail for 21 days, then it will become a habit. Exam preparation should be a habit, a part of the daily routine of an aspirant. If you are one, then you don't have a choice.

Remember, Schedule + Practice = Success

4. Solving previous exam papers and Mock Papers

Practicing previous year papers and sample papers can be of great help. This will help you in gaining the idea about the pattern of the exam and at the same time it will also help in improving your analytical skills and speed to attempt the exam. Rome wasn't built in a day. Practice hard. Practice long. Practice till you get it perfect...in every possible way.

5. Motivation - Keep it high!

Keeping yourself motivated is as equally important as studying hard. Draw motivation from mentors, seniors and family members. Interact well with your seniors to get the stimulus and guidance from them. Besides, try to study the interviews of past toppers in competitive examinations, you might get some important tips and instructions there. And then there are some beautifully motivating books and quotations and videos. Use them all. Use anything but stay on a high and keep frustration and depression at bay.

6. Refer to sources for more information

Knowledge is power. Look for the latest information on the web, newspapers, periodicals and even books. Additionally, there are several groups and forums on the net from where you can get some new and exciting ideas to study. You may also be able to form a group of people who are preparing for the same exams and regularly exchange information and comments on that platform. This is a classic example of constructive engagement, a 'win-win' situtation where everyone benefits. Too many cooks may spoil the broth, but surely a small and active group can only be of help!

If you still need help in preparation for Competitive exams, it is advisable to join professional coaching to support your individual effort. Whether you do self-study or take coaching, the idea is to crack the exam and get your desired job.