Preparing for any entrance exam can be a stressful and overwhelming task. However, with the right strategies, you can increase your productivity and study more efficiently. In this article, we will discuss some tips and tricks. But let’s first hear it from some people who have aced competitive examinations like a boss!
JEE – Hard work is the key!
According to Atharv Suraj, a student at Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai, who recently secured a whopping 98.72 percentile in the JEE Main 2023 examinations, more than learning everything, competitive examinations are about the efficiency of solving questions accurately. “So my mantra is to have a strong hold on the concepts and focus on selective study. Besides, I make it a point to take breaks and play some sports such as badminton, football or cricket.” What more? The talented student also learns from online sources and YouTube channels. “It is quite a convenient way to brush up your concepts without having to revise everything you have learnt,” he adds.
A former student of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar, Ananya Chopra, recently took the NEET UG 2023 examination. She says, “I have been at it for the past five years. My strategy has been to learn everything from the NCERT books before moving onto difficult problems. Out of the whole preparation time, I will say that the last two years were most intensive for me. Naturally, I did have my share of ups and downs too. But the biggest lesson to learn from a competitive examination is to self-govern and self-motivate. An individual is the biggest supporter or enemy of one’s own mind. Therefore, one must train himself/herself well.”
Sharing her pearls of wisdom for aspiring civil servants, Ms Saumya Pandey, an Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer and alumna of Apeejay School, Noida says, “Especially for an examination like the Civil Services, I advise students to take care of their emotional, mental, physical and social health. It is important because for such an exam, any aspirant cannot be stuck in a room for more than a year just to ace it. It is simply not possible. So, do not ignore your friends and family while preparing for it.”
So, if you are already sailing in the preparation boat for an upcoming competitive exam, refer to these tips to get started:
Create a study plan
Before you start studying, it’s important to create a plan that outlines what you need to cover and how much time you should allocate to each topic. Having a clear plot will help you stay organised and focused. It will prevent you from wasting time on less important topics.
Break tasks into smaller chunks: Large tasks can be overwhelming, so break them into smaller and more manageable parts. This will help you feel less stressed and make it easier to get started.
Eliminate distractions: Distractions can impede productivity, so try to eliminate them as much as possible. This could mean turning off your phone or email notifications, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, or finding a quiet place to study.
Take breaks: It’s important to take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout. This could mean going for a short walk, doing some stretches, or just taking a few minutes to relax and clear your mind.
Use the Pomodoro Technique: The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking study into intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. This can help you stay attentive.
Rely on productivity tools: There are many productivity tools available that can help you, such as time trackers, to-do lists, and project management software. Find the tools that work best for you and use them to streamline your day.
Get enough sleep:
It is essential for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night to help you stay fresh during your study sessions.
Overall, discipline, focus, and good study habits goes into the making of an achiever. By following these tips, you can increase your productivity and study more, which may ultimately increase your chances of success on the exam.