Competitive exams have become a strict norm for selection to various professional courses and job recruitment process. Success in these exams brings immense glory and confidence to the individuals, besides giving them a clear cut break into the career line of their choice. However, seats are limited and competition is very high.

Having attended many such examinations and succeeding in those exams, I would like to share few helpful tips for future aspirants through this section of our website. Keeping this background in mind, let us explore what it takes to succeed in these competitive exams.

According to me, the most important prerequisites for success in these examinations are planning, determination, hard work, motivation, and perseverance.

Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning, Test of English Language and General Awareness constitute the main sections of an exam question paper of most of the competitive exams. If you are taking a specialized technical test( for eg Information Technology, Business Management, Agricultureetc., ),  then those exams may have an additional section on that subject.

Sketch out a detailed plan about the tasks that need to be completed, like subjects to be learned, the number of questions papers to solved in a day, reviewing the answers and steps to rectify the errors etc., Then start executing the tasks, record your output and analyze the results on a daily basis. By this way, you can get a clear picture of the areas of your strengths and weaknesses, and gradually step forward on a developmental path.

The learning process should be based on understanding the concepts and applying them real time, rather than shortcuts. Therefore, go for standard textbooks, study materials provided, as various correspondence courses and other coaching institutions serve as supplementary and complementary material to the textbook material. As a strong foundation is a basis for a strong building, a thorough understanding of the basic concepts and formulas forms the basis of success in competitive exams.

Understanding the exam pattern and continuously practicing a number of model question papers and questions from previous year examinations, will prepare a person to face the exam with confidence.

While practicing , allocate strict time periods for each section and try solving the questions in each section within the allocated time. For example, if you are going to take a test for 120 minutes and the test has four sections, set 30 minutes for each section and try to solve model papers within the time frame. If you are well-versed in a particular section, say English, then set less time like 20 minutes for that and more for other sections, but always make it a point to stick to the time frame and never exceed it, even while practicing.

For a better understanding, I give a detailed sample of time allocation for the latest pattern of IBPS PO main examination below:

Above all, be stress-free and maintain a positive attitude. Indulging in Meditation, routine exercises, listening to good music and reading books will help you to get relieved from stress and stay focussed on your goal.

Wishing you all the best!!