In today’s competitive world, students like us often face immense pressure and fatigue when preparing for university exams and competitive exams simultaneously. However, it is essential to recognize the importance of managing both these endeavours concurrently to unlock an individual’s full potential and attain unparalleled success when struggling to prepare for competitive exams.
A random bholu student:
“Ab kya karein bhai, yeh competitive exams hai hi itni mushkil.
Kitna bhi padh lo, syllabus kabhi poora hota hi nahi hai.”
A student who read this article:
“Bro, tension mat le.
Bas tu DU Squad ka “How to Prepare for Competitive Exams as a College Student?” article padh aur isme bataye tips ko follow kar.
Tera exam ka syllabus bhi cover hojayega aur tension bhi kam hogi.”
Are you also like ‘bholu’ who is worried about preparation for the upcoming competitive exams while also struggling to prepare for university exams? Fret not! We have got this article to solve all your queries and problems.
Competitive exams like UPSC, LAW (CLAT), CA, CS, Bank, RBI, etc. demand enthusiasm, dedication, and unwavering determination from students in order to accomplish their goals.
While coaching centres and tuitions are commonly available in every city to aid students in their preparation, self-preparation can also be a viable option for those aiming to fulfil their aspirations.
In this blog, we will discuss some valuable tips to help you prepare for competitive exams while balancing your college commitments.
Tips to Prepare for Competitive Exams with College
As a college student, you may already have a lot on your plate, but with proper planning and smart strategies, you can excel in competitive exams.
“Success hai bro, hard work se nahi, smart work se milega.
Proper systematic plan bana and padhna shuru kar”
Follow the below-given tips to effectively prepare for competitive exams with regular college:
Understand the Exam – Samjhoge nahi to padhoge kaise?
Begin your preparation by thoroughly understanding the format, syllabus, and marking scheme of the exam you are targeting. Gather information about the subjects, topics, and weightage of each section. This understanding will guide you in allocating your time and effort accordingly.
Ultimately, you won’t want to waste your precious time preparing for a topic which has no weightage in the exam.
Create a Study Schedule – Time is precious
Developing a well-structured study schedule is crucial for effective exam preparation. Analyse your daily routine and identify time slots for studying. Allocate dedicated study hours for different subjects, ensuring you cover all relevant topics.
Be realistic with your time management, considering your college classes, assignments, and other commitments. If you can’t wake up at 4 am in the morning, then change your schedule and study at night.
Prioritise and Organise – Secret to saving time
Organise your study material and prioritise topics based on their importance and difficulty level. Start with the topics you find challenging and allocate more time to master them.
Break down the syllabus into manageable sections, creating short-term goals that you can achieve within specific timeframes. This approach will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your preparation.
It is easy to learn small topics rather than a huge chunk of topics in 1 chapter.
Utilise College Resources – Exploit the library
Take advantage of the resources available to you on your college campus.
“Ab fees de rahe ho to benefit poora uthao at least.”
Consult with professors, teaching assistants, and seniors who have already appeared for similar exams. They can provide valuable insights, suggest relevant study material, and offer guidance on effective study techniques.
What resources can you get from your college? – Click here
Utilise your college library, online databases, and study groups to enhance your understanding of complex topics.
Develop a Study Strategy – Exam is none less than a war
Each subject requires a different approach to studying. Understand your strengths and weaknesses in various subjects and design study strategies accordingly.
For example, subjects like mathematics and reasoning may require more practice, while theoretical subjects demand comprehensive reading and note-making.
Tailor your study techniques to suit the requirements of each subject. You cannot cram and memorise a practical subject like Accountancy, Taxation, etc.
Practise Regularly – Perfection comes with practice
Consistent practice is the key to success in competitive exams. Solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and time constraints.
Take mock tests regularly to assess your progress, identify weak areas, and improve time management. Analyse your performance in each test and work on enhancing your speed and accuracy in your journey to prepare for competitive exams.
Someone has said it right, “Practice makes a man perfect”.
Stay Updated and Stay Healthy – Health is wealth
Stay abreast of current affairs, especially in subjects like general knowledge and current affairs, by reading newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle by getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and eating nutritious meals. A healthy body and mind will boost your concentration and retention abilities.
Stay Motivated and Positive – A consistent warrior
Preparing for competitive exams can be challenging, and it’s crucial to stay motivated throughout the process. Set realistic goals, celebrate small achievements, and maintain a positive mindset.
Give yourself a treat for finishing 1 topic. Go outside, celebrate, have a break and then sit back again with full energy.
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who can encourage and inspire you during difficult times. Engage in activities that help you relax and rejuvenate, such as hobbies, sports, or meditation.
What are Various Competitive Exams Available for College Students in India?
There are several competitive exams available for college students in India. These exams serve as gateways for admission to prestigious institutions, government jobs, and professional courses.
Here are some of the popular competitive exams:
| Exam Name | Description |
| Common Admission Test (CAT) | CAT is conducted for admission to the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools for postgraduate management programs. |
| Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) | GATE is an exam for admission to postgraduate programs in engineering, technology, architecture, and science at Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other institutions. It is also used for recruitment by several public sector undertakings (PSUs). |
| Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Exams | UPSC conducts several exams like the Civil Services Examination (IAS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), Combined Defense Services (CDS), National Defense Academy (NDA), etc., for recruitment to various administrative and defence services in the central government. |
| Staff Selection Commission (SSC) Exams | SSC conducts exams like Combined Graduate Level Examination (CGL), Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL), Junior Engineer (JE), etc., for recruitment to various central government posts. |
| National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) | NEET is conducted for admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS/BDS) and dental courses in India. |
| Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) | JEE Main and JEE Advanced are conducted for admission to undergraduate engineering programs at IITs, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and other centrally funded technical institutions. |
| NLAT and CLAT | These exams are conducted for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate law programs in prestigious law colleges across India. |
| Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Entrance Exam | ISI conducts entrance exams for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs in statistics, mathematics, and other related fields. |
| Management Aptitude Test (MAT) | MAT is a standardised test for admission to MBA and allied programs offered by various business schools in India. |
| State Public Service Commission Exams | Each state in India conducts its own public service commission exams for recruitment to various state government jobs, including administrative services. |
These are just a few examples, and there are many more competitive exams available in India for graduate students, depending on their field of interest and career goals.
If you are in Delhi University and preparing or willing to start preparation for the UPSC exam, then read our article, “How Can One Prepare for the UPSC while Studying at Delhi University?”
Conclusion
Taking these measures can be beneficial and helpful in your journey to prepare for competitive exams with regular college. It is crucial to avoid studying new topics in the last few days before the exam due to two potential consequences.
- Firstly, it may cause a loss of focus on previously covered material, leaving inadequate time for revision.
- Secondly, there may not be sufficient time to thoroughly grasp recently learned topics.
Maintaining a calm, relaxed, and stress-free state of mind is essential. Engaging in healthy techniques such as yoga and meditation can help prepare the mind for challenges and exertion simultaneously.
This approach facilitates the transformation of stress into positive thinking, fostering an optimistic outlook that aids in overcoming exhaustion, burdens, overexertion, and anxiety during difficult times.
Adhering to various strategies to prepare for competitive exams will undoubtedly result in efficient time management, resource utilisation, and effort allocation for those aspiring to succeed.
Lastly, it is vital to remember that studying smart, in addition to studying hard, can propel an individual towards success at the highest level.
