A Quick Guide to Structured Preparation for Aptitude Tests
Imagine a hard working aspirant. Try writing first three
features that come to your mind. Conventionally we would imagine late night
hours, an aspirant spending majority of hours each day in studies and a tensed
family for the child’s health and falling diet. These are the common attributes
of an average Indian aspirant for any of the aptitude tests. But is it the
quantity of time and studies and books referred that matters? I would choose to
say, “NO”
Killing social life and putting health on stake is not the right
way. Rather it may turn out to be even fatal when it comes to defining true
happiness as a balanced life. Here I present a quick guide for the aspirants
for a balanced and structured way of preparing:
1. Instead of solving
endless questions, revise 2-3 concepts per subject each day and then solve not
more than 8-10 questions per concept. These questions should be solved within a
set time limit. The question for practice may be chosen from any study
material. It should be ensured that all these questions are from same topic but
conceptually somewhat different.
2. Go for a quick and
introspective analysis after you have solved the questions aforementioned.
Don’t worry about the questions that went wrong or the questions you weren't able
to attempt. Rather refer the explanation or solution for that question and
analyse what went wrong. There may be many reasons for a question to go wrong :
a. I
was not aware of the formula/ concept required for solving that problem.
b. I
was not understanding the language of the question
c. I
made a calculation error.
d.
Some silly mistake has happened
e. I
was not having sufficient time
f.
Others.
Likewise may be
reasons for not attempting a few questions. Do introspect categorically upon
each of the wrong or unattempted problem and train yourself to correct it from
the very next time.
3. Add 20 new words to your
English vocabulary unfailingly on a daily basis. Maintain a neat and clean
register of your vocabulary. Refer any study material and write down 20 new
words neatly in this format: Word(part of speech i.e. adj/adv/verb/noun) :
Meaning, synonyms, antonyms, a sentence showing usage of that word. Just
revisit you Vocabulary Register quickly once in a day and by the passing time
you will have impeccable vocabulary.
4. Read Editorials of
newspapers such as The Hindu and The Economic Times. It will give you an
insight of the contemporary events. It will also let you know the thought
process involved over analyzing any event taking place and you will learn as to
how the events are related to its cause and effects. This will add to your
Group Discussion and interview skills which generally is the round-2 for
selection exams.
5. Have your food properly and
take proper diet. Do not sacrifice food for preparation. A healthy mind resides
in a healthy body. With improper health you would no longer be able to
concentrate on your preparation. Take breakfast, lunch and dinner on proper
time.
6. Socialize well. Do
not kill your social life. Call your friends, talk to your family, attend the
invitations and give time to your social life. This will act as a stress buster
and you will feel rejuvenated each time. Remember, life is a lot beyond studies
and preparation. You cannot afford to kill other aspects and concentrate on
just one
Preparation and studies are just some of the phases each one has
to pass through. The topper of the exam is not the only person who gets
selected. You just need to clear the minimum cut off marks and you will be
there. You can do it while living your social life, your healthy life and your
family life as well. Take your mother for shopping, go for a birthday party for
an old school friend, send messages to your friends, stay connected with them,
keep posting your cool pictures on facebook and tumblr. Live life, and spend
some sincere 2-3 hours as mapped in the above points. You will sail through and
sail better.
All the best !!!
