Whether you’re preparing to take the MPPSC, UPSC, IAS, or any other competitive exam, the time between now and the day of your exam can seem like an eternity. While it’s tempting to procrastinate studying until the last minute, this approach will only work against you.
Instead, you should use these eight tips to prepare for your exam ahead of time and free up more time in the days leading up to your test date to practice what you know rather than cramming all at once. These tips are suggested by an institute helping students with MPPSC preparation. Let us have a look at them:
1) Do an inventory of your skills
If you want to become a successful civil servant, you’ll need more than just book smarts. Regardless of whether you’re pursuing a government job or private sector post, make sure your application is strong by identifying any gaps in your professional experience. How? Take an inventory of all your skills. Brainstorm and write down everything you can do that relates to both your desired position and personal passions—you never know what will come in handy!
2) Study hard before the exam date
The night before an exam, it’s tempting to relax, watch TV, and eat dinner— and then go straight to bed. And while you’ll probably be fine doing that, you’ll be better off if you spent a couple of hours studying instead. The morning of your exam is not enough time to learn everything you need in order to score high; cramming rarely works and might even hurt your chances of excelling on test day.
3) Decide on a strategy and stick to it
Many students rush through their studies, hoping to cram as much information as possible into their heads. This approach works when studying for a midterm or final exam, but not for an exam that requires memorization and recall over a long period of time. Instead, decide on a strategy and stick with it; if you’re trying to learn five new things a week, make sure you start them all off on Monday. Then review them in your notebook every day until they’re burned into your memory.
4) Find out what’s on the exam beforehand
Obtaining an exam syllabus will give you a better idea of what exactly you’ll be tested on and help you build a comprehensive study plan. You can also consider meeting with your professor or TA before or take the best MPPSC online course, and discuss your strengths and weaknesses so that they can customize your studying experience.
5) Know where you can find help
Depending on your type of exam, there may be books, online tools and even people who can help you prepare. Understanding these options can be a big time saver. Remember that it’s okay if you have some gaps in your knowledge—that’s why you’re taking an exam! If you don’t know something, don’t fret—there will be a lot of topics that you do know quite well.
6) Block off time to study
Study time may not come easy, especially if you’re pressed for time and have obligations that extend beyond your studies. Still, block off a couple of hours or a day once or twice a week (or whatever works best for you) and use it solely as dedicated study time. If possible, schedule these sessions at a consistent time and in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted.
7) Get enough sleep before the exam day
Before exams, you might feel like pulling an all-nighter and cramming into information, but consider this: many students pull all-nighters before exams only to find that their performance is far below average when they take their test. If you’re not already a natural early riser, it’s best to try your hardest to get at least seven hours of sleep every night so you can wake up early without feeling groggy or like your brain isn’t fully awake.
8) Go in with confidence
The most important aspect of any competitive exam is confidence. You need to be confident in your ability and trust that you have what it takes to pass. Be open and friendly with other candidates, but don’t get attached—you may not see them again after test day. Good luck!
Final Thoughts:
Exams are stressful, especially if you’re competing to get into an elite program or position. To succeed in your exam, make sure you’re prepared, both mentally and physically. We hope the above mentioned eight tips for how to best prepare yourself for the stress of an exam would help you come out on top!