Chemistry - Strategy

Well formulated strategy along with optimum time management are the only two ladders for your dream goal. It's very important to formulate your own strategy as it pays to be yourself.

1. Familiarity with the optional syllabi: Get yourself well informed about the content of the syllabi and the topics it covers. A thorough familiarity with your optional reduces your mental burden at the first sight itself.

2. Thorough insight of the question papers: It is the most important part of your strategy as investing your time skillfully will reap rich dividends. Go through the question papers of past ten years to identify the pattern and select the topics which are asked very frequently. Simultaneously, identify those topics which are particularly useful for conventional essay type questions. Once you have clearly demarcated the topics for the conventional and the objective types, the vast will be an easier task. A thorough insight of the pest papers, will therefore solve two of your purposes. It would boost your confidence level initially as you come to know the standards of the question asked and secondly it guides constantly through your preparation.

3. Selection of books: It is advisable not to go through a lot of books, instead go through one quality book on each topic which clarifies your basic concept. Standard books not only save your precious time but also guide you as a perfect teacher. So always rely on standard good books. Also it is advisable to collect various books on my topics in advance so as to save time for the last minute hassle.

4. Emphasis on numericals : As the question paper consists of a sizeable number of numericals, due emphasis advisable. Select topics that are frequently asked under the numerical head. Also go through the solved/unsolved numerical examples of any standard book. Needless to say that numericals handled tactfully can pay you high dividends.

5. How to shoot the objective type questions: It is advisable to the aspirant to cover maximum syllabi thoroughly and practice a lot of objective type questions. Once the aspirant had gone through the question papers properly he would be able to identify those topics which are covered most frequently and those which one asked less frequently, Give due stress to the topics asked most frequently. Last but not the least, as there is no negative marking, smart guesses are also a welcome move.

6. Importance of related IS-codes: The related IS-codes form an important part of your paper so learn all the IS-codes by heart. One, therefore must follow the related IS codes for design. Some important codes are: For RC.C.- IS - 456 - 1978, For steel - IS . 800 - 1984.

7. Draw neat diagrams to fetch good marks: Neat and clean diagrams at once catches the attention of examiner and it also proves very useful for detailing purposes. So always emphasis on neat and clear diagrams so as to catch hold the attention of the examiner at once and fetch good marks.

8. Prefer you own notes: It is always advisable to make notes of the related topics. A well crafted note solves two purposes. On the one hand the aspirant goes through the syllabus once and on the other hand it is of immense help on the eve of examination.

9. A specific strategy for the general studies: The paper of general ability test is divided into two parts. One part consists of 60 questions of general English, which cover grammer portion and other part of this papers cover general studies. General studies covers everything under the sun. But there is nothing to get panic, as a glance over the past years question' paper will make things easier. Broadly we can categorise this topic under the following heads.

(a) History: Due stress is to be given to modern history and freedom movement. Also emphasis is to be given to Ancient India. Whereas a cursory glance over the medieval history would solve the purpose. For starting, NCERT books will suffice the purpose.
(b) Geography: Due stress is to be given to physical geography and maps related questions. Get yourself well-acquainted with maps with the help of a good Atlas. Again NCERT books will suffice the purpose.
(c) Medical Science: It covers a major chunk, so be well-versed with this topic with a standard guidebook. (d) Current affairs: Going daily through a standard news paper thoroughly will suffice.
(e) General awareness: Any good guide book or year book will more to the purpose.

10. Some more important points:

• As already said, always rely on your self prepared notes. Go through your short notes rigorously.
• Prepare out short notes of important formulas and important points relevant to conventional type questions and just before the examination rely solely on it.
• For objective type questions read questions and give options carefully. In examination don't waste your line on lengthy questions.
• Always rely on revisions.
• Take a good sleep on the eve of examination. It is most important for your brilliant performance.
• Never go through any book on the eve of examination.
• Don't read any new topic.
• Don't get engaged with any confusing question or problem as your prior investment (with studies) will only bring dividends to you.
• Don't loose your confidence.