A large number of government recruitment exams take place every year, among them the most popular ones being the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Staff Selection Commission (SSC), and Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). While thousands of individuals enrol for these exams each year, only a handful succeed, while others, despite their best efforts, miss the target.
Even though every sector of the economy is presently being privatised, the appeal of government employment remains constant. With the goal of getting a government job which comes with a stable future,
Many students believe that they must study for 12+ hours a day, that only intellectuals can pass the exams, that they must quit doing everything else or that they cannot pass the exam while working a 9-to-5. However, despite the exams’ difficulty increasing year-on-year because of growing competition, what makes a successful candidate stand out from the competition is the approach they take.
We bring you a 7-step guide that is going to make Competitive Government Exams preparation as easy as possible.
1. Research & Collect Information
Before you start your prep, the first thing you much do is gather complete knowledge of the exam you are about to take. Read the official exam announcement and any other relevant documents. Determine that you fit the eligibility criteria first, and then get an in-depth idea about the exam patterns & syllabus. Also, stay updated with any new developments regarding the recruitment or examination procedure by keeping an eye on the official website and the news.
2. Create a Daily Schedule
The next stage is to chalk out a plan. All of the topics included in the government exam syllabus or curriculum must be given equal importance in this strategy. Make a schedule allocating appropriate amounts of time to everything you need to cover and don't forget to include your everyday responsibilities in the plan. This will ensure that you are able to get the study and practice in without neglecting your day-to-day responsibilities.
3. Read about Current Affairs Regularly
Every government examination has a significant portion focusing on current affairs. This section usually covers political issues and events that are presently affecting people on a national or international level. This is also information that you are not likely to find in any course guide or book - the only place to stay up to date is by reading the news or magazines focusing on relevant current affairs, and taking note of what’s happening around the world.
4. Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers
Another excellent tool for preparation and one that you will be able to acquire with a little digging is papers from previous years. Previous Years’ Question Papers will give you an idea of the type of questions offered in the examination, as well as a better understanding of the exam pattern, and of course the scoring pattern. Another invaluable insight that you will gain from this activity is time management in the examination. Solving government exam papers from previous should be a major practice component in your daily schedule.
5. Practice Reasoning & Aptitude Daily
Nearly all government examinations include an aptitude and reasoning section. This section will focus on your general aptitude and reasoning abilities. Again, there are no stock answers here and these are abilities you need to build up through practice. By answering more and more reasoning and aptitude questions on a daily basis, you will improve greatly in this area.
6. Write Notes
This next point is going to be a game-changer whether you are preparing for government exams or for your future. Making notes while studying actually trains the brain to file away information in a manner that it can recall key facts and details effectively and timely. Incorporating this habit into your study time will ensure that you are able to retain more information as you prepare for your next government exam. Handwritten notes can also be incredibly beneficial for last-minute revisions.
7. Staying Healthy
And last but certainly not least, do not neglect your health while studying for government examinations. The pressure may be considerable and you might often feel there is still so much left to complete. But staying up late to complete the syllabus has a severe impact on your health. In fact, studies have shown that a tired body and tired mind is much less able to efficiently retain information, and subsequently, you will be unable to concentrate on your studies. So, it is essential to take care of your health even as you prepare for the examination.
The ultimate secret to success in any government exam, be it UPSC, SSC, IBPS or any other, is optimism. If you study with a pleasant mindset, you’re bound to get the motivational boost you need to stay focused on your studies. On the other hand, your prospects of success will be hampered if you lose hope and start to be pessimistic.
It's vital to stay optimistic, even in the most trying circumstances, if you want to achieve your goal. Government exam preparation is complex and difficult, with many candidates not passing it on their first attempt. But follow this 7-step guide that will enable you to cover all the subjects included in the exam syllabus, and stay motivated to achieve success.
