Once the dust of the class 12th board exams settles, a new concern will loom before the aspiring college-goers—the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG) 2024 examinations. With dreams of securing admissions to the universities of their choice, our young examinees will need to buckle up for the highly competitive entrance exams.
The Telegraph Online Edugraph aims to provide assistance to them in this endeavour. Today, we will demystify the challenges posed by the Economics paper and offer students credible guidance on how to triumph over the same in the national level test.
To shed light on effective preparation strategies, we consulted Professor Dr Saikat Sinha Roy, Head of the Economics department, and Principal Scientist, Global Project on SEZs and Inequality, Jadavpur University, Kolkata. He is, also, former Coordinator, UGC Centre for Advanced Studies in Economics. A veteran in the domain, his wisdom will surely serve as a guiding beacon for the young aspirants.
Mastering Time Management
In an environment, wherein the exam-takers will have to attempt at least 40 out of 50 questions in an hour’s duration, managing time is of critical importance. Professor Dr Roy reassures students that the multiple choice format of the Economics paper eases time pressure. He simplified the section wise approach inasmuch as, “Begin with the easier questions, tackle micro and macroeconomics, then delve into the Indian economy questions.”
Grasping Fundamentals
When we asked Professor Dr Roy as to which economic concepts demand utmost attention, he emphasised developing a thorough grasp on the fundamental principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics. He outlined, “From having a strong foundation in consumer choice to national income, students must dive deep into demand curves, elasticity and macroeconomic equilibrium concepts.”
Data Analysis and Interpretation
A crucial aspect of Economics, it is also one of the areas where students face a daunting time. Drawing on his years of experience, Professor Dr Roy advised, “Having a clear understanding of the relationship between concepts on budget (deficit) and their relationship with macroeconomic aggregates will simplify the complex problems. Practising numericals to internalise the concepts and their real world applications will ease the process further.”
Navigating Historical and Contemporary Developments
The syllabus is not just about theory; it's a journey through India's economic evolution. In this regard, Professor Dr Roy observed, “Students should be be well versed in historical developments from the post-independence era to modern challenges, economic reforms, public finance reforms including GST and FRBM Acts and the current economic challenges.”
As parting advice, Professor Dr Roy advocated for a meticulous study of theoretical concepts. “Attention to detail is the hallmark of success,” he signed out.
The Telegraph Online Edugraph sincerely hopes that armed with strategic planning, a solid understanding of the fundamentals, and insights from stalwarts like Professor Dr Roy, our aspiring economists will be well equipped to crack the CUET (UG) 2024 Economics paper and secure their seat in the institution of their dreams!
