Competency-based exams are exams that are looking for a specific skill set in a student that can be honed and developed for a profession. For example, JEE Main, JEE Advanced, CET are some of the competency-based exams for engineering, AIPMT for medicine, and JEE Main for Architecture. To crack each of these examinations, you need to understand what the exams are looking for in particular.
In engineering exams, for instance, examiners look for analytical capability and logical applicability. How can you prepare for success now that you know what they are looking for? Read on.
- Conceptual clarity is mandatory. There is no alternative to this. Spend time understanding the concept before you start attempting problems
- Practice multiple-choice questions. You are used to attempting descriptive paper all your life where how you arrive at the solution is more important than the solution itself. But with the MCQ model of papers, importance is more on accuracy and speed. Shortcuts come in handy for these exams.
- Strike a balance between theory and numerical. Practicing numerical without theory to back it may not prove to be as helpful as you thought. Also, speed in drawing relevant data for numerical solving comes only through practice.
- Classify the papers into three levels of difficulty instead of classifying questions based on subjects. This will not only help you boost your confidence, but it will also help you cover more ground in less time.
- On the day of the exam, read the instructions on negative marking carefully. The instructions change every year, so don’t skip over them. Do not attempt questions you are unsure of if there is negative marking.