Dear Editor,
The developing minds amid these past few months of lockdown have been through a good deal of uncertainty and stress, trying to figure out what lies ahead like every other adult. As they proceed in the new normal and prepare themselves for appearing in the competitive exams, they need not just moral and emotional support from their guides and parents but also few tactics to effectively sail through this period, without causing any hindrance to their performance. Some of them are:
Right time assessment & management: Effective time management has been a basic disciplinary habit for the preparation of every competitive exam. Imbibing this value has now become all the more crucial because students have to juggle between online and offline studying time. Factors such as poor network, delay in starting of classes, non-availability of structured study material, quality of material available online, would be different variables affecting their course of preparation. As such, the need for them to multi-task remains inevitable, also they must not let their dedication and passion mellow down due to such interruptions. Adaptability and flexibility are the ultimate mottos to follow.
Segregate online and offline study material: Most of the students take coaching classes for the preparation of competitive exams, while some resort to school learning only. In both cases, plan the schedule as per the availability of your mentors/teachers. Always keep a margin for self-studies, as grasping concepts is most successful when students make efforts to comprehend themselves. The study material available online is vast and scattered, organise it as per the usefulness and your paper pattern. Be open with your teachers/mentors and seek guidance from them for better study material.
Practice previous year papers: This practice of attempting previous years’ question papers is extremely crucial as it presents a fair picture to you about the scale of your preparation. Many coaching institutes are conducting online mock sessions to give their students a clear idea about their standing amongst fellow aspirants. Such institutions also conduct multi-city tests among their several branches, which prepares the student for appearing at the national level. These mock tests in pre-COVID times began usually from the month of October and go up to April for letting the students get a good hold of the qualifying pattern.
Breaks are really important: Breaks help you beat the boredom. The numerical, derivatives, and problem- solving can take a toll on a student’s mind. Retention levels deteriorate if one studies at a stretch. It is advisable by the experts to take smaller breaks in between for improving retention and also engaging in something more relaxing for the mind. It can be listening to music, taking a walk, painting, or any other activity which makes students feel at ease.
Vijay Garg,
Malout Punjab.