Posted on by Successlynk
The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) exam for various posts. It is very competitive exam and one needs to prepare smartly right from the start. Let’s look at the key pointers on how to clear the exam with a cutting edge over others.
1. Know about the exam: The exam pattern varies from post to post. Hence, you need to have a clear idea about the exam pattern as your exam preparation depends largely on that. The posts for which RRB conducts the exam include Commercial Apprentice, Line Man, Senior Time Keeper, Assistant Station Master, Loco Pilot, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Goods Guard, etc. There are four sections in the first stage CBT exam which are General Science, General Awareness, Reasoning and Arithmetic. The number of questions asked is 100, each question carrying one mark. You are given 90 minutes to answer all sections. There is negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. Refer SuccessLynk site to know about the exam pattern, detailed syllabus, important dates, updated information and much more.
2. Study strategically: Prepare a study plan to maximize your overall score and clear the written exam. Allot time to revise and practice well. Use time intelligently. Review your preparation periodically and understand your strengths and weaknesses. Improvise by allotting more time to understand the concepts and apply them in weak areas or trying new methods of learning and memorising. Make own notes. Write down all formulae in a book and review them daily. Make reading newspapers a habit and note down important events or news. Read them periodically.
3. Priorities the topics to study based on weight age of marks: Know the weight age given to various topics in each section and prepare accordingly. This will help you to maximize overall score. For example in General Awareness, expect approximately:
- 5-7 questions from Current affairs on National and International news, Sports, Science and Technology.
- 1-2 questions from Economy on Economic Terms Theories.
- 1-2 questions from Indian Polity on Constitution of India, Terms and Theories, Designation and Powers, Duties and Rights.
- 3-4 questions from Ancient Indian History, Medieval and Modern Indian History, Indian Geography and Railways Related History, Facts and Figures.
Note that Current affairs are most important with respect to past paper analysis. Questions from Economy and Indian Polity can appear in mains too. So be thorough. History, Geography and Railways related questions can be considered as medium priority though many questions may reappear from past papers.
In General Awareness, expect approximately 5-7 questions from each of Physics, Chemistry and Biology. These topics are most important with respect to past paper analysis. You can expect about 3-4 questions from Environmental Biology.
In Reasoning Ability, expect approximately:
- 10-12 questions from Sitting/ Circular/ Linear / Puzzle Arrangement
- 1-2 questions from Analogy/ Classification, Blood Relations, Directions, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Eligibility Tests
- 3-4 questions from Series
- 7-8 questions from visual reasoning on Hidden , Embedded, Mirror, Water Images, Patterns, Matrix, Other Miscellaneous
- 5-6 questions from Statement Conclusion, Interference, Assumptions, Syllogism
In Arithmetic Ability, expect approximately:
- 5-12 questions from Data Interpretation
- 1-2 questions from each of Time, Work and Distance, Simple Interest/ Compound Interest, Area and Volume, Linear/ Quadratic Equations, Trigonometry
- 3-4 questions from each of Profit /Loss, Averages, Simplification, Speed Calculation, Permutations and Combinations
Data interpretation appears to be most important based on previous paper pattern. However, there could be considerable number of questions from Time, Work and Distance, Area and Volume, Linear/ Quadratic Equations and Trigonometry in the second stage of the exam. So prepare well.
Revise and practice well: After every topic, revise. This will help you to remember the points well. Practice all the questions given at the end of study material. Practice a good number of mock tests and answer a few RRB NTPC sample papers. Write the previous year papers in a time frame. This will help you to improve your speed.
Take up online tests: Check the range of tests you can attempt in SuccessLynk. You have a good opportunity to practice well and. Taking online tests helps you in many ways. First of all, you will how good your preparation is. You will know your strengths and weaknesses that will help you to improvise. Repeated online tests improve your speed and accuracy. It is very crucial to have a cutting edge over others. You will get accustomed to exam environment and will not feel too much anxious on the day of exam. Having the right mood plays an important role on your performance on the actual day of the exam.
Be away from distractions and non-conductive environment: Any competitive exam requires dedication and hard work. Distractions take you away from your goal. So be focused. Get into social media when you are free from exams. Be away from negative people as such people only discourage you and you may feel more anxious. If you have any personal problems, try to solve them only after you complete your exams. Make exams as your top most priority. Last but not least, take care of your health and well-being. Eat healthy food, avoid junk and street food and be positive. See that you stay cool the day before the exam.
A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. Your systematic hard work will help you to achieve your goals. All the best!
Posted in RRB NTPC