Showing posts with label Preparation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Preparation. Show all posts

Thursday, 3 April 2014

6 Steps to Final Exam Success !!

After ten years of conducting Finals Preparation workshops, we have perfected a planning process that produces wildly successful results. If you have final exams coming up and want to make sure you get the grades you need, read on. 


Step 1: Start early! You want to set up your study plan and schedule about two weeks before your finals begin. You need time to get into the final exam mindset. Your life will be all about studying for a while, but it is for a finite amount of time, and the sacrifice is absolutely worth it when you achieve your goals. 

Step 2: Know your grade going into the final exam. At most high schools, the final exam is worth about 20% of the overall semester grade. With just a little bit of algebra, or this handy internet final grade calculator (ignore the snarky comments that accompany the results), you will know exactly what you need to get on each of your tests. 

Step 3: Set challenging, but realistic goals for each of your classes. If you have a 76% in a class, and want to pull off a B for the semester, you’ll probably need to get about a 96% on the final. Evaluate whether or not this is attainable for you: How difficult is the material? How much time and effort are you willing to put in for the final? 

Step 4: Determine exactly what will be covered on each final exam and how you plan to study for each subject. If it’s 13 chapters of Honors Biology, your plan might be to rewrite your class notes, make flashcards for the vocabulary, and test yourself using the chapter questions throughout the text book. If your English exam will ask you to write a response to one of five essay prompts, you may plan to do specific outlines for each prompt, or possibly even write all five essays to make sure you know them. Whatever subject it is, write down specifically how you intend to study. 

Step 5: Establish the total amount of time you estimate it will take to study for each test. For example: AP Chemistry: 12 hours AP US History: 10 hours Pre-Calculus: 8 hours English 3: 6 hours Spanish III: 4 hours We find that for their hardest classes, students need to allocate approximately ten – twelve hours of studying. While this may seem like a lot to some students, keep in mind that we are talking about a two-week period of time. You’ll see in the next step that the hours are spread out over many days and it’s really not so bad. 

Step 6: Set up a study schedule to map out your hours. In our office, we make special “final exam calendars” on big sheets of poster board, with the days of the weeks across the top, and the hours of the day down the left side. We have our students use bright colored markers and highlighters, so that it is as personalized and fun to look at as possible. Since you’re starting early, you should have about fourteen days on your calendar. You first want to block off the time you cannot be studying –  the time you’re in school, at swim practice, at a church function, sleeping, etc. Also, if there’s a certain time you definitely do not want to be studying, like a Friday night for example, block that time off as well. This will give you an accurate picture of how much time you have to study. Then, write down which finals you have on which days (Tuesday: Math & English, Wednesday: Spanish and Science, Thursday: History, etc). Begin adding study hours to the calendar by blocking off two hours the night before each test for review. Since you are planning ahead, you won’t have any need for all-nighters or last minute cramming sessions. Continue to add study hours to your schedule until you have accounted for all of the necessary hours for each class. Make sure to plan for meals and breaks! You might end up with a weekend in which you have six to eight hours of studying each day. This is possible, but you must let your brain rest. Know your own capacity for focus, and plan accordingly. It takes self-discipline, endurance, and determination to achieve your goals for final exams. Yet, the process can also be incredibly empowering. Testing the limits of your brain shows you its infinite possibilities. At the very least, you will be entitled to a well-earned celebration by the end

    Developing self-discipline


    Self-discipline
    Self-discipline can be considered a type of selective training, creating new habits of
    thought, action, and speech toward improving yourself and reaching goals.
    Self-discipline can also be task oriented and selective.
    View self-discipline as positive effort, rather than one of denial.

    Schedule a small task for a given time of the day;
    Practice deliberate delaying.

    • Schedule a particular task in the morning and once in the evening.
    • The task should not take more than 15 minutes.
    • Wait for the exact scheduled time.
      When the schedule time is due, start the task.
    • Stick to the schedule for at least two months.
      Advantages: Scheduling helps you focus on your priorities.
      By focusing on starting tasks rather than completing them, you can avoid procrastination.

    • Schedule a task and hold to its time;
      Avoid acting on impulse.
    • Track your progress;
      At the end of the allotted time, keep a record of accomplishment that builds over time.
      Advantage: Building a record will help you track how much time tasks take.

    • If you begin to have surplus time, fill it with small tasks, make notes to yourself, plan other tasks, etc.

    Harness the power of routine.

    • Instead of devoting a lot of hours one day, and none the other and then a few on an another day and so on, allocate a specific time period each day of the week for that task.
    • Hold firm.
    • Don't set a goal other than time allocation,
      simply set the habit of routine.
    • Apply this technique to your homework or your projects, you will be on your way to getting things done
      Advantage: You are working on tasks in small increments, not all at once. You first develop a habit, then the habit does the job for you.

    Use self discipline to explore time management

    Time management can become an overwhelming task.
    When you do not have control over your own self, how can you control time?
    Begin with task-oriented self-discipline and build from there.
    Advantage: As you control tasks, you build self-discipline.
    As you build self-discipline, you build time management.
    As you build time management, you build self-confidence.


    Maintain a self-discipline log book.

    • Record the start and end times of the tasks.
    • Review for feedback on your progress
      Advantage: This log book can be a valuable tool to get a better picture over your activities in order to prioritize activities, and realize what is important and not important on how you spend your time.

    Schedule your work day and studies.

    • When you first begin your work day, or going to work take a few minutes and write down on a piece of paper the tasks that you want to accomplish for that day.
    • Prioritize the list.
    • Immediately start working on the most important one.
    • Try it for a few days to see if the habit works for you.
    • Habits form over time: how much time depends on you and the habit.
      Advantage: When you have a clear idea as to what you want to achieve for the day at its start, the chances are very high that you will be able to proactively accomplish the tasks. Writing or sketching out the day helps.

    Discouragement:

    • Do not be intimidated; do not be put off by the challenge
    • If you slip, remember this is natural
    • Take a break and then refresh the challenge

    Tricks:

    Associate a new habit with an old one:
    If you drink coffee, make that first cup the time to write out and prioritize your tasks.
    Advantage: Association facilitates neural connections!


    Mark your progress:

    On a calendar in your bathroom, on a spreadsheet at your computer, on your breakfast table: Check off days you successfully follow up. If you break the routine, start over!
    Advantage: Visualizing is a ready reinforcement of progress


    Role models:

    Observe the people in your life and see to what extent self discipline and habits help them accomplish goals. Ask them for advice on what works, what does not.

    Time management

    Developing time management skills is a journeythat may begin with this Guide, but needs practice and other guidance along the way.
    One goal is to help yourself become aware of how you use your time
    as one resource in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in your studies
    in the context of competing activities of friends, work, family, etc.
    First: try our exercise in time management:
    How do you spend your time each day?
    Strategies on using time:These applications of time management have proven to be effective as good study habits.
    As we go through each strategy, jot down an idea of what each will look like for you:
    • Blocks of study time and breaks
      As your school term begins and your course schedule is set, develop and plan for, blocks of study time in a typical week. Blocks ideally are around 50 minutes, but perhaps you become restless after only 30 minutes? Some difficult material may require more frequent breaks. Shorten your study blocks if necessary-but don't forget to return to the task at hand! What you do during your break should give you an opportunity to have a snack, relax, or otherwise refresh or re-energize yourself. For example, place blocks of time when you are most productive: are you a morning person or a night owl?
      Jot down one best time block you can study. How long is it? What makes for a good break for you? Can you control the activity and return to your studies?
    • Dedicated study spaces
      Determine a place free from distraction (no cell phone or text messaging!) where you can maximize your concentration and be free of the distractions that friends or hobbies can bring! You should also have a back-up space that you can escape to, like the library, departmental study center, even a coffee shop where you can be anonymous. A change of venue may also bring extra resources.
      What is the best study space you can think of? What is another?
    • Weekly reviews
      Weekly reviews and updates are also an important strategy. Each week, like a Sunday night, review your assignments, your notes, your calendar. Be mindful that as deadlines and exams approach, your weekly routine must adapt to them!
      What is the best time in a week you can review?
    • Prioritize your assignments
      When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task. You'll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best. For more difficult courses of study, try to be flexible: for example, build in reaction time when you can get feedback on assignments before they are due.
      What subject has always caused you problems?
    • Achieve "stage one"--get something done!
      The Chinese adage of the longest journey starting with a single step has a couple of meanings: First, you launch the project! Second, by starting, you may realize that there are some things you have not planned for in your process. Details of an assignment are not always evident until you begin the assignment. Another adage is that "perfection is the enemy of good", especially when it prevents you from starting! Given that you build in review, roughly draft your idea and get going! You will have time to edit and develop later.
      What is a first step you can identify for an assignment to get yourself started?
    • Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done!
      Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your school work is finished!
      This can be the most difficult challenge of time management. As learners we always meet unexpected opportunities that look appealing, then result in poor performance on a test, on a paper, or in preparation for a task. Distracting activities will be more enjoyable later without the pressure of the test, assignment, etc. hanging over your head. Think in terms of pride of accomplishment. Instead of saying "no" learn to say "later".
      What is one distraction that causes you to stop studying?
    • Identify resources to help you
      Are there tutors? An expert friend? Have you tried a keyword search on the Internet to get better explanations? Are there specialists in the library that can point you to resources? What about professionals and professional organizations. Using outside resources can save you time and energy, and solve problems.
      Write down three examples for that difficult subject above?
      Be as specific as possible.
    • Use your free time wisely
      Think of times when you can study "bits" as when walking, riding the bus, etc. Perhaps you've got music to listen to for your course in music appreciation, or drills in language learning? If you are walking or biking to school, when best to listen? Perhaps you are in a line waiting? Perfect for routine tasks like flash cards, or if you can concentrate, to read or review a chapter. The bottom line is to put your time to good use.
      What is one example of applying free time to your studies?
    • Review notes and readings just before class
      This may prompt a question or two about something you don't quite understand, to ask about in class, or after. It also demonstrates to your teacher that you are interested and have prepared.
      How would you make time to review?
      Is there free time you can use?
    • Review lecture notes just after class
      Then review lecture material immediately after class.
      The first 24 hours are critical. Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review!
      How would you do this?
      Is there free time you can use?
    Select one of the ten applications above.
    and develop a new study habit! 

    Try something you have a good chance of following through and accomplishing.
    Nothing succeeds like a first successful try!
    Try the University of Minnesota's Assignment Calculator
    Develop criteria for adjusting your schedule
    to meet both your academic and non-academic needs

    Monday, 31 March 2014

    How to concentrate while studying


    Few important tips for How to concentrate while studying

    Concentration is not a self adjusting habit but a subconscious thing which can be improved through hard work and focus. For a student studying regularly can be a repellent activity especially if they have something more interesting like videogames, mobile phones, friends and television attracting them. However realizing the consequences of such attractions during exams can be tough to swallow. Thus many mediocre students ask a common question to their mentors or teachers which is “how to concentrate while studying?”
    ·                  For building concentration your first step should be choosing subjects for which you truly have liking. One cannot force the brain to concentrate on something for which it has completely no interest.
    ·                  There should be an uninterrupted spot for studying because a quiet place can help you concentrate far better than your drawing room flooded with friends and family. A well ventilated and lighted room with proper space for your studying stuff can help you in building the environment of concentration.
    ·                  Having right type of food and right amount of sleep can help the brain to remain attentive and sharp. This attentiveness can thus be seen in your concentration power to grasp.
    ·                  If you are making a regular schedule of studying choose hours of morning as such hours are not only calm and full of peace but research also proves that brain shows sharp results of concentration in morning.
    ·                  Continuous studying is not a recommended habit as brain needs rest in every 40-45 minutes thus make sure you give yourself breaks while studying. A 15 min break for a 45 minute continuous learning is enough.
    ·                  Concentration can also get down with boredom thus mix your subjects while studying. Study one subject for an hour and for the next hour choose another subject with is different that the previous. You can go for one practical and one theoretical studying sessions. Varieties for the brain while studying can not only prevent distractions but will also create interest. You should select proper subjects in your study timetable.
    ·                  Schools and colleges should promote yoga sessions and classes especially for students near exams because, being related to mental and physical peace there are many brain exercises in yoga which can help students to gain mental peace and thus can help to clear distractions that hinder their concentration power.
    ·                  Having a proper technique to learn and read can prevent the wandering nature of less concentrated brain. Making short notes and asking questions is a good habit to grasp. Reading loud and summarizing chapters twice a day can also help in growing the concentration.
    ·                  There are many natural tonic and medicines available in market that can help to raise the concentration power without giving any side effects. Aayurvedic and homeopathic fields can show positive long term results.
    ·                  Proper time management is also one of the most important aspect for concentration. Because if you have fixed routine for every task than you do not have to worry about any other task while study.
    ·                  If you are still not cleared about building concentration you can take a personal check by asking yourself “how to concentrate while studying” as one knows the personal pros and cons better than anybody else.


    Thursday, 27 February 2014

    Biology Exam Preparation

    Biology exams can seem intimidating and overwhelming to biology students. The key to overcoming these obstacles is preparation. By learning how to study for biology exams you can conquer your fears. Remember, the purpose of an exam is for you to demonstrate that you understand the concepts and information that have been taught. Below are some excellent tips to help you learn how to study for biology exams.

    Time Required: Varies

    Here's How:
    Get Organized
    An important key for success in biology is organization. Good time management skills will help you to become more organized and waste less time preparing to study.

    Items such as daily planners and semester calendars will help you to know what you need to do and when you need to have it done.

    Start Studying Early

    It is very important that you start preparing for biology exams well in advance. I know, I know, it is almost tradition for some to wait until the last minute, but students who implore this tactic don't perform their best, don't retain the information, and get worn out.

    Review Lecture Notes

    Be sure that you review your lecture notes before the exam. You should start reviewing your notes on a daily basis. This will ensure that you gradually learn the information over time and don't have to cram. For tips on how to take good biology notes, see How to Take Biology Notes.

    Review the Biology Text

    Your biology textbook is a wonderful source for finding illustrations and diagrams that will help you visualize the concepts you are learning. Be sure to reread and review the appropriate chapters and information in your textbook. You will want to make sure that you understand all key concepts and topics.

    Get Answers To Your Questions

    If you are having difficulty understanding a topic or have unanswered questions, discuss them with your teacher. You don't want to go into an exam with gaps in your knowledge.

    Quiz Yourself

    To help prepare yourself for the exam and find out how much you know, give yourself a quiz. You can do this by using prepared flash cards or taking a sample test. You can also use online biology games and quiz resources.

    Find a Study Buddy

    Get together with a friend or classmate and have a study session. Take turns asking and answering questions. Write your answers down in complete sentences to help you organize and express your thoughts.

    Attend a Review Session

    If your teacher holds a review session, be sure to attend. This will help to identify specific topics that will be covered, as well as fill in any gaps in knowledge. Help sessions are also an ideal place to get answers to your questions.

    Relax

    Now that you have followed the previous steps, it's time to rest and relax. You should be well prepared for your biology exam. It's a good idea to make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before your exam. You have nothing to worry about because you are well prepared.

    Tips:

    Take An AP Biology Course
    Those who wish to gain credit for introductory college level biology courses should consider taking an Advanced Placement Biology course. Students enrolled in the AP Biology course must take the AP Biology exam to gain credit. Most colleges will give credit toward entry level biology courses for students who earn a score of 3 or better on the exam.

    Use Good Study Aids
    Biology flash cards are excellent tools for studying and memorizing key biology terms and information. AP Biology Flash Cards are a wonderful resource not only for those taking AP Biology, but also for biology students in general. If taking the AP Biology exam, these Top Five AP Biology Books contain extremely useful information that is sure to help you score high on the AP Biology exam.

    Monday, 24 February 2014

    How to Study for a Math Exam

    When studying for a math exam, you have two main goals:

    •          Learn the material so you can do well on the exam.
    •          Learn the material well enough so you will still know it next semester!!! (Most of you will be taking more math. These classes ALWAYS depend on the material you learned the previous semester! If you don't really learn it (i.e. not just cramming for the exam), you'll crash and burn in your next class!

    TIP #1: Have all memorizing done a couple of days before the exam.
    TIP #2: USE FLASH CARDS FOR MEMORIZATION OF FORMULAS AND RULES!!!

    1) Starting out:
    •          Look over lecture notes.
    o          REWORK EXAMPLES!!
    •          Look over homework.

    2) Make an exam for yourself (or better yet, for a study partner):
    •          Take it after a delay period - So you won't remember where you got the problems - If you take the exam too soon, you may think you know the material better then you do! (This should be done at least TWO (2) days before the exam - NOT the night before or you'll freak yourself out!)
    NOTE: It is extremely important that you be able to do the problems withoutknowing what section they came out of!! Be sure to mix the problems up when you are practicing!

    3) Restudy:
    •          Go back over what you had trouble with on your practice exam. This is the stuff that you didn't absorb well enough from just doing your homework.

    4) The afternoon before exam day:
    •          Read through your lecture notes and think! Work some problems and review memorizing.

    5) The night before exam day:
    •          Do something fun ----------- But not too much fun! 8-)

    6) One hour before exam:
    •          Glance over flash cards and don't talk to classmates -- They may say something to confuse you or make you nervous. 8-)

    Most importantly ------- DO NOT CRAM!!

    Anything you try to learn at the last minute (that means the night before) will dribble out your left ear when you get nervous!

    Also, if you need to get some private tutoring for the exam, do not set your appointment for exam day - or even the night before. Being tutored the day of the exam may fry your brain. Waiting until the night before is cramming. Plan ahead for all tutoring appointments.

    Tuesday, 18 February 2014

    JOB PREPARATION



    Job interviewing never seems to get any easier - even when you have gone on more interviews than you can count. You are meeting new people, selling yourself and your skills, and often getting the third degree about what you know or don't know.
    Here are job interview tips to help prepare you to interview effectively. Proper preparation which help alleviate some of the stress involved in job interviews and the more you prepare, the more comfortable you will be interviewing.
    Job Interview Tips
    Practice
    Practice answering interview questions and practice your responses to the typical job interview questions and answers most employers ask. Think of actual examples you can use to describe your skills. Providing evidence of your successes is a great way to promote your candidacy. Also have a list of your own questions to ask the employer ready.
    Research
    Prepare a response so you are ready for the question What do you know about this company? Know the interviewer's name and use it during the job interview. If you're not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
    Get Ready
    Make sure your interview attire is neat, tidy and appropriate for the type of firm you are interviewing with. Bring a nice portfolio with copies of your resume. Include a pen and paper for note taking.
    Be On Time
    Be on time for the interview. On time means five to ten minutes early. If need be, take some time to drive to the interview location ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going and how long it will take to get there. Here's more on preparing for an interview.
    Stay Calm
    During the job interview try to relax and stay as calm possible. Take a moment to regroup. Maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Listen to the entire question before you answer and pay attention - you will be embarrassed if you forget the question!
    Show What You Know
    Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.  When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for. Here's how tomake a match between your expertise and the company's requirements.
    Follow Up
    Always follow-up with a thank you note reiterating your interest in the position. If you interview with multiple people send each one a personal thank you note. Send your thank you note (email is fine) within 24 hours of your interview.
    Avoid Common Interview Mistakes
    What shouldn't you do when interviewing? Here are the most common job interview mistakes, blunders, and errors a candidate for employment can make. Take the time to review these mistakes before your interview, so you don't have to stress out about blunders after it.
    More Job Interview Tips
    Tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral interviews, interviewing in public, and more advice for interview success.
    Phone Interview Etiquette
    Phone interview etiquette is just as important as in-person job interview etiquette when it comes to getting hired. That's because, regardless of how you interview, a successful interview will get you to the next stage of the hiring process.


    Friday, 31 January 2014

    10 Essential Study Tips for Final Exams

    There's no sugarcoating it: studying for final exams is extremely painful. These monstrous tests are standing in the way between you and your summer break, but that doesn't mean that you can slack off and sip iced tea by the pool. Now is the time to focus, as these test grades reflect the hard work that you've put in throughout the entire school year. We asked academic experts for their advice on when to begin studying, how to know when it's time to stop, and what to do the morning of an exam.
    Understand your goals.
    "Students follow a series of requirements, and it becomes very easy to feel like you're simply jumping through a series of hoops as opposed to understanding why that class and that test are relevant to you," says Colin Gruenwald of Kaplan Test Prep. "You have to ask why you're going to invest the time and energy to do well on a test. Why do you intend to be the student who gets an A?"
    Prioritize the tests that matter the most.
    "It's a mistake to consider all of your finals equal if you're materially better at one subject than another," says Gruenwald. "Some students think that they should commit equal time to studying for each test. They're taking away from their opportunity to really commit time where they need it."
    Clarify the content and format of your exams.
    "Find out what the test is going to cover," says Ted Dorsey, author of 
    Tutor Ted's Guide to the SAT. "Ask what the format is—multiple choice, essay, or both. Once you begin studying, bring any questions you have to your teachers. Most teachers will be happy to help you."
    Aim to begin studying at least one month in advance.
    "Everyone knows that studying a little bit over a long period of time is absolutely, undeniably the right way to study, and yet we are all terrible at actually putting this plan into effect," says Gruenwald. "The best time to start studying is at the beginning of the class. Set aside a little time each week to sit down and organize your notes and think about what's going well and what's going badly. Three to four weeks ahead of time is the latest that you want to create a study plan for yourself. Cramming is toxic."
    Learn how you study best.
    "Everyone learns differently," says Dorsey. "Just because your friend makes color-coded outlines, it doesn't mean that's the best way for you to study too. Change the lyrics of a song you know to help you memorize the countries of Africa. Write a funny story about the characters inThe Scarlet Letter. Any studying is good studying, so do it the way that works best for you."



    Take snack breaks.
    "When you study, your brain consumes glucose," says Dorsey. "Take a five-minute break every hour to let your body produce more fuel for your studying. Take a walk, have a healthy snack (almonds, fruit, and yogurt are good choices), and stretch. Taking breaks will actually improve your studying."
    Know when to stop studying.
    "Within 12 to 24 hours of the test, it's time to stop studying," says Gruenwald. "You're not going to learn a lot of new content. The likelihood is much higher that you're going to stress yourself out and confuse yourself. For the last minute studier, flashcards can be a good resource. They can earn you a few more points on test day, and it's a much healthier thing to do than starting on page one of the textbook."
    Get a good night's sleep.
    "Eight hours is ideal for the night before an exam," says Dorsey. "It may be tempting to stay up late studying, but remember: you're going to need energy and focus while you're taking your exam."
    Naturally energize yourself the morning of the test. 
    "Do something stimulating the morning of the test," says Gruenwald. "Don't sit down and watch a back-to-back marathon of American Idol; that's just going to zap your energy level. Instead, read a book, do a crossword puzzle, take your dog for a walk, or get some exercise. Do something that's going to make you feel alive and positive, and will build up your energy level and confidence in the 24 hours before the test. Please, stay away from caffeine and energy drinks! Your hand will shake so that you can't write coherent words, and you may crash in the middle of the test."
    Relax.
    "You've survived final exams before, and you'll survive them this time too," says Dorsey. "If you're feeling nervous when you sit down to take the test, take three slow, steady breaths. Remind yourself that you've been getting ready for these tests all year long."


    Wednesday, 29 January 2014

    Bank PO EXAM Pattarn

    The selection procedure will be based on three stages:
    - Written test
    - Group discussion & interview
    - Final selection

    Phase-I: The written test consists of two kinds of test. Those are objective test and descriptive test. The objective test will be held for 200 marks with 2 hours duration. The objective test consists of 4 sections.

    English language - 50 marks
    General awareness, Marketing and computers - 50 marks
    Data analysis and interpretation - 50 marks
    Reasoning - 50 marks


    The candidates will get pass when they get pass mark in each section of objective test. The pass mark will be decided by the bank.

    The Descriptive test will be held for 50 marks with one hour to test the English language. In this test candidates need to write comprehension, short precis, letter writing and essay for a given topic.

    Phase-II: The group discussion will be held for 20 marks after the interview will be held for 30 marks. The candidates who get pass mark in the written test will be called for group discussion and interview.

    Group discussion Tipss: The Institute of Banking and Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts six Common Written Exams (CWE) a year. These exams are held for all the cadres; Clerk, Probationary Officerand Specialist Officer. The exams have already been conducted and the nationalised bankspartnering with IBPS have all started their recruitments. Every other day we see that leading public sector banks are advertising openings in various cadres. Though the eligibility criteria for each bank might differ, the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) remains the same. The first step in the Selection Procedure is the GD and PI. This brings us to the topic of this article, 8 Steps for Bank GD Preps.
     Here are a few valuable tips for you that will help you crack your GDs with flying colours.
     1) Dressing
    This might seem the least of your concerns while preparing for a GD. However, keep in mind that first impression is the last impression. Formal yet comfortable dressing is advisable because you should be comfortable while speaking in the group.
    2) Listen carefully and try initiating the GD
    Initiating the GD is a big plus point. However, this does not mean that you start talking even though you have not clearly understood the topic. Listen carefully and quickly decide if you are going to speak for or against. Jot down the points if you have a paper and pen. Only when you are ready, start speaking.
    3) Positive attitude and body gesture
    Be confident. Try and be as calm as possible. If you are nervous, think of the GD as a stage to express your opinion rather than a test that you HAVE to pass. Positive body language is a plus point.
    Maintain eye contact. While speaking, do not look at the evaluators only. Address everyone in the group.
    4) Allow others to speak
    Remember that you are being watched. Your attitude in the discussion speaks volumes about you. Do not interrupt. Suppose you do not agree with anybody’s thoughts, do not snatch their chance to speak. Instead make some notes and clear the points when it’s your turn. Do not try to dominate anyone.
    5) Speak clearly and sensibly
    Be polite and clear as you speak. Use simple and understandable words. Do not be too aggressive if you disagree with someone. Express your feelings calmly and politely. It does not matter if you speak less as long as your speech is making sense.
    6) Do not deviate
    If at all you realise that the group is distracting from the topic, take the initiative to bring it back on track.
    7) Pay attention to others
    Rather than only thinking about your next speech, pay attention to what other group members are saying. If you agree with someone, acknowledge the fact when you start speaking. This way you will maintain a positive attitude the group.
    8) Details not required
    Basic subject analysis is sufficient. You need not mention exact figures while giving any reference. Remember that you have limited time. Hence, be precise and convey your thoughts in short and simple language.


    Phase-III: The final selection will be based on the marks scored in the written test, group discussion and interview. They marks will be converted to 100 and the selection will be made from the top ranked candidates in each category.


    Monday, 27 January 2014

    Rail exam patarn

    Railway Exam Pattern 2013-2014 Question Paper Pattern

    Railway Exam Pattern 2013-2014:

    Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) conducts an exam to recruit or the posts in railway department. This railway exam pattern had been given below:

    According to the new objective pattern the question limit is 100-120 question and 0.25 marks would be deducted for wrong answer. An un-attempted question will not carry any negative marking. Question paper is provided in English, Hindi and other regional languages.

    Other than this a physiological test is taken for the aspirants of technical department categorised for Motor man, Assistant Station Master and Assistant Loco Pilot. The test is based on skill and Intelligence in the technical department.

    Question Paper Pattern


    The Technical and Non-technical examinations are composed of five major parts-
    ·        General Knowledge
    ·        General English
    ·        Mathematics
    ·        General Intelligence
    ·        Physiological Test

    General Knowledge- The candidates going to appear for the various written exams or any entrance exam must be prepared for the General Awareness questions to give a good performance in their Test. Now days, it is required of every Test conducting Department that the candidate appearing for the examination must be prepared for General Knowledge questions. 

    General English - The candidates appear for the various written exams or any competitive exams. In every written exam General English is an important part of any competitive exam. In General English questions such as on the topic of: Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms, Use of prepositions, idioms/phrases, Fill in the blanks etc. Candidates should well prepare on these topics. Candidates can take help from the internet or previous papers of railway exam. 

    Mathematics- In every competitive exam, mathematics is very important exam. Basic mathematic exam based on 12th standard. There will be negative marking for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the objective type question papers. Candidates who appear the railway examination they should well prepare for the exam. Candidates must not lose the confidence during preparation.   

    General Intelligence- General Intelligence paper based on reasoning and the aptitude skills. General Intelligence papers judge your aptitude. In General Intelligence questions such as on the topic of: Series, Mirror and Water Images, Grouping of Identical Figures, Paper cutting and folding etc. Hard work with knowledge will take you a step forward to the success.

    Physiological Test - Physiological Test design for those candidates who appear technical exam in Railway. Physiological test applicable for three categories: - Assistant Station Master, Motorman and Assistant Loco Pilot. These Test for measuring your intelligence.