IIT JAM: Tips and tricks for entrance exam

With just a few days left for the Joint Admission Test for Masters (JAM), it is time aspirants pulled up their socks and geared up for the exam.
We know that entrance exams tend to take a toll on aspirants. So, here we provide you with a few last minute tips to help you prepare for the exam.
First let us have a quick look at the JAM paper pattern. The JAM IIT paper pattern depends on the subjects one chooses to appear for; it is either descriptive or objective.
Subjects offered:

• Mathematical Statistics
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Geophysics
• Geology
• Physics
• Biotechnology
• Computer Applications

The candidate can appear for not more than two of the above-mentioned papers. Biotechnology and Computer Applications are objective in nature whereas the other subjects are descriptive in nature.
The objective type papers consist of 100 questions of one mark each and every wrong answer will fetch the candidate a negative mark of 1/3rd.
The descriptive type papers on the other hand comprise of two sections: Part I and Part II.
Part I consists of one-mark and two-mark multiple choice questions, which make up 60 per cent of the marks.  A negative marking of 1/3rd and 2/3rd is applicable for every wrong answer for the one marker and two marker questions respectively.
Part II is subjective in nature and makes up 40 per cent of the marks and has no negative marking.

Last minute preparation tips:

• Try and solve as many past year question papers as you can. It will give you an insight into the kind of questions which are generally asked.
• Solve mock test papers available online as it will help you strategies your time management techniques.
• Try referring to IIT JAM books by various authors.
• Make short memory cards to help in last minute revision.
• Devote more time towards revising topics which have more weightage in comparison to others.
• Do not start a new topic at the last minute! Instead revise the topics you have already completed.
• Most importantly keep your calm and don't panic.

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Class XII pre-boards: English exam preparation

The class 12 Board examinations are to begin from March 1, but the pre-boards for the same have begun or are expected to begin this month. Pre-boards help the students to get over the exam-phobia and to be prepared mentally, for appearing in the board exams.
English is a subject where students generally lack preparation due to other core subjects. But, they must know that it's is a very important subject and language as well. Knowing English is not only important to score well, but also many career opportunities are available only if you have proper English.
The English-core paper is divided in three sections:
Section A: It includes reading comprehension. Two unseen passages will be provided. The passage can be literary, factual or discursive to test comprehensions. Also, note making is provided in this section. 20 marks have been allotted to this section.
Section B: It is the section where our writing skills are put to examine. Various forms of writings such as notice writing, letter writing, poster making, article writing etc. are included in this section. This section is of 35 marks.
Section C: This section includes literature. It constitutes 45 marks.
Although, learning English is a skill that does not come overnight and one needs to be practised a lot, just like any other subject.
Thus, attached are previous year question papers to make the students well-rehearsed for the exams.

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