Tips and strategies to become an NTSE scholar

Ramesh Batlish

The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE), a National Level Scholarship Exam, is conducted by the National Council of Education Research to identify the intellectuals from across the nation & help them get scholarship. This examination is conducted every year at two levels- Stage-I (State Level) and Stage-II (National Level).

As per latest updates, NTSE Stage-II 2019-20, scheduled on May 10, 2020, which was postponed due to covid-19 pandemic, has now been rescheduled for February 14, 2021 (Sunday) in all the States/UTs.

So, all those candidates who were waiting for the rescheduled date of NTSE Stage-II 2019-20 to be announced can now gear up their preparation as time to prove their mettle is just a few days away. So, if you are planning to prove your mettle in one of highly recognised scholarship examination, then it is the right time to gear up the preparation mode.

To get the desired result, it is important to ensure that you have a well-strategized preparation plan. Here’s what all you should keep a check at:

Have in-depth knowledge of the syllabus

Not having clarity about the syllabus is like jumping in the dark without knowing its results. The more you know about your syllabus, the easier it is to prepare for your target goal. Knowing about the syllabus and exam pattern is like building a strong foundation. It not only streamlines your study but also helps you scale your performance charts.

Start from the scratch

Forget what you have been taught or what you have studied vaguely. Sit with a clear mind, right syllabus and get set to begin the preparation all over from the scratch. Any preparation with a clear mind and right focus will help you create a new and clear path for yourself. Since, we all are going through Covid-19 pandemic, it is possible to get side-track from preparation. In such cases, starting from scratch works the best.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

This can be a complicated issue. As deep within we all know about ourselves. But before boarding the ship, we must ask ourselves whether we can swim or not if it’s needed. Being true to yourself will help you guide yourself in a better manner. As you go deeper and try to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses over the subject, you will get to know your current preparedness. So, find it out and choose to move ahead accordingly.

Choose to do home study

Home study does not mean locking yourself in a room. In fact, when situations are not in your favour and still you have a lot to prepare for the examination, it is important to look out for educational institutions offering online classes. In times of Covid-19 pandemic, it is one of the most reliable sources of study. Time is crucial and so does your study. Choosing the right is always in your hand- so, make the most of it.

Focus on quality learning

Sitting for hours and not getting anything in your head is just a waste of time and nothing. Make a time table and follow it religiously, you will certainly have better results in your hand. Whether you sit for an hour or more, your only aim should be to do quality study. To achieve success in any exam, one must focus on quality preparation.

Take mock tests

If you have the right temperament for the exam, you have already won half the battle. Mock tests will not only help you gauge your current preparedness, but will also enable you to get in the right temperament of the examination. You can walk the path with confidence if you are aware of the type of challenges you are going to encounter.

Consult your mentors

If you find yourself struck somewhere in the middle of the preparation, it is important to consult your mentors right away. Remember, a good mentor feels invested in the success of the mentee & believes in empowering the mentee to develop their own strengths, beliefs, and personal attributes. So, your mentor will be equally concerned about your success. No matter how vague, big or small your problem is, do not hesitate in talking about it with your mentor. So, when in doubt, do not forget to call your mentor.

Revise important topics regularly

Revision plays an important role in your success. Keep a good hold of important topics from NTSE syllabus and revise them regularly. Avoid taking up any new topic a just before the exam. Since most of the syllabus is from IX and X, so going through NCERT books on regular basis will simplify your preparation.

Take proper rest & eat healthy

All your efforts and preparation will go in vain if you fail to take care of your own health. To avoid any sickness or last-minute health issues, it is important that you eat right and indulge in physical activities. Also, try to refrain yourself from carrying out any heavy workout or activity just before the exam. It will not make you active, rather, it will lower down your energy and will eventually make you feel lethargic. To deliver optimum, it is important that you are in the right state of mind and health.

We all are well acquainted with the fact that nothing worth having comes easy. The price of success is right preparation, hard work, dedication and determination.  So, the moment you decide to participate or appear in NTSE, you automatically start dreaming about your success.

To realise your dreams, set your goal straight & start preparing with the required zeal and alacrity. If you are focused and well-organised today, a brighter future is certainly awaiting you.

Remember- Focused, hard work is the real key to success. Keep your eyes on the goal, and just keep taking the next step towards completing it. NTSE 2019-20 Stage-II is just a few steps away- go ahead and conquer it.

Good Luck!

The writer is Expert, FIITJEE