When does one start preparation?

The earlier one starts the preparation the better are his chances. The ideal time to start is within one month of completing one’s board examination. However, even one year of concentrated effort can help student achieve success – however, student’s commitment needs to be high in this case.

If you are attending school as well as preparing for Competitive Exam, and if you have 2 years with you, then you must devote 2 to 3 hours every working day for studies and 10 to 12 hours on school holidays and weekends. Whereas if you start preparing in Class XII you should spend 3 to 5 hours everyday preparing for Competitive Exams.

Is coaching necessary ?

For success in Competitive Exams, 80% of the contribution is from the student’s effort, 10% is from the strategy of how to derive maximum out of the knowledge the student has and 10% is from guidance. Here the important thing to note is that however strategy & guidance contribute only 20% but are very important because it is this 20% which decides & defines how the balance 80% of time & energy is going to be spend. In case proper guidance is available to a student at home or at school, there will be no need for coaching; however, in absence of that coaching is advisable.

  

My future will be ruined if I fail/don’t get good marks

Examinations are an important way in which professional colleges select students. Success in them does open doors to particular jobs and careers. Lack of success will mean certain jobs and careers are not immediately open to you, at least at the level of entry you originally intended. Some may be closed altogether. However, happiness, wealth, peace of mind, rich experience of life, meaningful status in the eyes of others, a worthwhile career, a useful job and an inner sense of purpose and self belief as a human being, do not depend upon examination results.