Time management is the most important factor in any exam. Especially when you are preparing for competitive exams like the Fellowship Entrance Test (FET), time management during your study and on the day of the exam will help you maximise your score and reduce stress. Here are some time management tips for FET preparation that can make a huge difference in your performance:
1. Create a Detailed Study Plan
Set Clear Goals: Before you actually start preparing, set clear, measurable goals for every subject and topic you have to cover. Split the syllabus into smaller bits and assign particular time slots for each.
Weekly and Daily Planning: Make weekly and daily planners in which you can give priority to the most challenging subjects or topics. This will help you not to rush towards the end while covering all areas. You can use digital calendars or planners for this purpose.
2. Know about FET Exam Pattern
Knowing the exact FET exam pattern and types of questions will help you allocate time effectively during your preparation and while taking the exam. Familiarise yourself with the weightage of different sections so you can spend more time on areas that require extra effort.
3. Prioritise Your Weak Areas
Focus on Weak Subjects: Find out the areas where you are weak and invest more time in them. Take practice tests to assess where you are weak, and concentrate more on those areas and do not let your strength go to waste.
Regular Revision: Keep revising your weak areas so that you can slowly develop an understanding of it and be confident about it.
4. Practice Time-Bound Mock Tests
Taking time-bound mock tests simulates the actual exam conditions and helps you understand how much time you should allocate for each section. This will enable you to fine-tune your pacing and improve your ability to manage time under pressure.
Aim to complete the mock tests within the time limits to build exam-day stamina and speed.
5. Use the Pomodoro Technique for Focus
The Pomodoro technique involves studying in focused intervals, usually 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. This can significantly improve your concentration and productivity, allowing you to study for longer periods without burning out.
After four cycles, take a longer break (15-30 minutes) to refresh and re-energise.
6. Avoid Overloading with Study Materials
Don’t try to cover everything in one go. The abundance of study material can overwhelm you. Stick to a select set of high-quality books, online resources, and previous year papers. This focused approach helps you make the best use of your time.
Quality Over Quantity: Master a few key resources rather than cramming through everything. This way, you’ll retain information better and spend less time looking through unnecessary materials.
7. Track Your Progress
Regular Evaluation: Track your study progress regularly to ensure you’re sticking to your time management plan. This can be done using journals, apps, or spreadsheets to assess how much you’ve covered and if any adjustments need to be made.
Use this tracking to review your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your study schedule accordingly.
8. Set Time Limits for Each Question
During the FET, you may face several questions in a short amount of time. Train yourself to set time limits for each question during practice sessions. If you’re stuck on a question for too long, move on and come back to it later. This approach ensures you don’t waste too much time on a single question, which could affect your ability to answer others.
9. Take Care of Your Health
Good time management isn’t just about planning your study schedule but also ensuring that you take breaks for proper mental and physical health. Incorporate regular breaks, exercise, healthy meals, and sufficient sleep into your routine. Healthy habits help maintain your focus and energy levels, ultimately improving your productivity.
10. Stay Consistent and Be Flexible
Consistency is key when preparing for the FET. Stick to your study plan, but also be flexible enough to adapt if unforeseen circumstances or changes in your schedule arise. Flexibility allows you to adjust without stressing out or falling behind.
11. Use Technology to Stay Organised
Utilise time management apps and study planners like Google Calendar, Trello, or Todoist. These applications can help you create deadlines, monitor your tasks, and maintain a visual reminder of your daily, weekly, or monthly study goals.
Conclusion
Effective time management is essential to excel in the Fellowship Entrance Test. Creating a study plan that will enable you to clearly identify and develop areas you may have missed can give you total confidence at the exam table. Time management isn’t just studying harder; it is actually learning to study smart. Maintaining a routine consisting of studies, revisions, and breaks to health is one step towards being ready for FET. Consistency will surely guide you towards acing it; good luck with your preparations!
By following these time management tips, you’ll not only be ready to tackle the FET but also develop skills that can be applied to other competitive exams and beyond.
