The Indian Navy for the first time has announced a new online exam called the Indian Navy Entrance Test (INET) for aspirants who wish to own the prestigious white uniform. This exam is expected to be conducted in September. Notification for Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE) for graduate level entry for permanent commission to men and for short service commission to both men and women, conducted by UPSC is expected soon. Computer based Airforce Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2, is usually conducted in August. The Coast Guard, too, has released its notification for officer level entry.
As for the ladies and gentlemen who dream to own the olive green, white or the blue-grey, it is a crucial time to begin their preparations. Migul Pius, who cracked various defence entrance tests eleven times, shares tips on preparation techniques.
Migul Pius completed his Bachelors degree in Physics from St Albert's College, Ernakulam in 2017. Here he served the college Unit of National Cadet Corps (NCC) Army Wing and was promoted till the rank of Junior Under Officer. Migul gave his first attempt for graduate level entry in November 2016. From then on, for him there was no looking back. He cracked six Combined Defence Service Examinations, three Airforce Common Admission Test and two Coast Guard entrance tests.
Set a time table
Migul highlights that it is not necessary to invest your days completely towards fulfilling the uniform dream. The first step towards your goal, that is cracking an examination can be achieved by working according to a pre-set timetable.
Working with previous question papers
You can start preparing by solving previous question papers. This helps to frame your own idea about the nature of question paper. One will be able to analyse their strengths and weakness; thus, it enables you to strategize the way to take the exam. Solved question papers are available as pdfs in various websites or as books in the market. However before blindly trusting any source of information keep in mind that it is important to counter check the authenticity of any piece of information.
Read newspaper daily
Like any other public exams, cracking defence exams is impossible without the habit of daily newspaper reading. The questions from current affairs part are generally from that year. No book in the market can get you updated on a daily basis. Hence, to master such questions only way out is the habit of newspaper reading.
Watch debates
Watching Debates on news channels are good way to improve your language skills and understand topics of relevance more deeply.
Creative utilisation of free time
According to Migul, a great part of victory lies in your skill of creatively planning and utilising your time. Everyone has the same 24 hours every day. Your success mantra lies in how creatively you utilise it.
Ask questions and know more
Trying to understand anything and everything you don't know is a good habit to be developed. Make it your nature to find details. Get the full advantage of options like 'Ok Google' on your smart phone.
Collect details and prepare a notebook
When you read a news article, make it a habit to know the details. For example, if you are reading an international news, find out the particular country's capital, its prime minister etc. Note down such details in a personal notebook. Also find and write down the meanings of unfamiliar words that you may find in editorials.
Effectively use internet
There are many apps and websites like adda, grade up, that provide you with monthly current affairs, daily quizzes etc. Practicing with them can improve your confidence levels tremendously.
Read current affairs magazines and yearbooks
Cultivate the habit of reading monthly current affairs magazines such as competition success review, civil service chronicle or yojana and year books like the manorama year book.
Make time
Excuses never help. You should find your time to study. Mornings are the best time study. An hour you devote everyday will eventually pay off.
Physical exercise
Make exercise a part of your life style. A defence aspirant definitely needs to physically strong. Physical exercise doesn't mean only working out at the gym. It just meaning engaging in any physical activity, say the game of your choice, football or swimming, that mentally refreshes you and improves your physical stamina.
Strong goal
The final victory depends on how strong your goal is, he says.
Mikul has proven that if you have a strong will, in spite of failure, you will rise again like phoenix and fly towards your goal.