When can you take these Competitive Exams?
You can appear for competitive tests either after you pass out 10+2 examination or after completing graduation.
What is the difference between an Entrance Test and a Competitive Exam?
By qualifying in a competitive exam, you increase your chances of being recruited in any private or government organization. On the other hand, qualifying in an entrance test will help you to seek admission into undergraduate, post graduate, doctorate as well as research academic programs.
In case of a competitive exam getting good grades is not the only criterion for qualifying in the test. There are other factors like reservations of seats that are also taken into account.
Various Competitive Exams in India
The table below highlights the main competitive exams in different categories.
| Category of Competitive Exams | Types of Competitive Exams in the Category |
|---|---|
| Union Public Service Commission | Central Police Force Assistant Commandants Examination, Civil Service, Indian Forest Service, National Defence Academy, Special Class Railway Apprentices |
| Staff Selection Commission | Junior Engineer Examination-Civil and Electrical, Junior Hindi Translator, SAS Apprentices |
| Life Insurance Corporation/General Insurance Corporation | LIC Development Officers, GIC Officers, LIC Officers, LIC Assistants |
| Railway Competitive Examination | Special Class Railway Apprentices, Combined Medical Service, Combined Engineering Service |
| University Grants Commission | National Eligibility Test (NET), TET or Teacher Eligibility Test |
| Defence Competitive Exams | Combined Defence Service, IAF Airman Non Technical Trade, Indian Army Soldier Nursing Assistants, Indian Navy Artificer Apprentices, National Defence Academy |
| Bank Competitive Exams | Reserve Bank Officers Exam, SBI Probationary Officers Exam, Bank Clerical Grade |
| Research Competitive Exam | Agricultural Research Service and National Eligibility Test (ARS NET) |
Competitive Exams 2012
Preparing for a competitive exam is not a tough job provided you adopt a systematic approach. Given below are few guidelines that will help you to prepare better for these exams.
- Don't develop apathy for exams.
- Chalk out a time-table
- Study all subjects at least once in a day. For instance, if you have to study Mathematics, English, and Science, allot few hours for all 3. Don't focus only 1 or 2 subjects daily
- Choose your own convenient time for studies
- Prepare notes as you proceed through chapters
- Highlight important segments
- Take enough rest
- Don't skip meals
- Get enough sleep
- Last but not the least, take exams as your responsibility not a drudgery
