4 Strategies to crack any competitive Exam | Cracked IIT JEE, CAT, XAT, SSC CGL, RBI Grade B

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares four key strategies for cracking competitive exams based on personal experience with exams like IIT JEE, CAT, SSC, and UPSC. The first strategy emphasizes facing reality by assessing your current level through mocks and planning progress over time. The second highlights the importance of consistency over long hours, focusing on steady daily effort without burnout. Third, choosing exams aligned with personal strengths maximizes efficiency. Finally, the speaker advises treating exams as important but not life-defining, maintaining perspective, and keeping confidence regardless of outcomes. These strategies combine practical planning, disciplined execution, and mental resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start your preparation by assessing your current level through previous year mock tests.
• 😀 Use free online resources like Crack You, Test Book, and Olive Board to practice mock exams.
• 😀 Set clear, realistic goals to gradually improve your score over a defined time period.
• 😀 Track your weekly progress with regular mock tests to measure improvement.
• 😀 Maintain consistency by dedicating a fixed number of productive hours daily, avoiding burnout.
• 😀 Eliminate distractions and inform family or friends about your study schedule.
• 😀 Competitive exams are marathons, so pace yourself rather than attempting long, exhaustive study hours.
• 😀 Choose exams that align with your strengths and focus on honing your core skills.
• 😀 Avoid trying to build entirely new capabilities from scratch if you have limited time or experience.
• 😀 Treat exams as one pathway to success and do not let them define your entire life.
• 😀 Stay resilient and keep moving forward even if you face setbacks or do not achieve the desired result.
• 😀 Focus on small, measurable improvements each month to gradually reach your final goal.

Q & A

What is the first strategy suggested for cracking competitive exams?

The first strategy is to face reality by assessing your current level. Attempt previous year mocks to understand your baseline and plan your preparation journey accordingly.

Why are previous year mocks considered important in exam preparation?

Previous year mocks help you evaluate your current performance, identify gaps, and measure progress weekly. They are the most important resource for structured preparation.

How should one divide their preparation time according to the video?

Divide your remaining time until the exam into smaller targets, such as monthly milestones, to gradually reach the required score by the exam day.

Why is consistency emphasized over long hours of study?

Consistency ensures sustainable progress without burnout. Studying 12–15 hours daily is unrealistic, whereas focused, regular study hours yield better results over time.

How can distractions be managed during preparation?

Keep your phone away, inform family members not to disturb you during study hours, and focus on uninterrupted, productive sessions.

What does the speaker suggest about choosing the right exam?

Choose an exam that aligns with your strengths and capabilities. Focus on areas where you already have skill rather than starting a completely new domain from scratch.

Why is self-assessment important before selecting an exam?

Self-assessment helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to focus on areas where you can maximize your score and avoid wasting time on skills that are harder to develop quickly.

How does age factor into the strategy for exam preparation?

At a slightly older age, like mid-20s, it is more efficient to leverage existing skills rather than building entirely new capabilities, since many competitors may have years of experience.

What mindset should one have regarding the outcome of the exam?

Treat the exam as a step toward your ultimate goal, not a life-or-death situation. Have confidence that success can be achieved through multiple paths, and do not lose hope if the exam is not cleared.

How often does the speaker recommend attempting mocks during preparation?

The speaker recommends attempting a previous year mock every week to track progress and adjust the preparation strategy accordingly.

What is the main reason the speaker advises against extreme initial motivation?

Extreme initial motivation can lead to burnout because attempting too many hours daily is unsustainable. A steady, consistent approach is more effective for long-term preparation.

What role does focusing on core strengths play in competitive exam success?

Focusing on core strengths allows you to maximize scores efficiently, giving you an advantage over competitors who may be spreading their efforts thin across weaker areas.