In this article, I explained in detail why a strong foundation is important in competitive exam preparation and how to prepare for a competitive exam. Every competitive exam in India requires a common thing, which is a basic foundation.
Strong foundation subjects mostly include maths, reasoning, aptitude, English grammar, general science, history, polity, and geography. Because most of the questions are asked from these subjects, if you are weak in current affairs, then you can improve it by reading newspapers and current affairs monthly magazines. But for the competitive exam most important subjects are maths and English grammar.
Before starting competitive exam preparation, I will share my experienced opinion on why a strong foundation is important and why it is necessary to have a solid base for competitive exams. Appearing for competitive exams is a very courageous decision. I believe you have made this decision after considering all aspects. Congratulations and best wishes to you. In this article, I will express some clear and experienced opinions. I will explain what a strong foundation is in competitive exam preparation and why it is important.
Among the major government competitive exams in India, the UPSC exam holds the top position. Following that are the Staff Selection Commission, Railway NTPC, IBPS banking, NDA, CDS, CAPF, and other state public service commissions. Approximately 8 to 10 lakh students fill out forms for each exam. This means that students preparing for the UPSC exam also prepare for state public service commission exams and other central government exams simultaneously. It’s a good thing that you can appear for multiple exams at the same time. But I will tell you what precautions you should take while doing so.
Many students appear for these exams out of curiosity. Some students appear because they want to make a career in this field. Some students are serious about their studies, while others have no idea what they want to do in life. Some students want to appear for these exams because they will get a good salary and social respect. While some students want to appear for these exams because they want to serve the country and bring about change. All competitive exams require patience, hard work, and a positive mindset. You can prepare for competitive exams effectively only when you understand why a strong foundation is important in competitive exam preparation.
You can strengthen your foundation for competitive exams in this way–
First, practice basic math tests. See if you can perform addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication perfectly. Also, check if you understand all the steps in mathematics and if you have the formulas memorized. Similarly, check if you know English grammar. Also, study all the school textbooks from 7th to 12th grade for other subjects like history, geography, civics, political science, and economics. Only after mastering all of this should you start preparing for competitive exams.
Do not directly start studying for UPSC or other competitive exams. Do not try to complete the syllabus of those competitive exams right away. Successful toppers of UPSC, SSC, Railway, or any other exam never start studying directly; they first focus on building a strong basic foundation. Only then do they begin preparing for competitive exams. Having a strong foundation and a positive mindset is extremely important. Be honest with yourself. Talk to yourself about your prepartion daily. Analyze your weakness and positive point. Don’t judge other in terms of study.
A strong foundation is important in competitive exam preparation because–
1. A strong foundation is important in competitive exam preparation because for passing the exam quickly.
A strong foundation in competitive exam preparation is important for faster preparation. The stronger your foundation in your studies, the less time it will take to prepare. Then you won’t need basic preparation, and you can complete the advanced studies and the syllabus on time. It can take a normal student 6 to 8 months to build a strong foundation for all competitive exams. A strong foundation includes mathematics, reasoning, English, and general science. Social science includes history, geography, civics, political science, environment, and economics. The social science syllabus can be completed quickly through reading and memorization.
If your foundation is strong, you can complete the syllabus and start revision and practice sooner. For example, if your math and English are strong, but your social science is weak, and your friend’s social science is strong but math and English are weak, then you can study social science in less time and surpass your friend. Because of a strong foundation, you won’t have to worry about your studies and career.
2. A strong foundation is crucial in competitive exam preparation because you won’t have career anxiety –
Students who don’t have a strong foundation constantly worry about their careers or have to consider plan B. If your academic foundation is strong, you can complete your exam preparation in less time. You will have ample time reserved for practice and revision. Students without a strong foundation often appear for multiple exams simultaneously, and their focus is scattered. Due to a lack of a strong foundation, many students are anxious and stressed. They don’t know where to begin their studies. They have no idea what they are doing wrong, where they are making mistakes, and what they need to do.
If you have a strong foundation, you can immediately identify your weaknesses and work on them. With a strong foundation, you can pursue a degree or higher degree while preparing for competitive exams. If you have a strong foundation, you won’t have constant anxiety about your studies, and you can study happily. And you can pursue your hobbies. If you have a strong foundation, your mindset will become even more positive and strong.
Today, many doctors and engineers take the UPSC and other competitive exams. But they don’t realize how strong their math and reasoning skills are. Many doctors and engineers are preparing for UPSC today who couldn’t pass the CSAT paper. But if they put aside their ego and strengthen their basic foundation in math, they can easily pass the CSAT paper.
Conclusion – If your basic foundation is not strong, put aside your ego and start anew. Having a strong foundation is essential in competitive exams, because millions of students alongside you have a strong foundation.