NTSE 2019: Top 10 last-minute preparation tips to ace level 1 exam

— Make sure you solve all the previous year question papers. They are the best source to understand the level of difficulty as well as your preparedness for the examination. Solve the previous year question papers within a fixed duration and then use NTSE answer key to access performance. Doing this rigorously improves speed and accuracy.

— Aim to at least score more than the minimum cut-off. To qualify the level 1 exam, SC/ST/PWD candidates need to score a minimum of 32 per cent marks in NTSE 2019, whereas, candidates belonging to other categories need to score 40 per cent marks. While solving a mock test or sample paper, aim to score high, however, even if you score above the minimum cut-off, there is no reason to fret.

— Rewind and rectify the mistakes. Since very little time is left, candidates should focus more on correcting common mistakes. What seems like a small error can cost a lot. Hence, instead of focusing on anything new, candidates should focus more on perfection.

— Strategise exam day game plan as per the pattern. The NTSE will have two papers — Mental Ability Test (MAT) and Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Each will be of 100 marks and will contain 100 questions. These questions will be of multiple choice type and there is no negative marking in the exam. Hence, it is safe to use the hit-and-trial method. Even while doing a hit and trial, do not make random guesses. First, eliminate options; then chose your answer among the options left. This increases the chances of hitting the correct answer.

— Do the maths. To strategise the exam day plan, here is a little calculation that might help. Paper 1 and paper 2 each will have 100 marks and the time allotted to each paper is two hours. Thus in each paper, you get 1.2 minutes to solve each question. Thus, train yourself to attempt a question in one minute.

— Train your brain for the exam. Take a mock or sample test of NTSE 2019 daily in a strict time frame. This will train your body and mind to take the exam at that particular duration and will help you stay alert at the exam hours.

— Concentrate on SAT more than MAT at this point. Although both MAT and SAT are equally important and have equal weightage in the exam, it is recommended to concentrate on the SAT at the last moment. In SAT candidates have to answer 40 questions from science, 40 from social science and 20 from mathematics.

— Keep short notes handy. Whatever short notes you had made while self-study, at school or at tuitions, take them out and keep them with you. Revise them as they have important formulas and concepts.

— Stay away from social media. This is the time to make it or break it. Social media is one of the biggest distractions for students. Every day we spend hours on social media which tiers the brain instead of refreshing it. Hence, it is advised that the candidates stay away from social media during the exam preparations.

— Sleep early and wake up early. Now that the exam is around the corner, the more time spent on preparation is a step closer to crack the exam. Thus, wake up early and with a fresh mind and try to use every minute of the day for the preparation.

On the day of the exam, candidates must reach the exam centre at least one hour before the exam starts. Do not forget to carry the printed admit card on the exam day. With the admit card, carry photo Id and a blue/black ballpoint pen as well.