My Success Secrets to Cracking Ugc Net with AIR 2 in 1st Attempt

– Shubham Singhania

As a mentor I often consider myself lucky to be presented with an opportunity of regularly interacting with some really bright minds who passionately dream of clearing UGC NET with a purpose to either pursue research or revolutionize the teaching world.

However, it is not uncommon for aspirants to feel confused at some point during their exam preparation as their minds are clouded with self-doubts on whether they are heading towards the right direction or not in relation to various factors that come into play.

Well, talking about my personal experience, a few years ago, I was in the same shoes with regards to my UGC NET exam preparation.

Back in the day, when I decided to appear for UGC NET in December 2018, there was no compulsion for candidates to attempt the exam in the subject they are pursuing their graduation or post – graduation in.

Since I was fascinated to study the Management subject, I thought this to be an interesting opportunity for me to choose Management as my optional subject for UGC NET.

Fast forward to the day when the results were announced, I secured an All India Rank 2 in my first attempt for UGC NET!

So, what exactly were the steps that I took that led me to this staggering success?

Allow me to take you through my journey which will help you in preparation for UGC NET so that you too can achieve success in clearing this prestigious exam.

Step 01: Go through the PYQs to understand the pattern well

To start off, I decided to first go through the PYQS to understand the nature of the exam, the type of the questions asked in the exam.

But more importantly, I realized this practice helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses pertaining to the topics given in the Management syllabus.

For example, subjects like Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude and Statistics were the subjects I had strong command over.

Other Subjects like – Mathematical Reasoning and Data Interpretation required more of my efforts to prepare well in these subjects.

Step 02: Start off with easier topics for confidence boost

After going through the PYQs, I made a list of the topics that I know I was familiar with and the other topics that I needed to work on.

The next step I took was to cover the easiest topics and it immensely helped me to boost my confidence and kept my motivation going to cover the entire syllabus.

Step 03: Have a reliable and concise booklist to save the day

As I had already read these books comprehensively, it was easier for me to read them again and refer to these to complete the syllabus.

After completing a particular topic, I would practice MCQs to ensure a thorough revision of the topic as well assess my conceptual clarity of the particular subject.

For example, I took the topic of Human Resource Management (HRM) and practiced all the possible MCQs from the topic.

Step 04: Adopting a unique approach to solving MCQs

Instead of simply of solving questions and looking only at the number of questions attempted correctly, I adopted a different method to practice the MCQs.

While solving MCQs I would also take notice of the questions that I attempted incorrectly.

Well, I did not just stop there! After going through the incorrect answers, I would also look at the options provided for each question, search on the Internet for more information on these terms and finally made notes on them.

By doing so, I comprehensively covered all the topics and this method also helped me of being sure of that subject or topic.

Step 05: Master the basics to tackle difficult topics

Because of my strong academic background; I know many of you must be wondering whether I found anything difficult during my preparation period.

Well, it’s common for aspirants to face challenges while preparing for an exam and like any of you, I had also hit few roadblocks on my journey to UGC NET.

Scoring less marks in subjects like Data Interpretation and Mathematical Reasoning in the practice tests made me feel quite disheartened.

However, what came to my rescue was this invaluable advice given from of one of my mentors, who suggested me to cover the basics in order to tackle this difficult subject.

Next, I bought NCERT textbooks from Class 6th to 8th for Mathematics and covered topics which were part of the syllabus such as Percentages, Ratio & Proportions from the basic level.

After covering all the topics from textbooks and going through the solved examples, I was able to solve the MCQs from the particular topic.

On a personal note, I believe it was my attitude and approach towards challenging subjects that made all the difference and led me to achieving All India Rank 2 in UGC NET exam in my first attempt!

Step 06: Ensuring consistent revision is the key

So, instead of simply chilling on the weekends, I allotted this free time to revise all the subjects rigorously.

Along with spending quality time with my family, I would ensure to revise the subjects in an sequential order and during this time I would not read anything new.

So, while I did take out some time to refresh myself like going out for a movie or have some fun with my friends, I strictly followed the practice of revision on weekends.

During my graduation itself, I realized the importance of revision as I wouldn’t be able to retain information without consistently revising that particular topic.

Step 07: Practicing mock tests for thorough coverage

Along with the previous year papers, I would solve mock tests and adopted the same approach that of taking mental note of incorrect questions, checking all the options provided for the questions and finally searching the terms on the Internet for more knowledge.

And by doing so, I noticed a significant change in my test performance.  Each time I took a mock test, I witnessed a remarkable increase in the marks I scored and decrease in the number of incorrect questions which I attempted.

My advice for the aspirants

My advice to the UGC NET aspirants would be to follow these tips religiously. Cover the basics, practice PYQs and mock tests, and ensure consistent revision of the topics.

Also keep in mind to make notes, allocate sufficient time to practice, identify your strengths and weaknesses and lastly focus on improving your performance.

With determination and focussed efforts you can definitely increase your chances of success in this exam!

I hope that by utilizing my insights and personal experiences you will prepare well for the exam and achieve great success in your future endeavours.

My personal journey of qualifying UGC NET with AIR 2 in my first attempt itself indicates the fact that with the right strategy and mental attitude, you too shall leave no stone unturned to make your dreams come true.

So, learn to go beyond your limitations, prepare thoroughly, stay confident and I assure you that you will come out greater than you thought you would be!