HPPCS Prelims 2014: Tips and strategy

Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) is soon going to conduct the Himachal Pradesh Combined Competitive Preliminary Examination, popularly known as HPPCS. The exam consists of two papers: Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II (Aptitude Test). The HPPSC introduced the Aptitude test two years back, in place of the optional paper at the preliminary stage, to bring the Himachal Pradesh Combined Competitive Examination at par with the Civil Services exam conducted by the UPSC.

Here are some quick tips that’ll help you make your preparation of HPPCS Preliminary exam an effective, efficient and a much smoother process:-

• First of all keep a very positive attitude and high spirit while preparation of the exam.

• The candidates should decide in the beginning what all books they are going to study. Don’t buy too much of books. Select one or two sources for each topic and then stick to them.

• Take the help of some qualified candidates to decide which books should be read.

• Remember, that the NCERT books remain the base for preparation of General Studies for Civil Services exam

• Read at least one national newspaper daily. Also keep a track of the news and events taking place in Himachal Pradesh through a local newspaper, as a lot of questions in the prelims exam are asked from this area.

• Don’t skip newspapers, nor postpone reading them. If you skip them now, you will never find time to complete them later.

• Make your own notes from books and newspapers. Don’t depend too much on institute’s notes or readymade study material flooding the book shops.

• Set well defined targets like pages or topics and give yourself deadlines. Keep the targets realistic and set short deadlines. Make a list of topics that have to be completed in 10-15 days, and as you complete each list, reward yourself by something that you love doing.

• Highlight the important and difficult topics while you read any topic. Make a synopsis or short notes that will help you do quick revision in the last week.

• Devote enough time for Paper II i.e. Aptitude Test. It carries equal marks as GS and plays a very important role in qualifying the prelims exam.

• For self-evaluation, solve sample papers and previous years question papers. This will give you a reality check and also boost your confidence. It will help you identify your weak and strong points so that you can devote more time on the areas that you are lacking in.

• Solving practice papers will also help you minimize errors and maximize precision in the exam. This is extremely important as negative marking plays a very important role in determining a candidate’s success or failure in this exam.

• Revision is the most important part. Revise all the topics at least twice, in order to get the best output.

• Take care of your health. Exercise, eat healthy and nutritious food, avoid junk and outside food, get proper sleep. Do yoga and meditation to increase your concentration and retention power.

• Indulge yourself in some leisure activity like music, painting, dance or a sport, to avoid boredom and monotony. But don’t do that at the expense of your studies.

• The candidates should studying at least 24 hours before the exam as studying now will only make you more anxious. Just relax yourself for this day. Feel confident that you have studied what all is required for the exam and that you have given your best possible effort.