Hey Juniors!

This blog is dedicated to all my juniors (specifically, B.Sc bio/zoo stream). 

When I came to college, I too was just like you! I had so many questions in mind regarding exam patterns, marking schemes, study strategies, etc. But what actually helped me was the "Hit and Trial" technique. Through it, I devised my own strategy, and got an "outstanding" grade.

Exam memories.
Nostalgia! 

Many queries regarding semester exams have been asked of me earlier, but their reach was limited to the person concerned. So that's why, through this blog, I want to address all of you. The greater the reach, the better. 

So, let's get started with the queries: 

Q. Are midterm questions repeated at the end of the semester?

Ans. Sometimes yes! in short answer format.

Q. Are last year's questions repeated in this one?

Ans. In end semester, majorly no. But sometimes it may, depending on the syllabus of a particular paper.

Q.Why are the past year's question papers important?

Ans. To understand how the questions can be asked.

Q.How do the professors give marks? Do they give good marks? 

Ans. The way you write, you'll get a score. If you write well, you'll get good marks and vice-versa.

Q.How to get good marks?

Ans.By writing the answer in pointers, to the point.

By not counting the pages (if you're writing 10 pages, that doesn't mean you'll score more; just keep in mind the word limit and what exactly is being asked).

Making answers presentable with flowcharts and diagrams This means adding pictorial beauty to each of your answers. 

By keeping the sheets tidy, leaving little space after each answer. If a mistake is made, don't scribble, eliminate it just by making one horizontal line.

Write in such a way that if the person who doesn't know much about the topic, after reading your answer, will be able to understand it. It should be crystal clear.

These little things are important.

Q.Can I use colours while writing on the answer sheet?

Ans.Use a blue ball pen only for writing and a pencil for diagrams. Label on the right side, as you would in a practical. Pencil colour may be used for a little bit of colouring, but if you can avoid it, better.

Q.Is classification very important? As I've seen in 2019 papers, questions regarding classification were not so prominent. So is it very important? as I can't remember till it's order.

Ans.You don't need to rote learn to such an extent. Just learn 10-15 distinguishing characteristics of each, so that in exams you won't be clueless.

Q.Should I write the exact notes of my professors on the answer sheet?

Ans.A big no. Professors give you notes for better understanding. But if you'll write the same exact thing, then that won't prove your intelligence skill, rather your rote learning skill. Write the answer in your own way. Practice beforehand. With all the diagrams, flowcharts, and pointers. In short, writing is an art.

Q.Should I study from a book or a professor's notes?

Ans.Study from your "point of understanding". Some topics you may understand directly from the book or notes. Some you might not. For topics like physiology/replication, transcription, translation, etc., watching animated videos would be of great help to understand the content better.

Q. What books to follow?

Ans. What professors suggest often in class, follow that. You may download it online or study it in a library. But please read!

Q.How to prepare for practical exams?

Ans.I thoroughly enjoyed giving practical exams. You are asked questions in the viva, many of which you can answer. A few you might not. But the questions asked there are interesting and awakening. You're bound to think that I should have studied this way. It's a great learning experience. So, you don't need any different preparation; just revise your theory portion as well as the practical one. Because most of the time, externals ask basic yet logical questions. If you were unable to answer a few questions, then don't think that "oh my marks must have been deducted". Some of my classmates used to do so. What will happen if one or two marks are deducted? Nothing much, right? Just focus on the knowledge you have gained and learn from your mistakes.

Q.Do I need to study all the topics on the syllabus?

Ans.I didn't. You just have to study smartly. But as the semester proceeds and the syllabus expands, so should your study. In the 4th, 5th, or 6th semester, you need to cover most of the topics. Or if you don't want to study everything, then you may do so. Suppose, if there are 4 units, then complete 3 units, including the self-learning part, and leave the rest one. No risk should be taken in this. But ultimately, this is something you would have to devise on your own, what's important and what's not.

Q.Do I need to spend an ample amount of time on assignments and projects?

Ans. Over time, I improved my assignment or project-making skills. But to you, I would like to suggest that you make it with your full interest, in such a way that your professors will be bound to keep it as a sample for your juniors. Invest all your creative energy in that. Again, not for the sake of marks, but for learning.

Q.At this point in time, I remember just these. If you want to know more, then put your queries in the comment section. I will answer. 

Semester exams are not that tough. Just work in the right direction. And along with that, talk to your inner self and ask what she wants to do in life. What's her ambition, her goal towards life? Keep on asking and then take action as soon as possible "along with" your academics.

One humble request: please do not study right before your exam hours.Even 5 minutes before the exam, I saw many people cramming and blabbering on the benches with books and copies in hand.Just revise at night and come to college with a fresh mind the next day to give the exam.

If you find it helpful, then share it among your peers as well.

Signing off!

Your wellwisher.