CSIR NET December 2024: Section-wise Strategy

A targeted approach for each section can help improve your score significantly. Here’s how to optimize your preparation:
Part A (General Aptitude)
Part A covers topics like numerical ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. This section is often underrated but can be a scoring opportunity if approached correctly.
Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs):
Practicing PYQs will help you identify recurring patterns and common question types. Analyze previous trends to understand which topics are frequently tested.
30 Minutes Daily Practice:
Dedicate 30 minutes every day to solving questions from Part A. Regular practice will help improve speed and accuracy, which are crucial for this section.
Solve Questions from Topics Similar to PYQs:
Practice questions from areas that resemble the previously asked questions. Topics like percentages, ratios, and logical sequences often follow a similar pattern.
Give Mock Tests:
Attempting mock tests will simulate the exam environment and help you manage time effectively. It will also help in gauging your strengths and weaknesses in this section.
Part B (MCQ Type)
This section tests your understanding of mathematical concepts through multiple-choice questions. The questions may range from moderate to difficult, and strategic planning is required.
Discard Options by Counter Example:
Use counterexamples to eliminate incorrect options. This technique can significantly reduce the time spent on each question and help you focus on viable answers.
15 Questions to Attempt:
Aim to solve at least 15 questions from this section. Prioritize questions that you find easier or are familiar with, to maximize your score while minimizing the risk of negative marking.
Avoid Negative Marking:
Since negative marking is applicable, avoid guesswork. If you are unsure about a question, it is better to skip it than to risk losing marks.
If You Are Confused, Then Review:
Mark the questions you are unsure about for review. Return to these questions after completing the rest of the paper to avoid wasting too much time.
Part C (MSQ Type)
Part C is the most challenging section as it tests higher-order thinking and application of multiple mathematical concepts. Questions in this section can carry more than one correct answer.
Deeply Subjective Knowledge:
You need to have a deep understanding of the subjects to tackle Part C questions. Prioritize topics like Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE), Real Analysis, and Functional Analysis, which are known to appear frequently.
Multi-Concept Questions:
Part C questions often combine multiple concepts, such as ODE and Real Analysis. Practice solving problems that require the integration of various mathematical topics. This will prepare you to handle complex questions in the exam.