Thus universities tend to set a paper (a.k.a. the aptitude test), which would encompass the knowledge on specific subjects. Those opting for BBA/MBA would be focusing on English, arithmetic, logic and general knowledge and almost the same criteria would be adopted in the aptitude tests for engineering students, with an addition of physics and chemistry portions. Likewise, the students with a pre-medical background opting for fields in pharmacy or MBBS programmes would be facing an aptitude test with a major chunk of biology questions.

Whatever the combination, aptitude tests can virtually become a make or break factor for the students trying their best while preparing for the D-day. Parents end up spending from as low as Rs10,000 to a whopping Rs30,000 to 40,000 just for their children to remain prepared for the test.

While teaching English at a local aptitude test centre, I came across students with different kinds of approaches towards the aptitude test and beyond. Some were absolutely positive of never getting through their test and were only attending the preparatory classes to spend time with their friends.

There were those who were ready to do anything, leaving no stone unturned to get into a university of repute. From studying day in and day out to asking help for different “connections” to inquiries and confirmations about rumours of bribing at different administration and executive offices of the renowned universities, they were prepared to do anything to get in.

And then there were those who could never complete their courses on time as they would focus on more in-depth understanding than the basic course coverage. Or even those who completed their course on time but were were losing out on lack of practice.

There were some who would study in all the shifts being conducted at the preparation centre and with different groups to acquire as much knowledge as possible, which left them totally exhausted.

And finally, there was the type which I really disliked. Instead of acquiring the skills, these students prepared for the test fearing a possible rejection. So they were more keen on comparing the starting salaries and perks of the different multinational corporations and organisations for the jobs after passing the same Bachelor's or Master's degree for which they were there to prepare themselves to just get enrolled. Such students tend to miss the sight of the goal and task at hand, i.e. clearing the aptitude test. On the contrary, they focus on long-term issues, which God forbid, might have a possible chance of never becoming their issues in the first place.

Passing an aptitude test with flying colours is not a piece of cake but it is still achievable with proper guidance and while keeping a few important points in mind. Here are few steps that can help a student get a good score in the aptitude tests

• One should realise that no matter how smart, average, weak or dumb one might have been throughout his life; the only thing that matters on the day of the test is who was able to generate more correct answers.

• Shortcut is the right way. These shortcuts (especially in arithmetic) and logical deductions are taught at different preparation centres.

• Skip. Don't lose out on precious seconds reading again and again the questions you are finding difficult to understand and answer. Move on and come back to them after completing all the questions of that part of the paper.

• Practice makes perfect. In my personal opinion, aptitude test preparation is the best application of this phrase. The more you practice taking different online tests, preparation centre tests, etc., the more chances you have in finding exactly the same question or one that is close to it in your real test as well. However minimal, the chance factor tends to increase with every practice assignment. Practice also increases your speed for understanding questions.

• Get a good night's sleep the night before. Different studies prove that human beings tend to understand, work and think better after getting sound sleep for six to eight hours.

Summing up one can easily conclude that aptitude tests focus more on the skills of the student than anything else. The test demands from you to be sharp enough to complete it within the stipulated time by applying shortcuts, tactful calculations, mnemonics and even visual memory in order to demonstrate in-depth understanding of the subject.

The race to glory has become more competitive than ever. No matter how talented you might be, in the end it all boils down to the results of your aptitude test.

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