Self-Study Plan for UGC NET Exam - Computer Science

Let me describe a detailed plan on how you can prepare yourself for UGC NET Computer Science Exam (via self-study).

This plan is for preparing Paper-2. Aspirants preparing for any subject may use this plan in your preparation!

Before getting into the plan, let me remind you of three things:

1. There is no fixed strategy to prepare any exam. It depends on individual's interest as well as their way of preparation.

2. Confidence and Consistency matters! You need to be confident on your learning. You should be consistent in putting efforts until you achieve your target.

3. Prepare as if you are going to become a Resource in the field of Computer Science. If your preparation is on just "clearing" the exam, you may "clear" it, but you might not use your learning in a proper and long way. 

The way you prepare, the same you will impart to your students. Don't let yourself to be a bad example!

Now, let's get into the plan! Remember, it is just a general plan!

Self-Study Plan:

1. Before Study:

1.1 If you are new to this preparation, I would like you to take a mock test once on any question paper. This will help you to analyze where you stand before starting preparation. Also, you could get some ideas on the kinds of questions. 

Attempt mock test here - https://nta.ac.in/Quiz (Select Exam as UGC NET and Paper as any session of computer science)

1.2 Go through the syllabus and prepare an order of units based on complexity (your complexity towards the unit). You can start either from the unit you are most comfortable with or from the unit you feel tedious.

You can find the links to syllabus, reference books list, question paper analysis, question paper solutions, unit wise outline videos of few PYQ sessions here - https://letussharehere.blogspot.com/p/net-exam-topics.html

2. Study Plan:

Divide one unit into a number of topics. Your plan should be like: one today one topic / one day - list of topics. Let me give you an example.

Let's take unit 1 - Discrete structures! 

2.1. Select one topic (or a set of topics) and try to understand the basics (eg., linear programming in optimization or sets or graph theory)

2.2. Learn those concepts, take a note in your handwriting, if possible note down related formulas and equations (if exists)

2.3. Find PYQ (previous year questions) problems in that topic alone, practise 10-20 questions.

2.4. You can practise problems: EITHER  by searching on the web like 'Sets practice problems', 'Graph problems and solutions' OR you can use any books on Discrete Mathematics and try solving the problems provided inside as well as at the end of the chapter. You will get lots of problems in different aspects.

Practice in the sense, try to solve on your own first, even if it's wrong, just proceed. Then, find the correct solution & way of solving.

You can again use my blog link to find CS Question paper analysis to find PYQs topics from June 2019 session.

I guess, 2-3 hrs a day for a topic will help you master the topic.

If you find this too dry / boring, learn a set of topics in a week and practise problems during the weekend.

2.5 A small work tracker:

Count the number of weekends available! Make an excel or google sheet with columns - date, time, topic, number of practice problems. Make entries whenever you prepare! At the end of a week / month, go through your progress!

You will end up with 2 options: Either you are satisfied with your progress Or  you feel slow in your preparation.

Note: 

Prepare a schedule to complete all the 10 units - do not skip any unit. Every unit has its own importance. Only if you are confident on all the topics, you can face your students with confidence in the future. 

Based on the schedule, you will know how many months you may need for preparation.

3. After Preparation:

3.1 Last one month or on the exam month, just keep practising question papers. If you can, please practise atleast 10 session PYQs so that you can learn time management. You will ultimately understand how much time to spend on which question.

3.2 One week before the exam, do not learn anything new. Last one week is for mere revision. Revise from your handwritten notes!

This is the overall plan.

Note:

Self-study does not mean you should never refer any other resources (books,videos, etc) that I have not mentioned here. Use ANY resource whichever gives you proper understanding of topics.

Finally,

Face the Exam with Confidence!