General Awareness is one of the most critical sections of the Symbiosis Entrance Test. It tests the understanding of the world and the ability to stay abreast and think critically. Excellent performance in this section gives a considerable competitive advantage, heavily influencing one's overall score and helping in securing desired Symbiosis admission in 2025.
General Awareness Section of the SET Exam
The SET General Awareness section evaluates the candidate’s calibre regarding current affairs and general awareness of major topics of various fields. This section generally comprises a certain number of multiple-choice questions with equal weightage. Although the number of questions may differ, the section calls for speedy answering within a restricted time span.
The topics covered are broad, including:
- Current Affairs: Current events that have been newsworthy for 6-12 months.
- Static General Knowledge: Historical events, geography, and key facts.
- Economics and Politics: Policies, economic terms, and political structures.
- Sports: Major tournaments, awards, and athlete rankings.
- Books and Authors: Famous works and literary contributions.
Hence, candidates need to prepare strategically to excel in this section.
Key Areas to Focus On for General Awareness Preparation
1. Current Affairs
Stay updated on current affairs. You need to know what is going on politically, economically, sports-wise, and entertainment-wise. For example, you must know the results of the G20 Summit, world sporting events such as the Olympics, or policy changes.
2. Static General Knowledge
Although current affairs tend to dominate the section, static general knowledge forms an essential foundation. Topics like world geography, historical events, and basic scientific facts are equally important. For instance, knowing details about Nobel laureates, the names of countries' capitals, and major historical revolutions are extremely crucial.
3. Sports
GA usually has questions specific to sports. One needs to know who the current winner of the FIFA World Cup or Wimbledon is, as well as sports awards like Arjuna Award or Ballon d'Or.
4. Economics and Politics
Understanding key economic and political developments in India and worldwide is also important. It keeps one updated on the latest GDP figures, government schemes, and international agreements. Knowledge of global organisations like the UN or WTO will give you an edge.
5. Books and Authors
Questions about books and their authors often crop up in the exam. Awareness about the authors of prize-winning literature or exceptional works, such as Booker Prize winners, is essential.
How to Prepare Effectively for the General Awareness Section
1. Read News Papers Daily
You should regularly read newspapers such as The Hindu, Indian Express, or Times of India, watch news channels, or use apps that provide reliable daily updates.
2. Monthly Magazines
Subscribe to popular general knowledge magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan or Competition Success Review. They give you a compendium of all the important events of the month, saving you time.
3. Mock tests and Quizzes
They give you an idea of how well you are prepared. They help you get familiar with the exam pattern and increase your speed and accuracy. Websites like BYJU's and Testbook provide practice papers for SET.
4. Apps for General Knowledge
Use technology to make your preparation easier. Apps like GKToday, Gradeup, and Testbook provide you with curated content and quizzes designed for competitive exams.
Time Management During the Exam
Proper time management is the key to doing well in the General Awareness section. Here's how to do it:
- Answer Easy Questions First: Identify and attempt questions you are sure about. This will save time and get you going.
- Mark Tough Questions for Later: Don't get stuck if a question seems tough. Mark it for review and move on.
- Keep it Timed: Reserve time for the general knowledge portion to avoid last-minute stress.
Tips to Maximize Retention of Information
1. Take Notes
Note-taking on key points ensures that information is retained well. Use a notebook to jot down the key points, which should be reviewed often.
2. Flashcards
Make flashcards to help you revise quickly. Make cards with one side with the title of a book and the other with the author's name.
3. Visual Imagery
Associate facts with images. For example, imagine the map of India when studying the state capitals or important monuments.
4. Periodic Revision
Revision is a must to keep information in your brain. Set a specific time each week to review material you have studied before.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the General Awareness Section
1. Not preparing for Static General Knowledge
Current affairs and static general knowledge are both crucial to scoring marks. Balance your time between them. Do not neglect Static general knowledge.
2. Overloading Information
Don't try to cram everything at once. You need to understand key concepts and prepare them regularly.
3. Skipping Mock Tests
Mock tests are invaluable for improving speed, accuracy, and confidence. Do not skip them because they simulate the actual exam experience.
Master the General Awareness Section and Secure Your Success in SET
Excellence in the General Awareness section of the SET demands strategy, consistency, and dedicated effort. These would be achieved by staying informed, practising regularly, and managing time effectively to secure a competitive advantage. The most important thing to remember is that general awareness is much more than having raw information. It's about compartmentalising it mentally and getting ready for impending challenges.
Start preparing today, get disciplined, and take a stride closer to fulfilling your dream of getting a Symbiosis admission in 2025 at Symbiosis International (Deemed University).
