The Integrated Common Entrance Test (ICET) is conducted by Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test (APICET) which is recognized by the government of Andhra Pradesh for admissions into MCA/ MBA courses. This exam gives you the opportunity to get admissions in 498 MBA Colleges and 698 MCA Colleges in the state hence it is the most sort after entrance by students wishing to pursue an M.B.A. or an M.C.A.
The ICET assess its applicants on 3 areas namely analytical ability, mathematical ability and communication ability. Each of these areas have parameters namely Data Sufficiency, Problem Solving (sequence and series, Data Analysis, Coding and Decoding problems, Date, Time and Arrangement problems) come under Analytical Ability for Mathematical Abilities the parameters are Arithmetic, Algebraical, Geometrical and Statistical Ability and for Communication the parameters that are tested are the candidates ability to Identify vocabulary used in day to day communication, grammar, Identify the basic terminology and concepts in computer and business contexts (letters, reports, memoranda, agenda, minutes etc.), Understand written text and drawing inferences or comprehension.
Tip 1. Communication ability: here the command over the English language is tested naturally a good hold over grammar is very essential. Apart from these aspects it comprises of questions on analogies, synonyms and antonyms, match the list, idioms, one word for many, fill in the blanks and identifying the various Figures of Speech are tested.
- Grammar: A useful tool to improve your language skills is by referring to Wren & Martin. This book is a perfect guide for improving your grammar, essay writing skills as well as your comprehension skills because it has exercises and examples for each topic. It also comes with a key that you can use to verify if your answers are correct.
- Reading and Comprehension: you need to grab a copy of the Wren & Martin as soon as possible as it has very good examples for improving your comprehension skills. It has sample passages that contain questions on most of the aspects covered in the English section.
- Expose yourself to the language: by following these simple tips:
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Read Articles
Online
Offline
Newspapers
Newspapers
Journals
Journals
Magazines
Magazines
Newsletters
Television
Converse with a friend who is good at the language if possible, it is the most effective way to improve communication skills Develop a habit of reading, it is one of the best ways to improve your language skills Read English newspapers, listen to English news and write a few sentences in English, it will definitely help you in the long run Keep a dictionary and a Thesaurus handy when you read, to improve your vocabulary Maintain a diary to record the new words that you learn, along with their forms (Noun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb, Antonyms, Synonyms)
Tip 2. Logical Ability: when a problem is given don’t just solve it try to analyze it for 20 to 30 minutes by asking your W/H questions such as Why, What, When Where and How.
Tip 3. Analytical Reasoning & Decision Making: the reasoning section consists of questions based on logical, analytical and critical reasoning therefore they are framed accordingly. So whenever you read a passage don’t forget to put on your thinking cap and ask your W/ H questions as often as possible. Students need to practice difficult reasoning puzzles from mock papers and books on reasoning. Solving puzzles from popular puzzle books available in bookstores will also help. Focus on lengthy puzzles on distribution involving lots of variables. The section on Decision Making can be best practiced by going through the mock ICET papers.
Tip 4. Data Interpretation: this section mainly consists of questions that use bar graphs, line graphs, case lets (data given in the form of paragraphs requires applicants to extract the information provided to establish a relationship between the data given), tables, pie charts or circle graphs etc. to interpret data. Similarly the questions are based on the data that is interpreted, so break up the question and note down the information that is given to you.
Tip 5. General Knowledge: read newspapers and watch educational channels that will boost your general knowledge. A good start to improve your knowledge of India to crack this section is by visiting www.india.gov.in which has information about the latest happenings in the country. Apart from this you can even read past issues of business magazines (from January 2012) and pay attention to the main events in the corporate world. Having information about organizations /associations like the UN and its associate agencies such as ASEAN, SAARC, NATO, BRICS etc. can help you to clear this section. Apart from this information a good knowledge about the stocks and GK questions like countries, capitals, currencies, inventions and discoveries in science can be very helpful.
Tip 6. Group Discussions: try to be loud and aggressive in an appropriate manner, if you need to get your point across. If unclear about the topic wait for someone else to begin. Try and summarize the points that have been discussed at regular intervals.
Tip 7. Practice: it is essential that students refer to previous years question papers and rely on mock tests, as this will make them familiar with the paper pattern and will give them an idea about the type of questions asked. Thus, students are better prepared for the examination.
Tip 8. Join Coaching classes: this will ensure that students practice regularly and are better prepared because they can resolve the queries that they might have about a particular topic.
Tip 9. Expose yourself to business and Computer terminologies: by reading articles online from e- papers, newsletters, magazines, visit business, real estate and computer websites, e-books, in newspapers mainly business and real estate supplements, journals, magazines, television, books etc. this will familiarize you to the common terminologies that are used in business and computers.
Tip 10. Health Matters: it is important to ensure that you get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and most importantly exercise. It is important that you sleep in time, eat properly and exercise, if you wish to perform well in the examinations because both the body and the mind need to rest to function to its maximum potential.
By following these simple tips cracking the ICET will be easier to clear. I leave you with a simple quote by Jaspher Kantuna, “Practice as if you are the worst; perform as if you are the best”.