KSET Preparation Tips

The KSET 2020 exam pattern consists of two papers. Both of them will have only objective type Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). The test, that is scheduled for 12th April 2020 (Sunday), will be conducted in two separate sessions. The timings and number of questions will be of: 

Paper-I: Will have 50 objective type compulsory questions carrying 2 marks each. The questions will be generic in nature and are intended to assess the general awareness and analytical abilities of candidates. 

Paper-II: Will have 100 objective type compulsory questions each of those carrying 2 marks. The paper will be based on the subject selected by the candidate. 

However, for both of the papers, Optical Mark Reader (OMR) Sheets will be provided along with the test booklet.

The KSET Paper 1 syllabus aims to assess the research and teaching abilities of the candidates. It also assesses the intellectual and reasoning abilities of future professors. Having a good command in various subjects of these sections will give you a head start and will aid you in standing out of the crowd. Various sections in Paper 1 and KSET 2 months’ preparation tips for these are: 

Unit – I: Teaching Aptitude 

The section focuses mainly on child psychology. The sole aim of this section is to assess the understanding of future professors about the nitty-gritty of their craft i.e. teaching and be the support system of students. Although the questions are MCQ type, the solutions of these can be tricky at times.  Some important topics in this section are:

• Teaching concept & objectives  
• Learner’s characteristics for adolescent and adult learners, their differences 
• Factors affecting teaching include Teacher, Learner, Support material and Institution. 
• Methods of teaching: Teacher-centred vs. learner-centred methods; Off-line vs. On-line methods
• Support System for teachers  
• Evaluation Systems including elements and evaluation type, CBC System in Higher education, CBT, Innovations in evaluation systems. 

Unit – II: Research Aptitude 

As the name suggests, this section is aimed to assess the researching ability of the candidate and his understanding of it. This section is fairly simple for most of the candidates, as most of you have experience in writing your own research papers during graduation and post-graduation. Key topics in this section are: 

• Research and its meaning, types, characteristics, and approach to research
• Methods of Research like experimental, descriptive, historical, qualitative and quantitative 
• Steps of Research
• Thesis and Article writing: Format and Styles of referencing
• Application of ICT in research
• Research ethics. 

Unit – III: Comprehension 

This section is very straight forward. A passage will be given and you have to answer the questions based on the comprehension. A little knowledge of grammar will be very beneficial. 

Unit – IV: Communication 

This section deals with the candidates’ understanding of the communication system and channel. Modes and methods of communication are also dealt with in detail in this section. Some important topics are:  

• Communication: Meaning, types and characteristics
• Effective communication: Verbal and Non-verbal, Inter-Cultural and group, Classroom communication
• Barriers to communication
• Mass-Media and Society. 

Unit-V: Mathematical Reasoning and Aptitude

The unit is a bit tricky and reading the questions carefully is the key to scoring high in this unit. Try to find tricks for solving different types of questions. You can check out a number of those on GradeUp. Mention, always leave the seating arrangement questions for the end. Some important topics are: 

• Number series, Letter series, Codes and Relationships
• General Arithmetic: Fraction, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Interest etc. 

Unit – VI: Logical Reasoning 

This section is fairly extensive and you will find at least 6-7 questions from this section. Similar to the previous unit, careful reading, and understanding of questions are the keys to success here. (Note: you must have spent a lot of time reading your core subjects, but by giving 5-10 minutes of time on a daily basis, from now onwards on each of these units, can bridge the gap between selection or rejection). Important topics are:

• Arguments: forms, structure, Mood and Figure, Formal and Informal, Uses of language, Connotations and denotations, and Classical
• Evaluating and distinguishing deductive and inductive reasoning
• Analogies and Venn diagram
• Indian Logic: Means of knowledge

Unit-VII: Data Interpretation 

The unit is fairly simple but time-consuming. As you might be aware, once you figure out the correlation between the data, it is just a simple calculation. There are no short tricks for solving DI. Avoid this unit for the later part of the examination. Remember that each question carries equal marks don’t waste time on any single question. 

Besides fighting with other candidates, you are in contest with the time as well. Some notable topic of this unit are:

• Sources, acquisition and classification of Data
• Quantitative and Qualitative Data
• Graphical representation 
• Data and Governance

Unit-VIII: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 

This unit is all about the basics of the internet and its related terminology. In the modern era of computers and mobiles everywhere, this section won’t pose that much trouble for you. Have a look at the latest terminologies related to the computer and its peripherals and you will be all set to take on this section. Few pivotal topics are:

• General abbreviations
• Basics of the internet, Intranet, E-mail, and Conferencing
• Digital initiatives in higher education
• ICT and Governance

Unit-IX: People, Development and Environment 

This unit covers a whole lot of topics be it environmental, cultural, regional, national or global. However, climate change, environment, and sustainable development are the key topics of this unit. If you go through a few of the previous year’s papers, it will be enough to take this unit on. Also, current summits related to environments are a must-visit topic of this section. 

Unit – X: Higher Education System 

This is the last unit for paper 1. Here, you will be tested regarding your responsibilities as a professor in a college or society as a whole. The section is focused mainly on the historical significance of teachings, educational institutions, and learning programs. Having small briefs of imminent universities of India and Karnataka will pave the way for success in this unit. 

Key pointers are: 

• Institutions of higher learning in ancient India
• Evolution of higher studies in Post-Independence India
• Oriental, Conventional and Non-conventional learning programs
• Value and environmental education
• Polices, Governance, and Administration

As mentioned earlier, the 2nd paper is specific to every candidate, however, some important tips to Crack the KSET Exam 2nd paper are:

1. Remember that 2 months is an ample amount of time to re-align your KSET preparation plans. Try to solve 1 practice set on a daily basis.
2. Keep a check of your scores and improvements on a daily basis. Mark the questions or sections where you are lagging. 
3. Since you have almost 60 days left for the exam, try to improve in the areas that seem difficult. Making notes will be a good head start. 
4. Note complex questions down and make a booklet of those. Understanding concepts, especially in subjects like Economics, Physics or Mathematics are of utmost importance. 
5. As I mentioned above, time is your biggest adversary in these exams, so try to complete your practice paper 10 minutes before the scheduled time. 

Conclusion:

Lastly, we assure you that you will be successful just by following these tips for quick tips of KSET 2 months’ study plan. For general ability tests, reading the newspaper for 10 minutes will cover most of the parts. Remember, to not be careless or act childish. A secure job in state government can change your whole life. 

Being a professor will not only affect your life but you will be responsible for carving the future generations of the nation.

Thanks!
Prep Smart. Score Better. Go BYJU'S Exam Prep.

Also read: How to Prepare for KSET Exam While Working - #1 Preparation Guide