How to do well in competitive examinations

1. read the questions three times in quick succession
2. understand the core ideas required to solve the problems
3. never be sequential in answering questions
4. select the problems at the very beginning to answer
5. focus on the fundamentals of the subjects repeatedly for a long time to assimilate the core concepts & problem-solving skills
6. use combination of good text-books and guide books & question bank
7. be master of the majority of the topics
8. there is no short-cut to doing excellent in any field
9. revise your subjects mentally many many times before the examinations