Reading the daily newspaper: It should be a mandatory component of your routine as these exams are very dynamic and it is critical to keep up with current events and issues of national and international importance.
Follow a timetable: Make a schedule for yourself, bearing in mind your short and long-term goals. Fix time for studying, don't study for long periods of time at a stretch, take small breaks in between, and devote extra time to tough subjects while constructing your time-table.
Read the recommended books for preparation: You should prepare for the exam by using the specific recommended books lists, which are easily available online, and are based on the exam curriculum. Instead of memorising everything, concentrate on concepts.
Examine and comprehend the pattern of previous exam papers: As much as possible, practise past years' question papers, take practice tests regularly, review your performance graphs and strive to answer more difficult questions in a gradual manner.
Confidence is essential, as is thinking positively: You will avoid the last-minute rush and stress if you have prepared throughout the year. It is not advisable to be stressed over the entire preparation period.
Focus on preparation: Instead of just memorizing the details, try to understand the subject. Once the concept is clear in your head, it will help you to remember the concepts for a very long period of time.
Evaluate yourself: Evaluating yourself from time-to-time is crucial for an effective exam preparation. There are many online portals where you can find free sample papers and previous year question papers.