Take a chill pill!

Experts believe it is possible to “manage examinations” A little planning and a positive attitude can do the trick.

The countdown has begun! You are about to appear for your final examinations and the stress levels are high. You are wondering if your study plan is workable and whether you will be able to complete your revision in time.

You are also haunted by the prospect of going ‘blank’ when you set your eyes on specific questions that you believe you have revised several times.

If you have experienced these thoughts and feelings, rest assured: you are not alone in your worry. Most people go through the same bouts of uncertainty and fear, just before they take an examination. It’s called exam fever and causes unbearable anxiety and mental trauma to the people involved. The good news is that it’s possible to beat the examination heat, with a cool head and strong heart. You just need to know how to overcome this negative state of mind, and embrace a suitable approach, so that you can perform to the best of your abilities.

Sharpen those pencils and your examination skills

Every minute counts, so do some time management

You need to make the best use of your time starting today. Here’s what you must do:

List the topics you have to study in each subject and make a revision schedule. Then paste this on your desk and refer to it several times in a day. This will help you know what you have covered and what still needs to be studied.

Select the chapters you know better. Allocate less time to these in your timetable. Spend more time on the other stuff you are not so comfortable with.

Study light and heavy subjects alternately. Maintain a balance between the easy and the tough.

Don’t forget to take a break. Taking short breaks between periods of concentrated study is a must. Also, make sure you are sleeping enough – eight hours at least. A sound sleep means a relaxed mind, and a relaxed mind spells a better performance during the exam.

• Read – Recall – Write

  Read
  Begin by reading the topic you have identified for study with concentration. If it is a vast topic, divide it into sub-topics. Focus on understanding the basic concepts. Make sure you refer to the previous year’s sample test papers.

  Recall
  After you have read the topic, recall the main points aloud. Questions like Why? How? What? When? Where? will help you remember the main points.

  Write
  Having gone through the ‘read’ and ‘recall’ exercises, write a model answer within the required time frame. Ultimately, it is how well you write what you know that will get you the marks. Therefore, focus on answering model questions, topic-wise and then subject-wise. This will help you figure out the areas where you need to improve. Revise again and write one more time!
  As they say, following a tip a day, will keep the examination blues away. Remember, these valuable tips will also get you those extra marks!

  Go down memory lane
  No this is not about remembering the past, but rather about building effective memory techniques. Nothing works like memory when it comes to helping you deliver a â??zero-defect’ paper. Here are some useful methods you can adopt to energise those grey cells.

• Monitor your comprehension: You can only remember and fully use ideas that you understand. Find ways to monitor your comprehension. Get into the habit of saying to yourself, “Do I understand this?” Always check the logic behind the ideas. If you can see the logic in something, you are much more likely to be able to reconstruct that idea even if you cannot immediately recall it. Ask questions like Why? How? You may also tutor another student who is having difficulty, and thus reinforce your own knowledge.
• Generate your own examples: Go beyond examples provided in class and in the text, and bring your general knowledge and experiences into play by relating them to academic ideas. For example, in Biology, relate photosynthesis to the potted plant in your garden; in Chemistry, relate acids to home uses of vinegar; in Physics, relate acceleration to riding your bike. When you can generate your own examples, you demonstrate your understanding, and your memory is enhanced.
• Think in pictures, colours, and shapes: Concrete images are more memorable than abstract ideas. Practice colourful thinking! Associate your own mental pictures to the academic content. In your class and text notes, use colour to highlight headings and other key ideas. Use shapes such as triangles, boxes, flow charts, and circles to help you organise ideas.
• Use mnemonics: Mnemonics are memory training devices or ways of making associations to facilitate in remembering. They can be an extremely powerful tool; however, if you overuse mnemonics, you may spend too much time on generating and learning them and too little time on really understanding the topic. The economical use of mnemonics for a test can be very effective. There are many types of mnemonics:
  Rhymes can be very effective; Geography students may find it easier to remember that the Suez Canal links the Red Sea and Med (Mediterranean) Sea. Redox – stands for Reduction and Oxidation. Oxidation is loss of electrons, Reduction is gain of electrons.
  Acronyms collapse the beginning letters of a set of information into one or a few words; who can forget the colours of a rainbow when they’re thinking “VIBGYOR” or the correct approach to solving simplifications – “BODMAS.”
  The initial letters of a set of information can be built into a sentence; for biology you might use “Kings Play Chess On Frosted Glass Surfaces (KPCOFGS),” another mnemonic, for remembering the classification of living organisms.There are many more mnemonics that you can use. In fact, tickle your imagination to create your own mnemonics to describe some of the key facts in the subjects you study.
• Repetition makes perfect:
  The more times you go over something, the better you remember that information. However, each time you go through something, try to find a different angle to it, so that you are not just repeating the same activity. By varying your approach, you will create more connections in long-term memory.

The ‘To-Do’ list for the final exam

• Read the instructions carefully.
• Avoid cutting, erasing, scratching etc.
• Always begin with questions you feel 100% confident about.
• Keep a check on time.
• Leave space for the answers you don’t know and can do later.
• Attend to the presentation, paragraphing, spacing and general neatness.
• Never take too long over one problem or question. You can come back to it later.
• In each paragraph, underline the key sentences.
• Apply your general knowledge and information wherever relevant
• Complete your paper at least 10 minutes before the scheduled time so that you do a last-minute check before handing it in.
• Ensure that you have not omitted any question or part of a question and that you have numbered your answers correctly

Taking an examination is all about effective planning, efficient strategies and a confident mindset. There is no short-cut to success, other than hard work. If you have worked hard with self-confidence and determination, you are sure to reach your goal. Moreover, make sure you have nutritious and balanced meals, ‘mind-breaks’, and your quota of sleep. Remember, success comes when opportunity meets with the right preparation. Here’s wishing you all the very best!

The stage was set for Santa Claus to arrive and light up the campus with his jovial spirit and infectious “ho-ho-ho” laugh. A gala get together was organised at the NU on December 24, 2009, to celebrate Christmas and begin the build up for the new year. The event, for NU staff, students and their families, was also aimed at forging relationships and bonds the between different stakeholders at the University.
Shri R.S.Pawar, Founder, NIIT University, attended the function and relaxed with the NU fraternity. A musical programme was the highlight of the evening, which drew cheers and applause from everyone.

After reading all this you might be led to think it was all work and no play at the NU. However, you would be completely wrong. Study hard and play harder is and has been the motto and winning mantra of the zesty M-Tech bunch.
Take the instance of Sumit, a project manager and enthusiastic pool player who can be heard calling out to his friends and inviting them to a game late at night, when they’re back, tired after the classes.
Or what about Vijay, the quiet project manager from ELS, who exhorts his peers to take a walk up to jal pilu (the landmark tree at the NU campus) and freshen up before studying.
And there are the much talked about super treks to the Aravalis that are regularly organised by Captain Rohit Saxena, an ex-army man and a customer delivery manager from Liqvid.
Basically, the “students” at the NU, have been eating together, playing together and even studying together. Often a few are tutored by Vimal, a senior employee from Wipro Bangalore, who’s working towards a Ph.D  in Educational Technology. There are times you can spot others receiving tips from Pallavi, a business analyst and an eager educational technologist in the making, or sitting together for combined studies in the room of one of the students.
Recently, students at the campus participated in a visit to the Majra Kath government school, as part of their ICET (Information, Communication, Entertainment) curriculum. M-Tech and B.Tech students watched the children being mentored by their peers and observed them as they used the Hole-in-the-wall kiosk set up by NIIT.
It was amazing to see the B.Tech students—a noisy bunch, singing and shouting during the bus ride to the school—magically transform into responsible, serious adults as soon as they entered the school!
They spent time with the children whom they were individually mentoring and helped them revise concepts, work out mathematics problems and even engaged them through quizzes. The faces of the children simply lit up when they met their ‘older brothers.” The bonding between them was amazing! According to the M-Tech students, the one hour that they spent with the school children was “an enlightening and humbling experience.”
“We were very impressed and will ensure that our employees also participate in some volunteer work when we get back to Bangalore,” said Shagufta and Sreekala, two M.Tech students and senior managers from Wipro, Bangalore.
According to them, their stay at the NIIT University campus had been a big change in every way. As working professionals who had long forgotten what it felt like to be students—to be on time for meals in the cafeteria or even write with a pen on a paper—it was a huge transformation! They admitted however that they were learning slowing and enjoying student life and the diversity of learning.
“I never thought I’d ever do soldering or make electrical circuits!  I will definitely miss NU when I leave campus,” remarked Richa, a learning design consultant enrolled in the programme.

Excitement, nervousness, apprehension, elation, wonder—the first batch of M-Tech students at NU, felt all these varied emotions and more as they took their first examinations for the year. The M-Tech students were at the NU campus, Neemrana, for the semester end exams. The unique design of the programme allowed them to attend classes online everyday, from different locations and take their final exams on campus. A pleasant surprise that awaited them meanwhile—which dissipated their exam tension and filled them with delight—was the spanking new PG accommodation inaugurated on campus.

Dr. Parimal Mandke with the M Tech students in the Academic Block

Delighted by the facility, Mridul, an instructional designer and M-Tech student said:

“Wow! The paints are so bright and cheerful and the amenities awesome. I can easily binge on Maggi at midnight with the microwave in the room.”

On the work front, the students settled down, finalised the four-week long schedule, and got down to the business of studying. A grueling lineup of classes, assignments, presentations, tests, lab sessions and more classes followed. Our enthusiastic faculty, including Mentor Professor Vijay Mandke, and all other teachers, did not tire of instructing the students. If the M-Tech students spent 10 hours in class, the faculty spent 12 hours!

Completing the circuit, finally !

Referring to us as “The impressive new NIIT University”, Business Standard profiled the unique architectural features of the University which create an ideal environment for life on campus. At Neemrana, traditional thinking has come together with futuristic and sustainable living, to create NIIT University.

The University is designed to provide a world-class environment which facilitates a holistic development of students. Master-planned by UK based YRM (London) Ltd, a world-renowned campus planning firm, the University aims to provide a total living experience, which integrates classroom learning with tangible and intangible experiences outside the classroom and class-time.

Innovations on campus blend medieval architectural practices with contemporary buildings.  Despite soaring summer temperatures in Rajasthan, the campus temperatures will come down to about 27 degrees due to the network of earth-air tunnels that are being laid like an underground maze. About 1.6 km of these earth-air tunnels have already been laid.  When complete, they will be an estimated sixteen kilometers in length.  The compact architecture “will create shade and its own micro-climate” that will make the environment cooler rather than hotter.

The University’s building, inspired by the large walled cities of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer in particular, has “compact structures to create shadows”; a propensity to creating “frequent courtyards” and “a spine as a walkway or pedestrian promenade”.

The campus retains the scenic beauty of the Aravalis.  Eight water dams are being planned in the hills, and the University team has taken on the challenge of greening the campus as well as the surrounding hills with local varieties of trees, in large numbers.

Business Standard is impressed with the lighting system of NIIT University. Light shelves are created which are like window ledges that reflect the natural light on to the ceiling and throw it deep into each room. The east-west orientation for windows also allows the most natural light to enter buildings.  Most windows have been positioned to allow scenic views over the 750-acre range of the Aravalli hills.

The innovative architecture has also used solar heating panels, rainwater harvesting facilities and water recycling.

In its endeavor to provide its students the best on-campus facilities, the University has well-furnished single-seater, comfort-cooled rooms with laundry and dining facilities.  Each room is positioned to provide a beautiful view of the Aravali Hills. There is one Common Room in the hostel for every 12 students, equipped with television and other facilities.

To ensure the holistic development of the student, the campus offers a variety of extra-curricular activities. For the sports buffs, there is an on-campus sports facility which includes volleyball, basketball, cricket, football and table tennis. A student can also decide to pursue vibrant social and recreational activities such as yoga, forest walk, music, dance, and craft.

The students will also have the opportunity to develop their intellectual faculties through  interactions with eminent members of NU’s Board of Advisors or Founding Professors on a topic of contemporary interest.

These path-breaking efforts have led Business Standard to applaud NIIT University as a pointer to harness old and new technologies in large projects — townships or houses — in which ancient wisdom aids modern knowledge.

Click here to read the entire article from Business Standard

The NIIT University-Student interaction continued with an enlightening seminar, this time in the beautiful city of Chandigarh. The seminar, conducted at Yadavindra Public School (YPS), Mohali received an overwhelming response from an enthusiastic bunch of prospective students and their parents. The illustrious panel consisted of Mr. Rajendra S. Pawar, Pro-Chancellor, NIIT University, Prof M. P. Kapoor, Founding Vice Chancellor, NIIT University and Ms. Anita Kashyap, Vice-Principal, YPS, Mohali.

Mr. Pawar’s emphasis on the need to focus on research in technology captured the attention of all present: "We need more PhDs in India, as the focus is now on research." In the current scenario, the demand for PhDs is 10 times more than the supply. Mr. Pawar explained, "This, particularly because of the opening of the Indian economy in the last decade and the fact that we need to develop our own technical know-how.”

That is the reason why NIIT University is encouraging research at the highest level through PhD programmes in Computer Science and Engineering, Educational Technology, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology through two courses in MTech and one course in the BTech programmes" The enthusiasm of the students and parents was further evident in the long session of one-to-one counseling that followed the discussion.
The seminar received extensive media-coverage as well, with various leading newspapers lauding NIIT University’s efforts to develop ‘Technology Leaders’ for the future. Hindustan Times mentioned that NIIT University "aims at producing professionals with industry linkages, research oriented mindset and multi-faceted education."
Dainik Jagran noted that "NIIT University is all set to start its first academic session in September 2009. Located in the historic city of Neemrana in Rajasthan, the 100 acres fully residential green campus has been set up to develop engineers into tomorrow’s Technology Leaders." Indian Express wrote : "NIIT university is trying to replace the outdated teaching methodology with innovation, where and when it is possible."
Chandigarh Tribune reported: "NIIT University is organizing a series of seminars on engineering to help students who are at the threshold of making career-related decisions. The University is taking these seminars to schools to create awareness for building a successful career in engineering."
Similar encouraging reviews appeared in publications like Dainik Bhaskar, Amar Ujala and Punjab Kesri.

Economic Times

had some good things to say about NIIT University.  The article highlighted the core principles of NU: to deliver seamless education, create a research culture, build strong industry-linkages and create great careers for students, even while leveraging on existing strengths in technology. It spoke of innovative practices at NU – the range of courses offered, the constituents of the advisory committee, even the cooling system on campus! It pointed to the fact that NIIT University has chosen to focus on fostering research and will be offering Ph D and M Tech programs along with under-graduate level courses like B Tech.  This is an indication of its innovative approach. Also, the courses offered are the ones which are rooted in the emerging areas of knowledge society. The article talks about cutting-edge technology on the NU campus, like a Wi-Fi enabled facility, and synchronized learning technologies which allow students to overcome the boundaries of distance and connect with faculty in different parts of the world. NU has used innovation in the infrastructure of the campus as well. In wake of the global warming concerns, the NU campus has been made into a green campus, where special earth-air tunnels for cooling are being attempted to minimize the use of electricity for cooling. Moreover, the campus is only accessible via a pedestrian promenade. To bring the students closer to nature, the buildings have also been designed and constructed at different heights and elevations, following the natural contours of the land. NU has already taken this Green Campaign beyond the campus boundaries and has planted about 2000 trees on the hillocks in the surrounding area.

Hindustan Times raised this pertinent question faced by almost every B Tech graduate. The article highlighted the increasing demand for research-based education and proceeded to counsel students about its relevance. It pointed out that even though many bright B Tech graduates are interested in pursuing an M Tech degree, they are not confident that the degree will fetch them a good job. So they are forced to discontinue their engineering studies, and take up something which is considered to be more “placeable”. As a result, engineering research has lost some of the brightest minds to courses like M.B.A.  Hindustan Times challenges this perception by giving instances where engineering students are now choosing to remain in the domain of technology, believing that a Masters Degree will lead them to a good career. With an opening up of avenues in the research sector, post graduates in technology are expected to be in greater demand. The article quotes many academicians’ predictions that hot career options will be available for M Techs soon and the time is right to go for a Post Graduation in technology after the engineering degree. Rajendra S Pawar, Chairman NIIT Ltd. says, “Research and Development in the IT sector is witnessing a growth of 23 per cent per annum. The industry needs more and more engineers but all talented people don’t stay in the technology segment and move to management, depriving the industry of talent. It is seen, many a times, that less talented engineers go in for an M Tech while the bright ones foray into management. But the fact of the matter is that an M Tech can also earn as well as an MBA”.

Students are now realizing this trend, evident in the increase in the number of applications. For the overall 600 M Tech and Ph D seats in IIT Delhi, the number of applications has crossed 40,000, a 25-30% increase from last year.

These points were also raised by engineering aspirants at NIIT University’s seminar at IIT Delhi, which was a part of a series of seminars organized by NIIT University on “Engineering: Building Great Careers in Turbulent Times”.

In every seminar that NIIT University has organized to meet students and their guardians, the one question that is invariably asked is: “Is this the right time to even consider Engineering as a career, given the downturn?”

Add to this, a recent report confirmed some of the worst fears of tens of thousands of bright engineering aspirants, in which the Director of IIT Kanpur mentioned that only 130 companies turned up for placements on campus whereas 1200 had been invited. Consequently, IIT Kanpur’s 99% placement record fell to 74%.

While this worrying, it must be viewed objectively and with a long-term perspective. The fact is that fewer companies are hiring, not because there is a dearth of opportunities in engineering but because there is an overwhelming sense of uncertainty in the short-term: after all, if a corporation like General Motors can file for bankruptcy, who isn’t affected? The fact also is that this is a volatile environment and we need to get used to – not get depressed by it.

In a shifting situation, only those who are quick to adapt will survive. Both, institutions and individuals. For the more-established engineering colleges with a rigid curriculum, it is difficult to change rapidly. And this is understandable. However, for NIIT University, which is starting out in a difficult environment, there is no baggage to either carry or shed: when you have only the future to look forward to, it is easier to learn from the problems being faced by others and create a differentiator that works not only for the University but also for its students. Two aspects of NIIT University’s philosophy were conceived long before the slowdown and now seem to be great examples of foresight: industry-connectedness and seamlessness. The former will ensure that our programs are always industry-relevant and not only theoretical in nature; it will also provide ample opportunity to students to work in the corporate world and learn on the job. This is designed to make them more job-ready when they graduate.

Seamlessness was arrived at bearing in mind that students need flexibility and all-round education without any compromise. This is why NIIT University will provide scope for switching subjects if needed and will combine classroom lectures with research labs and a holistic mental-physical combo.

Bear in mind, too, that we are worrying about placements right now whereas our first batch will graduate in 2013 – four years from now when this slowdown will be far behind us, opportunities will have multiplied and employers will be hungry for better-trained engineers.

Will you then be ahead of the pack or part of the hassled herd?

Another seminar was held, this time at the Vasant Valley School, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi on June 3rd, attended by an enthusiastic group of prospective students and their parents.  The seminar was conducted by Mr. Rajendra Pawar, Pro-Chancellor, NIIT University and Chairman, NIIT Ltd, Prof M. P. Kapoor, Founding Vice Chancellor, NIIT University and Mr. Arun Kapoor, Director, Vasant Valley School.  An energetic discussion followed.  Here are some questions and answers from the session:

1.Sachendra Pratap Singh Sisodia (father)

What is the procedure for students who have done 10th from here and 12th from abroad. How will you consider the grade point scores?

Ans: NIIT University is certainly open to students who have done their 12th from a recognized system abroad.  Yes there is the issue of conversion of grade point scores to the percentage marks system acceptable in our environment.  We will do this by converting grade point scores to percentage marks by multiplying the grade point score on a scale of 10 by 9. E.g. Score of 6.8 X 9 = 61.2 %. Do not hesitate to apply.

2.Tarunima Prabhakar (student)

What is NU policy on reservations?

Ans: Thanks for your question. At present NIIT University does not have reservation of seats in the year 2009-10.

3.Pavitra Bawa (student)

You are giving 50% weightage for AIEEE.  But some of us do not do so well in these exams.  So what would my future be?  My rank should not stop me from applying for this University

Ans: Certainly, your rank in one examination should not deter you from applying to NIIT University. That is why NIIT University gives only 50 % weightage to JEE/ AIEEE score and considers three other performances (Class 10, 10+2 and Interview) for preparing the Merit List. Please see the website www.nituniversity.in for details.

4.Mr. Arora (father)

What is the difference between BE and B tech

Ans: As you must be aware, BE is Bachelor of Engineering and B Tech is Bachelor of Technology. The latter was introduced by IITs as IITs are Institutes of Technology and hence to distinguish the IIT degree from the degree of other institutions. However, this distinction has got completely blurred and should not be attributed any more meaning than just a nomenclature.

5.Sadhana Shukla.  (teacher)

Do you have scholarship for economically backward students? A number of students ask me, they never get opportunities.

Ans: In the year 2009-10, NIIT University will offer merit-based scholarships to top 15 % of enrolled B Tech students of an amount equivalent to full or part of the University fees. Please see the website www.nituniversity.in for details of fee structure.  For bright economically challenged students, NIIT University through its Affirmative Action Project, will create economic support for nationally identified and selected Class 12 pass-outs in the years to come.

6.Arvind Chawla (parent)

Are there special privileges for the girl child?

Ans: At the present time, we do not have special admission privileges for the girl child. They have to come through open competition.

7.Vinod Yadav (parent)

In terms of quality of education what are the ways in which you will measure?

Ans: Quality of education should be measured in terms of industry-relevance of curriculum, diversity of learning experiences for a student, level of preparedness of a student in applying research-oriented approach to solving complex problems, and response of the end-user (employer) to the product (graduate) in terms of acceptance.

8. Anuradha Singh (parent)

Please throw some light on fee structure and scholarship.  What percentage of students will get scholarships?

Ans: In the year 2009-10, NU will offer merit-based scholarships to top 15 % of enrolled B Tech students of an amount equivalent to full or part of the University fees. Please see the website www.nituniversity.in for details fee structure. All full time registered Ph D students would be required to offer half-time support in teaching/ research. In lieu of their services, they will be waived the University fee (Rs. 4,00,000/- pa) Further, every full time registered Ph D student would be paid a scholarship of Rs. 20,000/- per month.

9.Don’t you think there is too much time between merit list and start of session?

Ans: Yes there is. Since the NIIT University Campus is under development this year, it was not possible to schedule an early start of the semester. From next year onwards, the academic calendar of NU will be aligned with that of other premier institutions in the country