The Journey, not the arrival, matters.
T S Eliot
Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to share my journey of finally qualifying for the UGC NET English exam for Assistant Professor. What makes this achievement even more rewarding is that I accomplished it while working as an Assistant Professor of English and simultaneously pursuing my PhD. It took consistent effort, strategic planning, and the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, and I hope my experience can offer some guidance to fellow aspirants. Here’s a breakdown of what worked for me:
- Deconstructing the Syllabus: The First Crucial Step
The sheer volume of the UGC NET English syllabus can feel overwhelming. My first step was to download and thoroughly understand the syllabus for both Paper 1 and Paper 2. This helped me to create a roadmap for my preparation, fitting it around my existing work and research commitments. Knowing the specific topics for each paper allowed me to allocate my time effectively and avoid studying irrelevant material.
- Mastering Paper 1: A Balanced Approach
Paper 1 often feels like the deciding factor. Here’s how I tackled it:
Maths and Reasoning: Consistent Practice is Key: While these weren't my strongest areas, I made it a point to practice regularly. Even short daily sessions helped build confidence and improve problem-solving speed. Focus on understanding the fundamental concepts and common question types.
Data Interpretation and Reading Comprehension: My Scoring Zones: These were my favourite sections, and I leveraged them to boost my overall score. For Data Interpretation, I focused on understanding different types of charts and graphs and practicing quick calculations. For Reading Comprehension, I practiced reading diverse passages and answering questions accurately within the time limit.
Research Aptitude: Building on Prior Knowledge (and Current Research!): My ongoing PhD research and a paper I studied during my Master's on Research Methodology provided a significant advantage in this section. I focused on revisiting the basics and delving deeper into specific research methodologies and ethics. Engaging in research as part of my PhD program provided practical insights that complemented the theoretical knowledge. My MOOC on Academic Writing via SWAYAM proved invaluable in clarifying fundamental academic terms related to research.
Higher Education System: Staying Updated (and Observing First-hand!): Working within the higher education system gave me a unique perspective on this section. I made an effort to familiarize myself with the latest developments, particularly the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. I also explored resources like MOOCs, ShodhGanga, ShodhChakra, ShodhGangotri, Swayam, NPTEL, and Swayamprabha to understand their roles and significance in the Indian higher education landscape – many of which I've encountered in my professional life.
Practice with Test Papers: Solving test papers is essential for time management and understanding the exam pattern. The test papers from Upkar Publication provided me with valuable practice and helped me identify my weak areas, allowing me to tailor my limited study time effectively.
- Conquering Paper 2: Deep Subject Knowledge is Paramount (and Constantly Reinforced!)
For Paper 2, my strategy revolved around building a strong conceptual understanding of English Literature and Language.
Leveraging Online Resources: The videos by Kalyani Vallath ma'am on YouTube were incredibly helpful in clarifying complex literary concepts and theories. Her explanations were concise and easy to understand, fitting into my busy schedule. Vineet Sir's videos were also helpful for me. Sometimes I watch Kapil Sir's videos just to get the basic idea of any text in brief, and that too during my commute was indeed bliss!
Comprehensive Coverage of Literary History: The Encyclopedia of English Literature edited by Kalyani Vallath (all volumes) became my go-to resource for in-depth knowledge of authors, works, and literary movements. It provided a comprehensive overview necessary for Paper 2, supplementing my existing knowledge base from teaching.
Understanding the Evolution of Language and Literature: The History of English Language and Literature MOOC on SWAYAM (I also found a helpful YouTube playlist) provided a structured approach to understanding the historical development of the English language and its literature. This helped me contextualize literary works and movements, enriching my lectures and research. During my Graduation, I read Edward Albert's History of English Literature. Then I read Oxford History of English Literature by Andrew Sanders. Also explored some e-books for the same.
Revisiting Graduation Texts: It was crucial to have a strong foundation in the core texts from my graduation syllabus. Reading the original texts allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the nuances of language, themes, and literary techniques.
Strategic Preparation for Chronological Questions: Recognizing that chronological questions have become increasingly prevalent in the exam over the last two years, I adopted specific strategies to tackle them. I utilize a book specifically designed for practice with chronological ordering. Furthermore, I meticulously prepared lists of significant literary works, award winners, and key literary figures, organizing them chronologically in my own notebook. This active creation and regular review of chronological lists proved invaluable in answering these types of questions accurately and efficiently.
Targeting Difficult Areas: For some areas in Paper 2 that were either new to me or particularly challenging, I adopted a focused approach. I prioritized analyzing past years' questions from these specific topics to understand the exam's emphasis and the level of detail required. Subsequently, I selectively read relevant chapters from books and watched concise explanation videos on YouTube to build a foundational understanding without getting bogged down in excessive detail. This targeted strategy helped me gain familiarity and score in areas I initially found daunting.
Collaborative Learning: Being part of a WhatsApp group dedicated to UGC NET preparation proved immensely beneficial. Practicing questions daily with fellow aspirants and discussing concepts helped solidify my understanding and exposed me to different perspectives, providing a valuable supplement to my individual study amidst my professional commitments. This was particularly helpful in the month leading up to the exam.
- Key Takeaways for Success (Even with a Busy Schedule):
Understand the Syllabus Inside and Out: This is the foundation of your preparation, allowing for efficient time management.
Consistent Practice is Non-Negotiable: Even short, focused study sessions are crucial, especially for Paper 1.
Leverage Your Existing Knowledge: If you're already working in the field, connect your professional experience to the syllabus.
Utilize Available Online Resources: Platforms like SWAYAM and YouTube offer flexible learning options that can fit into a busy schedule.
Solve Previous Years' Papers: This is crucial for understanding the exam pattern and difficulty level and optimizing your limited study time.
Engage in Collaborative Learning: Even brief interactions with peers can enhance your understanding.
Stay Updated with Developments in Higher Education: Especially concerning NEP 2020, as it directly impacts your profession.
I hope my journey provides some inspiration and practical tips for your own preparation. Remember, even with this achievement, there are
'Miles to go before I sleep.'
Keep learning and keep growing!"
Very good
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