Before starting with the preparation, it is important that candidates are aware of the general pattern of top MSc entrance exams in India.According to Shiksha expert, Ruchika, “MSc entrance exam pattern usually includes MCQs that are both aptitude and subject related.”Aspects about the entrance exam that candidates should be aware about before appearing for the test are as listed below:

• Mode: While most MSc entrance exams are conducted in the offline mode, some important exams such as IIT JAM are conducted as computer-based tests. Therefore, candidates who are especially aiming at clearing exams like IIT JAM must give some online mock tests in order to get a hang of the computer-based entrance tests.

• Duration: Duration of most of the top MSc entrance exams such as NEST and TIFR Entrance Exam is typically three hours. However, the duration might change depending on the college/ university policy and/ or the MSc subject a candidate is giving the exam for.

Read: Integrated MSc admissions at Coimbatore Institute of Technology

• Type of questions: Questions that appear in MSc entrance exams are usually objective-type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). However, few MSc entrance exams also include numeric questions. For instance, IIT JAM exam contains a different section for numeric questions, called Numerical Answer Type (NAT). Here, the answer for each question is a number.

• Marking scheme: Marking scheme for most MSc entrance exams is such that 1 – 3 marks are awarded for each correct answer and 0.5 – 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Therefore, candidates are recommended to mark their answers carefully. For exams where negative marking exists, candidates are also recommended not to attempt a question if they are unsure of the answer.

• Number of questions: Total number of questions usually varies in different MSc entrance exams depending on the pattern a college/ university is following. However, an MSc entrance exam can typically have questions ranging from 60 – 150.

• Total marks: Similar to the total number of questions, total marks that a candidate can score in an MSc entrance exam also vary. However, maximum marks that candidates can score in the entrance exam can range from 100 – 450.

Know MSc entrance exam syllabus

The syllabus for MSc entrance exams is generally released by the organising college/ university well in advance on their official website. Candidates are recommended to prepare each and every topic mentioned in the syllabus thoroughly to perform well in the exam.