Considering the role engineers play in almost every single field today, it is hardly surprising the career has become the default option for a majority of Indian students. Even those unsure of where their interests or strengths lie, choose to first get an engineering degree before deciding on their career path. Not surprising therefore how engineering colleges and institutions have mushroomed all over the country.
Despite the large number of educational institutions offering courses in Engineering, for Indian students to be admitted to a good college without the need to pay exorbitant ‘capitation’ fees, they need to clear competitive entrance exams. One such entrance exam is the BCECE, or Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination, conducted by the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board. Today, we shall cover the details of this entrance test – its pattern, syllabus, important dates, as well as tips for its preparation – for Engineering aspirants. So here’s the ultimate guide to prepare for BCECE:
About BCECE
Constituted under the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Act, 1995, the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board conducts competitive examinations every year for admissions to Engineering colleges based in the state of Bihar.
Eligibility Criteria
The examination is state-level, and only Indian citizens with a domicile in Bihar are eligible to apply. Additionally, the candidate’s parents must be either permanent residents, registered refugees, or government employees of the state of Bihar. The candidates must’ve Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in their 10+2, along with any one elective subject from Chemistry, Biology, or Technical Vocational subject. They must’ve passed all subjects individually, and secured a minimum of 45% marks for the general category, or 40% marks for the reserved category.
Test Pattern
While the exam used to be conducted in two stages earlier, from 2018 onwards, the exam will be conducted in a single stage. The mode of the exam is offline (pen and paper based) and the total duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes, an hour and a half for each of the subjects – physics, chemistry and mathematics. There are a total of 100 multiple choice questions in each subject, with 4 marks awarded for each correct answer and a negative marking of -1 for every incorrect one.
Test Syllabus
The syllabus for the BCECE is based on the syllabus of Intermediate (I.Sc/+2/equivalent) Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Important Dates
Applications for the exam opened on 7th March, 2018, and would be accepted till 2nd April, 2018. The examination will be conducted on 29th April, 2018.
Tips to remember
Speed – With 100 questions to be solved in 90 minutes for each of the three subjects, your speed will be crucial to your success in this exam. Increase your speed of solving questions by practice various papers, test series, etc.
Work on the basics – You can only solve a complex question if you know the basic concept behind it. Do not forget to improve your conceptual knowledge by revising key concepts and basics.
Effective Study Material – To ensure your preparation is worthwhile, you need to follow good and effective books & study materials. It is always advisable to use NCERT textbooks for your basics.
Time Management – Go for smart study by creating a time table. Schedule your strategies and take guidance from experts or your seniors.
Avoid Stress – The key to a good performance at the day of the exam is to avoid any kind of stress and staying positive and confident.
Here’s wishing you all the best for your preparations.