In objective tests, the candidate does not have to write the answers (except perhaps in a descriptive area - essays, precise and short notes). He has to only tick off the right choice (from the many choices given). He has to be precise. It is either right or wrong. It is a no nonsense type of test. There is no scope for ambiguity.

Knowledge of the basic facts of the test areas is important. In fact, even if the question is worded in a different way, the candidate should be in a position to detect the right choice. Guess work does not help much, since the multiple choices seem to be almost correct. Ticking off the right answer is essential, as a wrong choice attracts negative marking. Among the many advantages claimed for the objective type of tests, the chief one is that it compels the test taker to commit himself to selecting his response in a manner which clearly proves his knowledge (or the absence of it) in a test area. More than knowledge, it is necessary to cultivate an analytical approach and a sense of discrimination to hit the right choice.

Purpose of Objective Tests: The purpose of these is to find out whether the candidate has the necessary aptitude to undergo the course he wishes to study and succeed in the job he wishes to take up.

A management course entrance test such as the GMAT or that of the IIM (CAT) is designed to measure the abilities and skills required to undergo training in management. The GRE is designed to find out general scholastic ability. It has been found that the higher a candidate scores in these tests, the better are his chances of success during actual education and training.

The tests at the lower end (which you take after your 12th standard) test you more for your knowledge then your abilities. But the tests at the higher end (which you take after graduation), test you more for your abilities than your knowledge. Apart from the test marks, your performance in the group discussion and personal interview, along with your academic record are all taken into consideration during selection. But most entrance examinations place more weightage on marks obtained in the objective test.

Hence it is necessary to cultivate the requisite skills or abilities over a period of time.

What abilities/skills are you required to develop?
Verbal Ability: Verbal ability tests your knowledge of basic English grammar and usage. You may speak good English, but you should be thorough with the grammar you had studied in school. In choosing the answers, you are expected to follow the requirements of standard written English, that is to pay attention to the grammar, choice of words, and sentence construction. You have to choose the answer that produces the most effective sentence - clear and exact, without awkwardness or ambiguity. Hence brushing up your knowledge of grammar is very essential.

Vocabulary too is very important : You may have good vocabulary, but you need to polish it further. In fact, vocabulary - the stock of words you can use with ease - is considered a point of intelligence and hence of excellence in a man. You are required to know synonyms, antonyms, and relationships between pairs of words and sentence completion. You can also improve your pronunciation of words.

Reading Comprehension: Are you a good reader? If so, how many words can you read per minute? 200? Then your reading speed is not much to boast of. The average reading speed is somewhere between 300 and 350 words per minute, 500 to 550 is considered excellent. But speed in reading taken by itself has no meaning. The most important question is whether you read clearly, exactly in the same light as the author wants you to comprehend his meaning. Do not get carried away if you can read novels fast. The reading matter in these tests is of functional variety, requiring active attention. The purpose of these tests is to see how well you grasp the contents of a piece of writing and how fast. You are required to answer the questions given at the end of each passage. The passages, however, are not highly technical in content or style. You should try to continuously improve your reading comprehension ability. You could time yourself to see how many words you can read in a given time.

(Some tests may test your listening comprehension ability, so you could also try to improve your listening capacity.)

Critical Reasoning: In these type of questions, what is tested is your ability to draw inferences from a given statement, recognise the assumptions underlying the given statement. Examine the validity of an assumption in the light of given subsequent statements. Evaluate the arguments and counter arguments.

Problem solving/Quantitative Ability: This test usually covers Problem Solving, Data Interpretation and Data sufficiency. All these areas require a sound back ground in the basics of Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry of the 10th,11th and 12th standard, a good knowledge of everyday facts and robust common sense.

In Data Interpretation you are required to interpret data from graphs, charts and tables. This could involve determining the trends across years, calculating growth rates, ratios and percentages.

In Data sufficiency each of the problems consist of a question and two statements (1) and (2), in which certain data is given. You have to decide whether the data given in the statement is sufficient for answering the question.

You cannot afford to forget what basics you have learnt in the Mathematics in your 10th,11th, and 12th standards. Practice/Solve problems in your spare time. Time yourself. In such tests you are asked to answer between 150-180 questions in 120 minutes (two hours) hence you get less than a minute per question. Speed is important.

Logical and Analytical Reasoning: Each question or group of questions is based on a passage or set of conditions. The questions on logical reasoning usually consist of a passage followed by questions, which require out the logic underlying the arguments made in the passage. The questions on analytical reasoning are usually based on series of conditions. You are required to select the best choice while ensuring that none of the conditions are violated.

You can improve your logical and analytical reasoning skill by solving such problems regularly.

General Knowledge: Some questions on general knowledge are also asked. These are based on current affairs/topics relating to politics, business, technical, finance and cultural area. Make it a point to read a good newspaper everyday. Read good magazines and books. Listen to the news everyday.

Moreover keep your eyes and ears open and learn from the world around you.

Group Discussion and Personal Interviews: Improve public speaking prowess, take part in extra curricular activities, and be a good organiser.