Most competitive exams throw up surprises that can catch you off guard. ---- When the structure of the question paper is changes, for instance with regards to the number of questions, the weightage given to each question and the time allotted for each section, it tends to break their pattern and hence puts them off.

(A) Most candidates tend to take mock tests and fall into a pattern of approaching a certain exam.

(B) One basic rule that holds good for all competitive exams, irrespective of the format, weightage and surprise changes is the fact that one needs to dedicate equal time to the various sections.

(C) Competitive exams test our basic quantitative, analytical and grammal skills and hence our success or failure in the past in other forms of exams and assessments will have little bearing on our performance in the competitive exams of today.