Strategies and Challenges in Selecting Elective Subjects for a CS Professional Exam

Choosing elective subjects as a Computer Science (CS) professional is a critical step towards achieving success in your professional journey. This article focuses on the strategic selection of subjects, especially when preparing for open book exams, and offers valuable tips and advice based on the requirements and challenges of the examination process.

Important Points for an Open Book Exam

When it comes to appearing for an open book exam, several important points must be strictly adhered to:

You are not allowed to consult your fellow examiners or exchange your study materials or notes with anyone else in the examination hall. Examiners are prohibited from carrying any electronic devices like laptops, tablets, iPads, palmtops, mobile phones, smartwatches, health bands, etc. or any other electronic gadgets. No blue tooth operated devices or scientific/programmable calculators are allowed in the examination hall.

Approach to the Paper and Preparation Strategy

One of the common mistakes made by CS aspirants is not reviewing the study material before the exam, considering it a straightforward task. While this approach should be avoided, you also don't need to study the paper intensely as it may lead to unnecessary stress and fatigue. Here are some key strategies to secure good marks in an open book examination:

1. Familiarity with Study Material

The best way to prepare is to get thoroughly familiar with your ICSI study material and notes. Create a comprehensive master index that includes all the sub-topics and not just the ones covered in the index. This will ensure that you cover all the required areas of the syllabus and not miss any crucial details.

2. Highlight Important Content

Make sure to highlight key words and statements in your books that you believe will enhance the quality of your answers. This will also save you time during the exam as you won't have to spend much time crafting your answers. Keep your books and notes neat and organized for easy access during the exam.

3. Organized Notes and References

If you plan to refer to your notes, make sure they are well organized and properly numbered. This will make it easier for you to find specific information quickly and efficiently, thereby saving valuable time.

Selecting Elective Subjects

The ICSI offers several elective subjects to choose from, including:

Banking - Law and Practice Insurance - Law and Practice Intellectual Property Rights - Laws and Practices Forensic Audit Direct Tax Laws and Practice Labour Laws and Practice Valuation and Business Modelling Insolvency - Law and Practice

The choice of elective can depend on your interests and career goals. However, it is important to select a subject that not only aligns with your academic strengths but also provides a competitive edge in the job market. For example, intellectual property rights can be beneficial if you are interested in IT-related legal issues, while forensic audit can be useful in the fields of risk management and internal auditing.

Structure of the Question Paper

The structure of the question paper for the elective subjects varies slightly:

Subjects 1-6 and 8: There will be a total of six questions. Question number 1 will carry 40 marks and will be case study based, comprising of 1000 to 1500 words. Questions 2-6 will carry 12 marks each and will have a practical orientation. Subject 7: There will be a total of six questions as well. Question number 1 will be a case study based question carrying 40 marks and comprising of 1000 to 1500 words. Questions 2-4 will be of 10 marks each, and questions 5 and 6 will be carrying 15 marks each.

Attempting the Elective Subject

The main reason many students fail in these exams is lack of strategic planning. They often open the book on the examination day and start copying word by word, which often results in not completing the paper, missing key words and statements, and lowering the quality of answers. Here are some tips to help you pass:

Answer the questions you are familiar with first before opening the book for others. This will help you complete the exam on time. Avoid copying information from the book word by word and presenting it as your answer. The main goal is to test conceptual clarity, and doing this would defeat the purpose of the exam.

With the right preparation and strategic approach, you can overcome the challenges of an open book exam and excel in your chosen elective subject. Remember, the exam is not just a test of memory but also of your understanding and application of concepts.