DEALING WITH OMR SHEETS

 

Welcome back to my blog.

In today’s post, I will cover something that is seemingly trivial at first but plays a major role during the actual examination: the OMR sheet. The OMR sheet has the potential to be a game-changer. Here are some tips on how to practice effectively and improve your OMR handling skills.

 

1.      Regular Practice.

I always stress the importance of practicing regularly. Many people take online mock exams, and I used to do the same. However, when I took my first exam using an OMR sheet, I realized that marking answers on the OMR sheet took more time and was different from online practice. When using the OMR sheet, I attempted fewer questions and my accuracy decreased. It's important to practice regularly using an OMR sheet to adjust your timing for the actual exam.

2.      Do not fill out the OMR sheet after every question.

It's best to avoid filling out the OMR sheet question by question, as it can be time-consuming. Since the exam is passage-based, it's better to fill out the OMR sheet after completing each passage. It's also recommended not to wait until the end to fill out the sheet, as you may run out of time and miss marking some answers, or make errors while doing so.

(I hope and pray, that no one faces this situation. 😭)

 

3.      When you practice, don’t take extra time to fill in the details.

I've observed that quite a few individuals tend to take additional time to carefully fill in their details on the OMR sheet. In certain institutes, candidates are given extra time during practice exams to complete this task. However, it is advisable to cultivate the habit of providing these details within the stipulated 2-hour timeframe, as the provision of extra time may vary depending on the exam center. I didn't encounter any difficulties during my exam even though my center did not offer extra time, since I was already accustomed to filling in my details within the allocated 2-hour window.

 

4.      Preserve the copy of your OMR sheet carefully.

I was puzzled by the exam instructions regarding how to obtain a copy of my OMR. I always had a lingering question: "How will I get a copy of my OMR?" Well, you will receive a packet containing the question paper, the original OMR, and a carbon copy attached to the OMR sheet. As you mark the answers on the sheet, they will also be marked on the carbon copy. It is important to keep this copy, as it will allow you to verify your answers when the answer key is released and to raise any objections if necessary.

 

Mastering the art of handling an OMR sheet is an essential part of exam preparation. By regular practice, strategic filling of the OMR sheet, and timely completion of personal details, you can enhance your performance and accuracy during the exam. I hope these tips can make a significant difference in managing time and avoiding errors, ultimately leading to a smoother exam experience. Incorporating these practices into your preparation routine will undoubtedly contribute to better performance on D-Day.