It is a grossly mistaken version that KAS exam is all about the quantum of knowledge in your nerves, otherwise why would so many seemingly knowledgeable aspirants fail to break this nut. Notwithstanding the knowledge factor alone, this exam therefore, is also a test of your persona. An exhaustive analysis would reveal that it is the proper blend of the right mental attitude and of course a good knowledge pack that forms the basic recipe of success, if any, for qualifying this three tier marathon.
Although there are surely no shortcuts and certainly no quick fix formulae to break this nut, but nevertheless there are certain factors which do substantially improve your chances of qualifying this exam. These quintessential factors include the art of ‘conditioning your personality’ and ‘strategizing or planning your study and exams’. These factors have been classified and described as under:
Condition your personality: KAS exam is, in fact, a battle of personalities wherein a slew of your traits like determination, balance of mind, confidence, mental toughness, besides comprehension and  sagacity  are put to a rigorous test. It therefore assumes extraordinary importance that you as an aspirant have a positive attitude, remain confident and of course  ‘know yourself’ before taking  the quintessential Mains head on.
Know yourself and be yourself: The fact that you are a unique individual and different from your competitors makes it imperative that you take all your decisions based on a proper insight about your strengths and weaknesses. A dispassionate self evaluation and introspection (which they call SWOT analysis) would entail a better decision making and make your choices and decisions easier and accurate; when studying and also while writing your papers. Remember: your first competition lies with your own self. Therefore beat all odds within yourself before you actually meet your competitors in the Mains marathon. 
Keep a positive attitude: It is true that a proper positive attitude multiplies knowledge. As this exam, particularly the Mains, tests your resolve and determination at every stage, a focused positive attitude is therefore the first prerequisite that takes an aspirant towards his goal. And please don’t let the thoughts of failure destroy your rhythm and confidence. Remember this exam lasts for almost three years, therefore there is every chance that negative thoughts and boredom may crop in and wither your confidence and determination. It is where you require a rock solid attitude and a genuine ‘killer instinct’ to remain spot on, despite unnerving hiccup and moments of frustration.
Confidence and self belief: A constant display of self belief and mental toughness during times of study and while appearing for the Mains do play a vital part in determining the chances of your success and shaping the final outcome of results.
Make your study plan: Planning always makes execution easier. A proper study plan, particularly during these last days before Mains, assumes paramount significance as it concerns about ‘how’, ‘what’ and ‘how much’ you study and how best you wrap up and revise what you have already covered. These final moments are of course deciding moments, therefore stick to a study plan, set out daily targets and put in your best efforts in fulfilling those targets towards making proper revisions. Make your revision plans as per the date sheet and please make them as practicable as possible, because unaccomplished targets during these final moments can lead to unnecessary anxiety and  frustration. 

Specific Tips For Those Who Fear The Mains:
Mains is always a tight rope walk towards success. Remember, it is never the knowledge alone that sails you through, but the skilful interpretation of that knowledge on your answer sheet that makes the difference. Be sure you make a comprehensive revision of all the topics previously covered in both G.S and Optionals. Those of you who have the habit of making notes will find if easier to get revisions completed within time. Revisions will undoubtedly do a world of good to your confidence and self belief. And please do be mindful of the following during these stressful final moments:
Polish Your writing skills: Unlike the Prelims. in Mains which is a descriptive  exam, your knowledge and worth will be judged only through your answers. Remember that every word or sentence written there will speak volumes about your personality and thus make or mar your chances in the final outcome. Therefore try to develop your writing skills and make sure that you write quality answers, instead of just bulking the answer sheet with every unnecessary account. Your answer must be brief yet comprehensive, appropriate, objective, coherent and written in proper sequence (important points first) without repetition of ideas. Remember, a number of otherwise hopeful aspirants who fail to qualify  the  Mains, do upon introspection, realize that they had made a mistake by just filling the answer sheet with exaggerated, confusing answers, which somehow fails  to  impress the  experts evaluating your answer sheets.
Stress management: KAS exam is all about keeping your nerves, particularly during these final moments and also while writing your papers in the exam hall. Those who tend to buckle under the enormity of this pressure do oftentimes commit silly mistakes and  perform well below their real potential , which ultimately  cost them dearly. On the contrary those who face these pressure moments bravely perform better and of course earn some extra points over their competitors. Do keep that ‘fear of failure’ miles away from yourself because once it crops in your mind, it will weigh heavily on your nerves and overpower you. Just focus on doing your bit and performing to the best of your capability rather than bothering about the results (success or failure) beforehand. Try to keep your spirits high and enjoy these final moments. Don’t let anything destroy your equanimity and poise. And please don’t forget that ‘prayer and meditation’ are the best way of de- stressing yourself during these decisive, stressful days.
Time management: Time is the most valuable resource and without making the optimum use of which you cant even think  of  writing your success story. Whether it is preparation time before Mains or time in the exam hall, the winners will always keep cautious that no time gets wasted. Do plan your time in the hall with such a precision that every question is attempted properly. It is always better to divide your time by allotting a few minutes tentatively to each question before you actually start writing. Begin by attempting those questions over which you  have a comparatively better grip, keep gaining confidence with every attempted question and finish if off with ease and elegance with an eye off course  on the  time frame.
Mock exercises: It is always advisable to get your hands on question papers of previous Mains exams and keep attempting those, which will off course form the best mock exercise in the run up to your Mains.  Mocks will surely help in providing a fair amount of insight about your skills in actually handling and attempting the questions within the devised time limit and provide you a chance to fix the grey areas and make improvements thereon.
They say the road towards success is bumpy. But the winners make use of even those bumps to climb up the precipice of success and glory. Just be sure that you conquer your fears and hiccups well before the final marathon. Enter the examination hall not like a loser with drooping shoulders, but as  a winner with a rock solid  attitude and a will to conquer.

(Waseem Raja (2004 batch) presently works as Project Officer in Social Welfare Department. Reach him rajawasim.kas@gmail.com)

Lastupdate on : Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST