Competitive examination is a commonly used phrase that refers to evaluations where multiple candidates are competing for a limited number of positions. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with each word phonetically representing its individual sound. The first word, "competitive," is pronounced as /kəmˈpɛtətɪv/, while "examination" is pronounced as /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/. The combination of the two words forms a compound noun, with each word adding its own distinct meaning to the phrase. Competitive examination is often used as a measure of an individual's knowledge and skills, which are compared against those of others taking the same test.
A competitive examination is a standardized assessment conducted to evaluate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and aptitude of individuals seeking employment or admission to a specific educational program. These examinations are designed to measure the relative performance of candidates against each other, ensuring a fair and objective selection process.
Typically administered by government agencies or educational institutions, competitive examinations are highly competitive in nature, as they attract a large pool of candidates vying for a limited number of positions. Such exams often require extensive preparation and are known for their rigorous evaluation criteria.
Competitive examinations can cover various subjects or fields, ranging from academics, such as mathematics, science, or literature, to professional disciplines, like engineering, medicine, law, or civil services. These tests aim to assess candidates' eligibility, aptitude, knowledge, and problem-solving abilities in a specific domain.
The structure of a competitive examination may include multiple-choice questions, descriptive answers, analytical reasoning, practical assessments, group discussions, interviews, or a combination of these formats. The results obtained in these examinations are utilized to rank candidates based on their performance, with the top performers securing the available positions.
Due to their comprehensive and competitive nature, these examinations play a vital role in ensuring the selection of the most qualified and deserving candidates for academic or professional opportunities. They assist in maintaining the standards of education and employment, as well as fostering fair competition among individuals to contribute to social progress and overall development.
The word "competitive" originates from the Late Latin word "competitivus", which stems from "competere", meaning "to strive together". "Competere" is a combination of the prefix "com-" (meaning "together") and the verb "petere" (meaning "to seek" or "to aim for"). In this context, "competitive" signifies the act of striving or seeking to outperform others.
The word "examination" has its roots in the Latin word "examinare", which means "to weigh", "to test", or "to examine". It is derived from the noun "examen", which refers to scales or a balance. The concept of "weighing" or "testing" has been extended to the process of evaluating or assessing someone's knowledge or abilities.