How to Improve English Vocab for Competitive Exams?

How to Improve English Vocab for Competitive Exams:- In today’s professional world, having a strong command of English vocabulary is very important. Whether you are a student preparing for competitive exams or a working professional aiming to grow in your career, good English skills can make a big difference. In many fields, from business to science, and even government jobs, clear and confident communication is highly valued. Most competitive exams, including banking, SSC, or civil services, have a section that tests your English vocabulary. If your vocabulary is weak, you may lose marks or struggle with understanding the questions.

Improving your English vocabulary not only helps in exams but also builds your confidence when speaking or writing in formal settings. It becomes easier to explain your ideas, write emails, and face interviews. Learning new words daily, reading regularly, and using vocabulary in real-life situations can help you grow your word bank. Check How to Improve English Vocab for Competitive Exams from the article below.

Check Out: Book of English Vocabulary for All Competitive Exams

List of English Vocabulary

Whether you're a beginner or already practising English for competitive exams, knowing the right words can help you a lot. Most exams today have a section on general English for competitive exams, and understanding word meanings can make that part much easier. 

If you struggle with reading or don’t know what a word means in the question, you may lose marks. That’s why learning vocabulary for competitive exams should be a part of your daily routine. To help you with that, here’s a simple and clear list of useful words with their meanings.

Basic to Intermediate Vocabulary Words

This list of basic to intermediate vocabulary words is perfect for students and beginners who are just starting to improve their English. These words are commonly used in daily life, as well as in school and exam settings. Check out the list of English vocabulary here:- 

Advanced English Vocabulary Words

This section includes advanced English vocabulary words that are often found in competitive exams and professional writing. These words may not be used in everyday conversations, but they are useful for scoring high in exams and improving formal speaking and writing:- 

How to Improve English Vocab for Competitive Exams?

1. Read Simple English Daily

Reading is the best way to learn new words. Start with simple things like newspapers, short stories, or school-level English books. If a word seems new, note it down and look up its meaning. Reading helps you see how words are used in real sentences.

• Read one article or story every day

• Use a highlighter or notebook for new words

• Try “The Hindu” or “Times of India” for exam-style English

2. Learn 5–10 New Words Each Day

Don’t try to learn too many words at once. Just focus on 5 to 10 new words daily. Write the word, its meaning, and one example sentence. This method is simple and very useful for building vocabulary for competitive exams.

• Use a diary or word journal

• Revise old words before learning new ones

• Make your own example sentences

3. Use Flashcards or Word Apps

Flashcards are small cards with a word on one side and its meaning on the other. You can also use mobile apps like Magoosh, Vocabulary Builder, or Quizlet. These are fun and easy to use anytime.

• Revise flashcards while travelling or during free time

• Try to make flashcards for your daily 5 words

• Play vocabulary games on apps for better memory

4. Watch English Shows with Subtitles

Watching movies or TV shows in English helps you hear how words are pronounced and used. Choose simple shows and always turn on subtitles to read and understand better.

• Start with cartoons or children’s shows (they use simple words)

• Pause and repeat new words

• Write down 2–3 new words after watching

5. Speak and Write in English

Using the new words in your own speaking or writing helps you remember them. Talk to a friend, teacher, or yourself in English. Write short paragraphs or diary entries using new vocabulary.

• Speak English at home or with friends

• Write 3–5 lines using the new words you learnt

• Don’t worry about grammar, just try to use new words

6. Revise Weekly

Learning is not useful if you forget it. So revision is very important. Spend one day every week going over the words you learnt. This helps you remember them for exams.

• Set one day for revision (like every Sunday)

• Quiz yourself or ask someone to test you

• Use colours or stickers to mark important words

7. Learn Root Words and Similar Words

Many English words come from the same root. For example, “write,” “writer,” “writing” all come from the root word “write.” Learning such words together makes it easier to remember their meanings.

• Group words by topic (e.g., health words, money words)

• Learn opposites and synonyms too

• Make word webs or mind maps

8. Practice with Vocabulary Tests

Solving small vocabulary quizzes or general English for competitive exams worksheets helps you test yourself. Many free online tests are available for practice.

• Do 1–2 short quizzes a week

• Focus on your weak areas

• Use past exam papers to know common words

Read More: Static GK Topics for Govt Exams

English Vocab for Competitive Exams FAQs

Q1. Why is vocabulary important for competitive exams?

Ans. Vocabulary helps you understand questions better, answer correctly, and improve your reading, writing, and speaking skills, all of which are tested in exams.

Q2. How many words should I learn daily?

Ans. Start with 5–10 new words each day. It’s better to learn a few words well than to try too many and forget them.

Q3. What is the best way to remember new words?

Ans. Use the new words in sentences, revise them weekly, and practise with flashcards or small quizzes.

Q4. Can watching English shows help improve vocabulary?

Ans. Yes. Watching English shows with subtitles helps you hear and understand new words in real use.

Q5. Should I use a dictionary while learning?

Ans. Yes. Use a simple English dictionary to check meanings, pronunciation, and example sentences.