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Internet of Things (BCS070) AKTU exam strategy

Focus on Unit 2 (Hardware & Embedded Platforms for IoT) and Unit 1 (IoT Foundations & Design Principles for Connected Devices). Together they account for about 79 marks among all questions printed per paper. Unit 3 (Network & Communication Aspects in IoT) is safest to skim if you're short on time.

Unit priority

  • Unit 2 (Hardware & Embedded Platforms for IoT) – Must Prepare, 46 marks avg. Unit 2 (Hardware & Embedded Platforms for IoT) averages 46 marks per paper — one of the heaviest units in this subject. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology and Embedded Computing Basics have appeared in every paper analysed — these are must-dos. Must-do: Overview of IoT-Supported Hardware Platforms, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology, Embedded Computing Basics, Actuators.
  • Unit 1 (IoT Foundations & Design Principles for Connected Devices) – High Priority, 33 marks avg. Unit 1 (IoT Foundations & Design Principles for Connected Devices) averages 33 marks per paper — one of the heaviest units in this subject. Internet of Things: Foundations and Design Principles for Connected Devices have appeared in every paper analysed — these are must-dos. Must-do: Internet of Things: Foundations, Design Principles for Connected Devices, M2M Communication.
  • Unit 5 (IoT Design Challenges & Applications) – High Priority, 28 marks avg. Unit 5 (IoT Design Challenges & Applications) averages 28 marks per paper — one of the heaviest units in this subject. Challenges in IoT and IoT Applications have appeared in every paper analysed — these are must-dos. Must-do: Challenges in IoT, IoT Applications.
  • Unit 4 (Programming the Arduino) – Medium Priority, 26 marks avg. Unit 4 (Programming the Arduino) averages 26 marks per paper — one of the heaviest units in this subject. Arduino Platform: Board Anatomy and Arduino IDE & Coding have appeared in every paper analysed — these are must-dos. Must-do: Arduino IDE & Coding, Arduino Platform: Board Anatomy, Programming Arduino for IoT, Arduino Libraries & Additions.
  • Unit 3 (Network & Communication Aspects in IoT) – Safe to Skim, 25 marks avg. Unit 3 (Network & Communication Aspects in IoT) averages 25 marks per paper — one of the heaviest units in this subject. Data Aggregation & Dissemination has appeared in every paper analysed — these are must-dos. Must-do: Data Aggregation & Dissemination, MAC Protocol Survey, Sensor Deployment & Node Discovery, Routing Protocol Survey.

Topics AKTU keeps repeating

  • Internet of Things: Foundations: Asked in 4 out of 4 papers. If you prepare only one topic from its unit, make it this one.
  • Design Principles for Connected Devices: Asked in 4 out of 4 papers. If you prepare only one topic from its unit, make it this one.

Short on time?

  • Among all units, Unit 3 (Network & Communication Aspects in IoT) is the lowest priority at 25M avg. If you're running low on time, prioritize the top 3 units and give this one a quick read. But even here — Data Aggregation & Dissemination, MAC Protocol Survey, Routing Protocol Survey are high-repeat topics. Cover these at minimum to stay safe.

How the paper is marked

  • Section A: 7 questions × 2 marks = 14 marks. Short definition/concept questions from all 5 units. Prepare 2–3 key definitions per unit — this section is the easiest 14 marks you can secure.
  • Section B: Attempt any 3 of 5 questions × 7 marks = 21 marks. Choose the 3 questions from units you've prepared most. Don't attempt all 5 — pick your strongest 3 and write them well.
  • Section C: 5 OR-pairs × 7 marks = 35 marks. One pair per unit — you must attempt all 5. This is where the exam is won or lost. Focus your deep preparation on the top 3 priority units.

Exam-day tips

  • Start with Section A to build momentum — budget 15–20 minutes max for all 7 questions.
  • In Section B, Unit 2 (Hardware & Embedded Platforms for IoT) questions have the highest repeat rate — always attempt that one first.
  • For Section C OR-pairs, read both options before choosing — sometimes the 'b' option is simpler despite appearing longer.
  • If you've prepared the VERY LIKELY topics, you can comfortably score 50+ marks without touching any new topic on exam day.
  • This strategy is based on 4 papers — strong foundation, keep an eye on emerging topics.