IIT- JEE Exam Preparation Experience

On October 15, 2021, the results of IIT-JEE ADV were announced. Numerous aspirants’ households were filled with immense joy upon learning their results. Many others were seeking alternative opportunities, but there was a small percentage of aspirants, including myself, who had mixed reactions to their results. As it was my drop year, various unanswered questions surfaced in my mind at that moment. Although I did qualify in JEE ADV, the situation was far from straightforward.

Even though I perceive my result as the outcome of only six months of preparation, my formal journey began three years ago in 2018 when I achieved 94% in my CBSE Std. X exam and chose PCM to prepare for IIT JEE ADV. My decision was not based on a “Heard Mentality,” as I had thoroughly considered all the relevant facts. I was aware that over 40% of all billionaires had an engineering background, and engineers seemed to excel in various fields (with the exception of medicine, which would likely be dominated by engineers if allowed). Additionally, being a technology enthusiast, I genuinely believed that computer science engineering was the right path for me to pursue.

My initial attempt at IIT-JEE in 2020 turned out to be quite tragic, just like the events of that year. However, I found solace in the fact that I had successfully qualified for NDA 2019, which helped boost my confidence to some extent. Despite this achievement, it wasn’t enough to completely overcome the lack of confidence I was experiencing. While I managed to qualify in the JEE-Main exam with a 92 percentile, it fell below even my lowest expectations for the outcome.

During the peak of the 2021 lockdown, I dedicated myself to intensive preparations for my exams. Fortunately, my hard work paid off, and I saw significant improvement compared to the previous year’s results. In March 2021, merely four months after the declaration of IIT-JEE ADV 2020 results, I appeared for the JEE-Main 2021 exams and secured a 96 percentile. While this may not be considered an exceptional achievement by some, it holds great value for someone like me who started with very little prior knowledge. It serves as a testament to the fact that with diligent and proper preparation, one can perform well and achieve success. This should be encouraging and inspiring for all future aspirants.

As a repeater studying at home for JEE Mains, I adopted the following points:

1. Opt for Affordable Course: I chose a JEE preparation course that was reasonably priced, not exceeding INR 4000. I understood that an expensive course doesn’t necessarily guarantee success; it’s my consistent effort and dedication that determine the course’s effectiveness.

2. Recognise the Final Attempt: I acknowledged that this was my last attempt and not just a second chance. I understood that even the smallest carelessness could impact my future All India Rank (AIR), so I approached my preparations with utmost seriousness.

3. Establish a Structured Routine: Realising that this one year could shape my future, I created a disciplined daily routine. My focus was on essential activities such as sleeping, eating, studying, and incorporating a bit of exercise. I made sure not to engage in anything that wouldn’t contribute to improving my AIR.

4. Daily Video Watching: Watch all three subject videos (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) daily to stay up-to-date with the ongoing topics of the course you’ve chosen.

5. Take Comprehensive Notes: While watching the videos, make sure to take your own notes. Relying on self-made notes will be more effective for quick revision compared to using someone else’s notes.

6. Solve Daily Practice Problems (DPP): Complete the DPP every day and keep a separate “doubt copy” for questions you couldn’t solve. Review these questions over the weekend.

7. Allocate Study Hours: Set aside 4-5 hours daily for watching the lecture videos and an additional 3-4 hours for solving DPP questions. Also, dedicate 30 minutes in the morning to go through the notes of the previous day’s lectures. This constitutes the minimum amount of work a dropper should invest.

8. Enhance Critical Thinking: Improve your critical thinking skills by watching JEE-Advanced questions and solutions from Ashish Arora Sir’s YouTube channel, as it will help you tackle complex problems.

9. Use Question Banks: Purchase a question bank containing JEE Main questions from the past 10-15 years, organized by chapter. On weekends, after completing a chapter, solve these questions. Make sure to revisit the questions you couldn’t solve during your initial attempt.

10. Regular Mock Tests: Attempt a JEE Main test every two weeks or as per the course schedule. However, it’s equally crucial to devote time to discussing the questions from the test during the doubt-solving sessions. Learn from your mistakes and seek clarifications to improve your performance.

11. Attainable Success: By diligently following all the previously mentioned points, achieving a good percentile in JEE Main becomes highly attainable. Consistent efforts, proper time management, self-made notes, regular practice, and critical thinking skills are key ingredients for success in the exam.

Additionally, You must follow these YOUTUBE channels for your IIT-JEE ADV preparations

• Chemistry – IITian Explains
• Physics – Physics Galaxy

Remember, success in competitive exams like JEE Main requires persistence, hard work, and dedication. Stay focused, maintain a positive attitude, and keep pushing yourself to excel. With the right preparation strategies and consistent effort, you can increase your chances of performing well in the exam and achieving your desired results.

ALL THE BEST ☘️!