More than 1.5 lakh students will be sitting for the JEE this year, out of which only 10,000 will be selected for various IITs. In order to ace this exam, being brilliant is not enough, one has to have a systematic study programme in place and work hard, says Ramesh Batlish
Around 1.5 lakh candidates will qualify for JEE (advanced) which is scheduled on May 24, 2015 from which only 10,000 will make it to the IITs. Understandably, the competition is tough. A brilliant mind, though an essential requirement, is not sufficient to get you through to the qualifying stage.
A systematic study programme, hard work, and the right approach make a crucial difference. Two students of comparable intelligence can come out with drastically different results if their approach to the exam has been different. The right guidance can make all the difference.
While most students may be spending equal number of hours studying the main subjects, some may be taking the wrong approach to their preparation. For example, a student may be inadvertently spending more time on mathematics while giving lesser time to physics and chemistry.
This may hamper his effectiveness in the other two subjects. Similarly, some students may be spending a lot of time solving problems but not the right kind of problems that are of JEE level. Yet others may not be doing the problems in a time-bound manner which is very crucial to establish speed and accuracy.
There are still others who have weak concepts and stagger when dealing with concept-based questions. For students who are also appearing for Class XII Boards, there must also be enough time spared to revise the topics of Class XI even as the major focus is on the topics of the boards.
Since JEE is a test of the analytical skills as much as it is of knowledge in physics, chemistry and mathematics, what sets the winners apart is how much they have worked on their fundamentals. The focal points for preparation include building concepts, learning proper application of concepts, practicing JEE level problems while working on speed and accuracy.
Majority of the topics of JEE exam are also covered in Boards, hence it is recommended that one must prepare for both the exams simultaneously. The student must practice all NCERT problems, while brushing up JEE chapters. Here is how a student must prepare month-wise.
While January and February are over, there is still time for aspirants to get cracking. Since the Class XII exams have started, and students are already set for the Board students will have time to devote on JEE topics with a proper action plan. Students must prepare a chapter wise plan while revising.
Each of three subjects — physics, chemistry and mathematics are equally important. At least two to three hours must be spent on each subject on a daily basis solving JEE level problems. It will be the quality of time spent on self study that will count.
The syllabi of Class XI and XII contribute about 45 per cent and 55 per cent of IIT-JEE question papers respectively. Students are advised to avoid selective study in these three subjects. The reason being, the number of questions is more in the objective papers where there is intermingling of concepts from various topics. Keep this month — March for Board exams except for certain days when one can still solve IITJEE level problems in the gaps between exams. It is advisable to take a minimum of 10 mock tests in the new pattern from a reputed source and solve at least last five years IIT JEE papers before heading to the examination.
Once the student has completed the syllabi of Class XII, he can start taking mock tests for JEE (Main). These tests can be taken as part syllabi or full syllabi. The part tests cover topics of Class XI and Class XII separately whereas full syllabi tests are based on the complete Class XI and XII syllabi.
For better preparations, one can join a test series programme. These tests not only check the level of preparation of the individual for JEE but also make them aware about their command over the subject, speed, accuracy, strengths and weaknesses.
Another important aspect is time management. Divide time aptly among the three subjects and allocate certain time for practising Mock tests as well. Prepare a chapter-wise, topic-wise revision schedule and create short notes, list all formulae and points to remember. This will help in quick revision before the examination
Always attempt theoretical questions first and then questions which require calculation. It’s human nature that if you attempt a few confident questions in the beginning then you feel loaded with positive energy which increases your efficiency and speed for the rest of the paper. It is advisable to avoid numerical questions in the first 10 or 15 minutes of the exam.
Prioritise after a quick glance and start answering with the question you know best and move progressively to the ones you find difficult after attempting the complete paper. Don’t be nervous if you find the paper tough since it is the relative performance that counts. Hence put your best analytical mind to work, it will take you ahead.
Expert Coaching Classes help provide a good guidance to students with a focus on working for the competition. A high quality faculty which has been teaching aspirants for years can help you give the right direction and clear your doubts. Another benefit off coaching classes is periodic monitoring of performance through Tests & Analysis along with projected national level ranking.
(The writer is an expert at FIIT-JEE)