Jharkhand State topper in JEE Advanced Amal Prasad bagged AIR 49 this year and made the State proud with his achievement. Prasad secured 96.4 per cent marks in Class XII from JVM Shyamali and is now preparing to make a career in computer sciences with education at IIT, Delhi. In a candid conversation with The Pioneer, Prasad said that it is very important to keep a positive attitude for success. Excerpts:
When did you start planning for IITIJ
Since my childhood I wanted to go for IIT. Watching others qualify for IIT especially my brother Anagh Prasad who bagged AIR 66 in 2013 motivated me to go for IIT. Right now he is studying Computer Science in IIT Delhi and I also wish to do the same. I started my actual preparation in class 11 when I joined FIITJEE.
Whom would you like to thank for your successIJ Tell us about your inspirations and motivations.
I would like to thank my Family for giving me constant moral support during my preparations. I would also like to thank my teachers at FIITJEE and school. My brother Anagh Prasad was a constant guide and inspiration for me throughout.
What were your strategies while preparing for IITIJ
I never bounded my work in time. I used to study as much as I can. The only strategy that I followed throughout was to complete the work target that was fixed by my teachers as well as by me. I never kept room for guess works and always tried to clear each and every concept. Regular revision and practice were other things that I never left behind. Besides, I always enjoyed my studies. I never saw it as a burden.
What kind of problems did you face while preparing for IIT and how did you handle itIJ
like everyone it took me some time to cope with the vastness of the syllabus for IIT, but gradually I became comfortable with it. Two years are enough to cover the whole syllabus. We used to have regular tests at both FIITJEE and school and like everyone again it happened sometimes that I scored low. Competition was another thing that I was experiencing during that time. But, I gradually improved myself. In fact these things actually helped me to perform well.
How did you handle stress during the preparation periodIJ
I used to play badminton and watch movies sometimes.
Were you active on social mediaIJ
No, I was not very active on social media during these years. I used to access it once in a while.
Do you think that one can crack JEE without coachingIJ
One can crack IIT without coaching but for decent ranks coaching is helpful. FIITJEE provided a framework to my study patterns and regular tests helped me to know about the loopholes in my preparations. I was more oriented towards Physics and Maths as compared to Chemistry. Teachers at FIITJEE helped me prepare according to my interests.
Was there any difference between preparing for JEE Mains and AdvancedIJ
Preparation for JEE Advanced requires a bit more effort than Mains. IIT Advanced was my priority always.
I secured 251 Rank in JEE Mains which was a bit low for me but then I gave more focus on Advanced.
How did you manage both school and coaching classesIJ
One needs to maintain proper balance between everything. Hard work and proper balance are the only ways by which one can achieve success. Along with this support of people also plays a major role. My teachers at JVM Shyamli were very cooperative throughout.
What are your suggestions for IIT aspirantsIJ
Hard work is the only way by which you can achieve success. Your attitude has a major role to play in your success. You should be focused for only one thing, that to without any backups.
You have to be determined throughout this period. Also lagging behind with preparations is never an option.