Reflections on My JEE Preparation Journey
Every journey has its highs and lows, and my JEE preparation journey has been no exception. It was a transformative period that ultimately changed the course of my life. However, the impact wasn't always positive, leaving me with mixed feelings.
A Prelude to Change
My JEE preparation journey began in 2012, when I joined a reputed institute for coaching. I was never one who aspired to become an IITian or NITian, but the pressure from my parents and the societal expectation to excel in such exams consumed me. With no other interests at the time, I devoted all my energy to my JEE preparation. This meant giving up on hobbies, my sleep schedule, and even my health. Yet, amidst these sacrifices, I found a vibrant and competitive friend circle.
The reality, however, was harsher than I could have imagined. Despite my efforts, I found myself in the least challenging shift in JEE and only managed to secure a sufficient percentile just to qualify for the advanced exam. This moment of truth revealed to me the importance of mindset, as the result wasn’t as meaningful as the journey itself.
Striving for Excellence
My preparation journey can be divided into several phases. Initially, I focused on the easier chapters, such as units and dimensions, sets, and stoichiometry. Through rigorous practice and consistent performance in tests, I excelled and scored 252/360 in the AIEEE (now known as JEE Main) and 92 marks in the Advanced test. This catalyzed my later efforts to maintain and improve my performance.
To stay ahead, I referred to a variety of materials, including Cengage physics, Irodov, and Anurag Mishra’s books for advanced problems. Surprisingly, I didn't find the need to cover HC Verma, as the material from my coaching was already challenging enough. In mathematics, I relied on the extensive practice in the Black Book and Vikas Gupta’s coordinate geometry, whereas in chemistry, NCERT was the cornerstone for inorganic chemistry. For physical chemistry, I only referenced N. Avasthi's Level-2.
Tests and Improvement
The most crucial aspect of my preparation was regular tests. They not only helped me improve my performance but also significantly raised my speed. The lowest marks I achieved in a MAINS test were 125/360, and in an ADVANCED test, it was 48. These were not ideal, but they pushed me to not get demotivated and to continue striving towards my goal.
I consistently ranked in the top 50 in all India tests until my 12th standard. By the time my syllabus was finished in November, I had ample time for mock tests and revision. My main method of revision was to give mock tests and analyze my mistakes for improvement.
Navigating the Exam and Reflections
Exams were nerve-wracking, but I kept a steady focus and avoided panic. I felt the 2014 JEE paper was particularly difficult, but I managed to secure a position that was sufficient for admission to IIT Bombay’s Computer Science course. The happiness of my parents on the day of the result was immense, and my hard work finally paid off.
Reflecting on this journey, it's clear that mindset and perseverance were the most significant factors in my success. While it was a challenging time, the lessons I learned and the experiences I gained will undoubtedly benefit me in the future. May your journey to JEE inspire and support you in your pursuit of excellence.
Conclusion
My JEE preparation journey was a long and thrilling process filled with ups and downs. It taught me the importance of dedication, self-belief, and the resilience to face challenges. It was indeed a defining period that shaped my future. To all future JEE aspirants, I extend my best wishes for your success and hope the lessons from my experience will guide you on your path.
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