Hi, I’m Kaushik, currently pursuing B.Tech in CSE. Here’s my story and experiences from my JEE preparation journey during 12th grade.
Discovering JEE and Engineering
Like many others, I became aware of JEE and IIT at the end of 11th grade. At that point, I wasn’t deeply informed but was curious. After finishing my 11th exams, I began exploring career paths, particularly in high-tech industries. It was clear to me that engineering was the right choice. My research introduced me to the JEE examination and its significance in pursuing engineering.
Preparation for JEE
When I entered 12th grade, I decided to focus on my studies with dedication. My preparation strategy was simple:
- Self-Study: I relied solely on online resources without enrolling in any paid courses.
- Efficient Time Management: Within 3-4 months, I completed over 80% of the 12th-grade syllabus and then started revising 11th-grade topics.
The Challenge: Inconsistency
As time passed, I faced a common problem—inconsistency. Like many other aspirants, I struggled to maintain a steady pace in my studies.
Joining a Coaching Institute
To overcome my inconsistency, I decided to join a coaching institute. My reasons for doing so were:
- Competing with peers in a real-life environment.
- Regaining consistency in my studies.
- Practicing mock tests in a structured setting.
The teachers at my institute were supportive and passionate. Interestingly, it wasn’t a highly recognized institute but a local JEE prep center. Despite this, the guidance I received was invaluable.
However, after a few months, I left the institute due to personal reasons and shifted back to self-study. I still believe joining an institute is beneficial and recommend every aspirant experience it at least once.
Exam Hustle: Key Strategies
As the exam approached, I refined my preparation strategy:
- Small Revision Notes: I created concise notes and stuck them around my room for quick revisions.
- Consistent Revision: Regularly revisited topics to reinforce my understanding.
- Completing Leftover Topics: Focused on areas I hadn’t covered yet.
- Mock Tests: Practiced regularly in a timed environment.
- Previous Year Papers: Solved past papers to understand the exam pattern.
- Avoiding Overwhelming Topics: Steered clear of overly tough topics that consumed too much time and energy.
The Day of JEE
When the exam day arrived, I was calm and composed. My efforts paid off, and I scored 89.94 percentile. One thing I am proud of is the patience and focus I maintained during the exam—it made all the difference.
Conclusion: Lessons and Reflections
Looking back, my JEE preparation journey was challenging yet rewarding. I have no regrets—it was an experience filled with growth and self-discovery.
Advice for Aspirants
- Solve Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: These are invaluable for practice and confidence building.
- Stay Calm: Focus on your preparation and don’t compare yourself with others. Time will pass, and everything will fall into place.
- Enjoy the Process: The journey is as important as the goal. Embrace the challenges and cherish the experience.