How to keep a balance between JEE and CBSE Board exams?

They say, that the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) syllabus is quite similar to that of CBSE’s (Central Board of Secondary Education). Infact, coaching centers, after the launch of JEE in 2013, have been offering combined courses that would help students to maintain a balance between both the exams –JEE and boards.

Considering the syllabus angle, for a CBSE student preparing for both the exams should be an easier task as compared to state boards students. But, what exactly is the reality? Is it a cake-walk for CBSE students or do they, like most of the state board students, face problems in preparing for the exam?

To dig deeper into reality, shiksha.com reached to students from the CBSE background and tried to get a better idea of the whole scenario.

Shubham, who took the exam in 2014, says, “Even if the syllabus for both the exams are

similar, the preparation for JEE is easy only when you have a command over all the subjects of Class 11^th. If you don’t, then it’s a tough task”. Basically, Class 11^th is the base for Class 12^th, so if you’re not thorough with the former, then how would you tackle the latter?”

Experts, too, believe that though the CBSE board syllabus is quite similar to the JEE one, one has to be clear with their basics. Dipanjan Das, Senior Vice President & member-Management Council at CL Educate shares “There is a larger similarity of topics. The child needs to understand the basics and master the skill of writing answers as far as board is concerned. He needs to move to higher degree of problem solving, as far as additional efforts relating to JEE Mains are concerned”.

Another student Vishant Dhar believes that 60% of the CBSE syllabus is covered in JEE but the level of questions in JEE are way higher and tougher than CBSE.  However, he says that the fact of some of the topics in CBSE being exactly the same in JEE cannot be denied.

Harsh Barua, who took a second attempt at the exam in 2014, says “During my first attempt, I was laying more emphasis on JEE as I dint know anything about the exam but this time, I am more focused on my boards as the syllabus is quite similar and I, somewhere, know what kind of questions will I have to answer. Following this, my preparation strategy changed completely that year”.

Talking about the similarity between JEE and CBSE board syllabuses, Anand Bhorasker, the third topper of JEE Advanced 2013 says "The syllabi of JEE Advanced and Boards weren’t quite different. Basically Board syllabus is based on NCERT and a few chapters like semi-conductors and electronic devices are not there in JEE. The kind of questions in JEE, however, are tougher than boards.”

With the syllabuses of both the exam being quite similar, some students’ still face stumbling blocks while their preparations. Let’s have a look at what some of the experts have to say about tips and tricks that should be applied while preparing for JEE.

Sumeet Jain, Co-founder of Stupidsid.com states, “JEE is more applicative than the board exams. Students should focus on the fundas and try to solve as many problems as possible. Since the CBSE syllabus is similar to JEE, students should use it to their advantage. Again they should try and take as many mocks as they can. Try to assess oneself on the national level. Do look at the style of questions and solve more papers”.

Another expert, Ramesh Batlish from FIITJEE says, “Since, majority of the topics of JEE are also covered in Boards, it is recommended that one must prepare for both the exams simultaneously. The student must practice all NCERT problems, while brushing up JEE chapters. When solving questions of a particular chapter of JEE(Main) which is also in Boards, one must first take it up from the Board Text Book and then take problems of the same chapter from a reputed source so as to cover up problems of higher level as asked in JEE(Main)”.

Besides the experts, former JEE test-takers too have suggestions and tips for aspirants of JEE Main and Advanced.

For Harsh, it’s all about time management and practice. He says “One should manage their time efficiently and practice problems as much as possible. Do focus on your weak points and a day before the exams; brush up your strong points”.

However, Shubham feels that coaching classes can be of real importance. He says, “Taking coaching classes by skilled faculty members can make a big difference. But, do not forget to revise your Class 11^th syllabus.