How I cracked the most competitive engineering exam JEE Mains: Durgesh Vishkarma

When I was in Class 10^th, I came to know about IIT and NIT. From that time onwards, I decided to crack the tough exam of these institutes. This exam seemed too tough then, but if we have a reason to crack an exam, then we can do it. From then, I started to go through the concepts behind the phenomena and processes. Numerical problems were never my weakness as I used to solve these as an application of the concept. The part that plays a crucial role in cracking any exam is its preparation. Nowadays, coaching classes are dominating in case of preparation but according to me, self-study is the best to evaluate yourself and succeed. My financial condition was weak, so I never turned to coaching. From Class 11 onwards, I made my schedule for preparation and in the class itself, I tried to conceive the concept. Whichever concept was the most tantalizing was left for study at home. I have always been fond of the concepts of Physics. At home I like doing research on papers. I have filled up many notes, derived equations, and solved numerical problems. I have found my love in books itself and my reasons to study.

Class 12th exams

I had completed my higher secondary education from CBSE. While I was in it, I found my real zeal of preparation. Besides Class 12th syllabus, I started to read books of the IIT exam. I found that if I had to crack, then I had to learn concepts without worrying about to the time it took. Self-study is the best technique to teach yourself. I started to read between lines. During 12th Board exams too, I had never let my schedule change. I attended Class 12th Board exam and scored about 78%. The marks did not make me happy; since I was ill during the Maths exam so I performed badly in that one. I never got disappointed, though, and I continued my preparation for JEE-Mains.

JEE-Mains and JEE-Advanced

My centre was in Allahabad. I was startled to see so many students appearing for the JEE Mains exam. All of them were murmuring about coaching centres. At that time, I found that I was nothing before such diligent students who had studied with the help of coaching centres. However, at that time, I tapped my heart and said to myself "Among this crowd, only some of them are real contenders". I gave the exam and scored 80 marks above the cut-off. From then I started to prepare myself for JEE Advanced exam. I appeared for the exam but I had not scored satisfactory marks. This became my cause of misery. But I overcame it and enrolled myself in JEE-Mains counselling. Unfortunately, I was not allotted any college. Nevertheless, I never cursed my preparation as I was satisfied, but some fault had been there during the exam itself. I applied for other private institutes and then I got a call from Arya College, having one of highest placement records in Rajasthan. I enrolled myself in it and now, I am a student there. Though I had not been allotted any government institute, I was satisfied with my college as it provided quality education that I had expected from it.

Tips to crack JEE exam

JEE exam had always been my first priority after Class 12th. According to my experience, I have mentioned some instructions to be followed. As failure helps to perceive things better, my suggestions can be valuable for you guys:

1. Find a reason to study:

The first requirement for any preparation is reason and purpose. Everyone is fascinated by such exams but it is only for a short duration. Strong determination can only drive you towards non-stop preparation. Find some reason such as, “I have to score above 100 and prove myself to family and other people”, or to alleviate penury and allow yourself to study B.Tech in spite of such a condition. The reason may also be sometimes in the form of vengeance and zest to prove yourself. Whatever may be the reason, pursue that and crack the exam.

2. Timetable and being honest with time

Time waits for none so bind the time according to your preparation and it can only be possible by honesty and discipline. During exam times, we should make our own timetable of preparation and never compromise with the time allotted for studies in any case. Within time, try to solve problems and restrict your mind that you have only that much time with you. Use your best potential to solve puzzling questions. Racing with time and studying is the genius trick to crack any exam.

3. Smart and intelligent reading

Sometimes, we find that we sit with the books for such a long time and nothing comes out of it. The real thing that matters in preparation is not the duration of time you gave to your studies, but the way you were studying at that time actually matters. The process is far more important than to achieve a goal. So if you have to crack the JEE exam then learn accordingly. Analyzing the previous year papers and setting your own parameter to evaluate yourself is the smart way of study. Note down the topics that have more weightage, and learn thoroughly and smartly without simply cramming types of questions. There can be different varieties of questions but the trick to solve them comes through smart study. So, do follow.

4. Set your own parameter

Setting your own parameter is the best way to self-study. Allot time for preparation and daily evaluation. Solve question papers many times before appearing for the exam. Be honest with time.

5. Fix the problems on the spot

Problems related to the questions should be resolved at once to avoid further problems. Look at whatever you have as a resource such as Internet, teachers, books, etc. With the help of these resources, you can easily understand the facts and be satisfied.

 6. Do not be distracted by social media

Social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, etc. waste a lot of time as these things lure students into contacting and chatting with friends. If you are in no mood to study, then watch the movies you like and listen to refreshing songs. Do not engage in these social sites.

About the Author:

My name is Durgesh Vishwakarma and I am pursuing BTech in ECE from Arya College of Engineering and IT, Jaipur.