IIT JAM 2017 Mathematics Topper Interview: AIR 7 Rati Ludhani is passionate about teaching

Rati Ludhani, IIT JAM Mathematics Topper

Currently pursuing MSc Mathematics at IIT Bombay, Rati Ludhani cracked IIT JAM 2017 Mathematics paper by scoring a total of 68.34 marks out of 100. Her section-wise scores include 38.34 marks (Section A), 12 marks (Section B), and 18 marks (Section C).

An extremely dedicated student, Rati always wanted to pursue MSc from a college of good repute. Apart from JAM, she also appeared for other prestigious MSc entrance exams such as TIFR GS and ISI Entrance Exam.

Extremely passionate about teaching, Rati also enjoys playing squash and carom. Her father is a businessman and mother is a housewife.

In a candid interview with Shiksha, Rati shares her prep strategy for the exam, success mantras, future plans, and a lot more. Go through the complete interview below:

I just wanted to be among the top 25 rank holders and wanted to get admission in either IISc Bangalore or IIT Bombay. After the exam when I checked the answer key, my estimated score was 68.34 and so I was expecting to be in top 10 as per last years’ results. Then, I started preparation for admission in IISc Bangalore but unluckily could not make it through. Although the good thing is that the preparation I had done at that time is helping me in my studies till now.

I had never thought of getting an opportunity to study at IIT Bombay while I was doing BSc from JLN College, Etah. I dropped one year for IIT JAM preparation and joined a coaching class. So, I read notes regularly and always sorted out my doubts by the next day.

I had read somewhere, “Either you ask a foolish question and appear stupid for a minute or you don’t ask it and remain stupid for life.” So if ever I felt hesitation in asking questions then I always remembered this thought. And, in the last two months before the exam when the coaching was over, I practiced all applied subjects daily at least one hour per subject that helped me avoid mistakes in calculations.

I studied the following books to prepare for IIT JAM 2017:

• Contemporary Abstract Algebra by Joseph A Gallian
• Introduction to Real Analysis by Robert G Bartle,‎ Donald R Sherbert
• A Basic Course in Real Analysis by S Kumaresan and Ajit Kumar
• Linear Algebra by Stephen H Friedberg

My biggest weakness was applied part of the exam as I always made mistakes in calculations. So, for that I practiced questions a lot. I practiced even the repeated questions regularly. 

Firstly, do not leave your doubts unsolved and secondly, do not jump from one topic to another randomly. Be thorough with the topic you are studying and only then move to the next one. 

Time management and intelligence both equally matters when you are giving the exam. So, try to attempt the exam in two rounds. In first round, attempt those questions that can be done smoothly and try to finish them in max one and a half hour. In second round, attempt questions that you left in the first round. In this way you will find questions left unanswered in first round doable in second round. You can continue this process if time permits.

There are 30 questions in the exam with negative marking. So, answer these questions only if you are 100% sure. Also, do not try to guess the answer of any question even if there is no negative marking as it can affect your rank.

My experience of giving a CBT (computer-based test) was nice because I did not have to waste my time filling circles. Also, I could change my answers in the exam if I wanted. However, students should note that it is important to practice computer-based tests before the exam. I had joined different online test series before the exam. It helped me a lot. 

Do not lose confidence on the day of exam. At starting of the exam, if you feel that questions are difficult and you are not able to solve them then do not panic. Still be confident and try to attempt other questions.

Study every topic of your syllabus properly. For drop year students, it is pretty common to feel pressurized for the need to clear the exam. However, note that this pressure can give you second thoughts of quitting the exam preparation. So, avoid any stress and trust yourself.

From childhood, I wanted to teach students. That is why, during graduation I used to teach Mathematics to students of Class IX to XII. So, after I complete my MSc, I will pursue PhD and go for a career in lectureship and research.