How many students (roughly) are taking the IIT-JEE this year?

Around 3 lakh students are expected to take the IIT-JEE this year. In 2008, in terms of seat: student ratio is 1:55 compared to last year’s ratio of 1:74.

 With the format having become MCQ-type, what should be the approach of a student to crack the examination?
Papers will test the Aptitude, Comprehension and Analytical abilities of the students.

The format having become MCQ type, the entire effort should be to maximise the number of correct answers. However, one has to keep in mind that correct reasoned-out guess and well solved questions carry marks but blind incorrect guess will lead to negative marking. Hence the strategy should be: Give some thought to each of the alternatives in the question. First attempt the questions, you are sure/confident of, next attempt those questions which one can logic-out or guess with reason. Black-box type questions which one you do not know anything about or can't guess/correlate are better left out. Questions with no negative mark must be attempted.

Subject-wise (i.e PCM) which are the topics students should focus on, this year?

Since the number of questions is large and pattern is objective, all topics are likely to be covered hence selective study is not at all recommended, however based on past experience and probabilistic trends, stress may be given in particular to the following topics subject-wise.

Physics: Mechanics, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics, Waves & Sound, Capacitors & Electrostatics, Magnetics, EMI, Optics & Modern Physics.
Chemistry: Inorganic: Qualitative Analysis, Coordination Chemistry, Chemical Bonding
                 Physical: Electrochemistry, Thermodynamics, Chemical Equilibrium

Organic: Complete as a topic

Mathematics: Algebra: Quadratic Equations & Expressions, Complex Numbers, Probability, Vectors, Matrices
                     Coordinate Geometry: Circle, Parabola, Hyperbola
                     Calculus: Functions, Limits, Continuity & Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Definite Integral
Anything new in the IIT-JEE this year?

This year also there will be 2 Nos. 3 Hour (P+C+M Combined) objective type papers. Cut-off marks will be decided by summing the marks of the subject in both the papers. Each subject will thus have its own cut-off.

Tips to students taking the exams

Be focussed.
Have a positive attitude.
Study with utmost concentration.
Develop speed in working out the questions in practice sessions which will help you to finish the paper ahead of time with some time to revise.

Remember it is quality of time spent and not the quantity alone. Hence give short breaks of 5 to 10 minutes every 1 to 2 hours of serious study. During breaks totally relax.

Practice asanas, pranayama and meditation to develop inner calm, poise, confidence and power of concentration.
Remain motivated always to make the best use of this opportunity to prove your worth and merit.
Don't overstress yourself. A minimum of 5 to 6 hours sleep every night is necessary to keep you physically and mentally fit. Avoid over-sleeping during the day. A short nap may help.

What is the JEE 2008 pattern going to be like?

Going by the media and industry anticipation the pattern will be the same as last year and it may comprise of multiple choice questions with one or more correct options and matrix match type of questions.

How can students keep themselves relaxed during the exam period and tackle stress?

Imbibe a good exam temperament and believe in your preparation
Rely on your self confidence and always have a positive outlook
Take a lot of mock tests to sharpen your competitive edge
Don't tax your mind too hard trying to preempt questions or thinking about the probability of failure or undesirable results. On the contrary, be ready to put in your best efforts thinking of the positive outcome.
Don't take the exam as a burden. Take it as a challenge.

Never confuse yourself with last minute discussions on the exam. 

What is individual and overall JEE cut-off?

About 35% individual, while overall is 45%

Accuracy or Speed – what needs more attention during the exam?

Both are important. But this can be achieved only when you have practiced the test papers regularly putting time to it and if you remain unperturbed and cool-headed while taking the test. Even if you attempt 60% of the questions and do them correctly, you will end up with good marks.

Should students rely only on text books for preparation or take the help of some reference books?
Please avoid referring to too many books at the last hour

You must stick to your own notes before the exam or refer to text books you’ve gone through already.

Solve the past year's IIT-JEE papers

(Courtesy: FITJEE)


STRATEGY IN THE EXAM HALL

*Have a positive attitude and harness the examination temperament built during preparation
*Reach the examination centre at least 15 minutes in advance
*Take a few deep breaths in the hall to ward-off nervousness
*Read and follow all the instructions given in the question-papers very carefully
*Prioritise after a quick glance and start answering the questions you know best and move progressively to the ones you find difficult after attempting the complete paper. You must attempt questions carrying no negative marks
*Plan your time, keeping some extra time in hand for revision
*Don't be nervous if you find the paper tough since it is relative performance which counts. Put your best analytical mind to work, it will take you ahead.