Avoid a meltdown in the exam hall

The second edition of JEE Main concluded on April 12, 2019. Engineering aspirants, who have performed well in JEE Main, are expecting a seat in IIT. The next JEE Advanced 2019 is scheduled on May 27, 2019. With only five to six weeks left for JEE Advanced 2019, the most critical phase of preparation for every aspirant has begun. Before hitting the ground running for JEE Advanced 2019, one must take a break of one or two days. Students can begin their preparation in a systematic manner and follow a foolproof concept-wise revision plan. Here are the following steps that will guide you through your preparation.

During revision, remember it is the quality of time spent that is more important than the quantity. You must engage in concept-wise revision and not chapter wise. Concept-wise revision prevents missing out on anything, inadvertently, thus helping to improve the quality of overall attempts. While revising, you must pick up representative questions specific to a concept or chapter and solve them. As a result, while solving a question you will be reminded of certain concepts or techniques studied earlier and hence other related things will get refreshed in mind.

Persistent revision

If you did not get sufficient time to revise Class 11 syllabus before Class 12 Board exam or before JEE Main, then you must do it now as 40-45% of the questions in JEE Advanced could be from Class 11 syllabus. JEE Advanced 2019 will comprise two question papers, each of three hours duration. Each question paper comprises three separate sections viz Chemistry, Physics and Math.

The questions are of an objective type designed to test comprehension, reasoning and analytical ability of candidates. It is a conceptual-based paper, hence students should revise the concepts thoroughly along with their application. In JEE Advanced, there is a surprise element every year in terms of question paper pattern and its marking scheme.

This plays a big role which affects a student’s performance. Hence, the focus should be to solve questions by applying reasoning and analytical skills. Students can refer to JEE Advanced question paper bank.

Develop a strategy for time management in between the sections, that is, Physics, Chemistry and Math. One must subscribe to the best All India Computer-Based (Mock) Test Series. Such test series should be conducted in a simulated environment and it should offer pattern proof approach so that students are mentally prepared for all kind of surprises. It is a great way to do a self-check vis-à-vis, other students. It is advisable to solve at least one All India Mock Test every week, and in between solve one or two full-syllabus practice tests at home.

Performance in the mock test must be analysed, drawbacks must be identified and steps for improvement must be prepared. So each mock test should be followed by test analysis conducted by a subject expert. It will provide insight into an ideal approach required to do well; map it with your performance and calculate the gap. While writing the tests, students should look at building a good exam temperament, body clock adjustment, ability to focus on various test-taking environments, etc.

Maintain concept clarity, there should not be any room for doubts. Every question will contain some keywords, which can direct the student to find a solution to the problem. Hence, students should not rush while reading the question for the first time.

Success in JEE Advanced is directly proportional to the number of questions solved by a student and not solutions seen by him or her. Hence, students must give sufficient time to think logically and analytically to arrive at the solution.

Avoid negative marking

Question selection is extremely crucial. Every entrance exam paper comprises a mixture of easy, moderate and difficult questions and JEE Advanced is not an exception. Hence, while solving a mock test, develop an eye for selecting the right question. By quickly solving the easy and moderate questions, you will be able to clear the cut-off. This approach will automatically create a huge difference by keeping negative marks at bay.

Keep referring to high-quality notes prepared over the last 18 months. To pursue this, a student must remain physically fit and mentally focused.

A student must sleep six to seven hours daily. Late night study must be avoided. Include physical activity in your daily schedule to remain fit and to maintain the right energy level.

Students by following all these practices on a consistent basis can improve their scores without running into mental stress.

(The author is with FIIT JEE, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi)