Stay on track despite disruption

Ramesh Batlish

For students preparing for competitive exams like JEE Mains the current lockdown can be disappointing and demotivating. But remember that you don’t have to stop your preparation even if the exams have been put off for the time being. Here’s how you can keep your preparation schedule on track despite the recent break in the examination timeline:

Correct Methodology

The correct approach for those appearing for the JEE (Mains) for the second time is to stick to one source and not to refer to multitude of books/ study material available in the market. To reap the benefits, the students should remain focused with a positive attitude to study with utmost concentration. In last two weeks you should concentrate on brushing-up through notes & flag important problems. Taking Mock Tests on the actual pattern is recommended at this time.

Focus on your goal

The key to right preparation is proper and timely planning. Toppers learn from their weak areas and practice well in time to improve by all possible means. Correct attitude and acute focus is the key to be a topper. Toppers divide their preparation time accordingly. They stick to a single system of preparation and have faith in themselves. Thus, they gradually build up their confidence level and are geared up to crack any difficult question. They ensure solving all previous years’ papers keeping their concepts crystal clear.

Important topics

One must not start any new books at this stage. However, one can still refer to standard books for concept clearing. This stage should be utilised more for problem solving, developing short cuts, and memorising formulae, understanding one’s strengths & weaknesses. Aspirants must take up Mock Tests in CBT (Computer Based Test) mode to develop ones’ self-confidence & exam temperament. Time Management is crucial to score more marks in the actual JEE (Mains).

The syllabus of classes XI & XII is equally distributed in JEE Mains. When you are preparing all chapters of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, stress may be given on the following topics.

Mathematics: Quadratic Equations & Expressions, Complex Numbers, Probability, Vectors, Matrices in Algebra; Circle, Parabola, Hyperbola in Coordinate Geometry; Functions, Limits, Continuity and Differentiability, Application of Derivatives, Definite Integral in Calculus.

Expert Tip: Try to attempt as many quality problems as possible to build your confidence level.

Physics: Kinematics, Gravitation, Fluids, Heat & Thermodynamics, Waves & Sound, Capacitors & Electrostatics, Magnetics, Electromagnetic Induction, Optics & Modern Physics.

Expert Tip: Practicing quality problems is the key to a high score in this subject. If concepts are clear, then this subject becomes more interesting.

Chemistry: Coordination Chemistry & Chemical Bonding in Inorganic Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Chemical & Ionic Equilibrium, Mole Concept in Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry.

Expert Tip: Just go through the Periodic Table in general and read NCERT for Inorganic Chemistry. For Organic part, first build your basic concepts and then start doing lots of practice. And for physical part, practice numerical.

Recommendation: Students are advised to avoid selective study. Generally, all topics are covered as mentioned in the syllabi.

Dos

• Attempt easy questions first.
• Choose sections that have less risk.
• Carefully scroll through the entire question paper in the first 5 minutes.
• Keep a check on time while attempting the paper
• Attempt all numerical- based questions first as there is no negative marking.
• Try taking the test in two rounds so that you can comeback to questions that did not strike you in the first round.

Don’ts

• Don’t start from the questions that you fibd tough or don’t know.
• Don’t get upset if any section is tough. You can score in other sections.
• Don’t guess if you have no idea about the concept involved in a question.
• Don’t be nervous if you find the paper tough, since it is the relative performance that counts. Hence, put your best analytical mind to work, it will take you ahead.

Key points that will decide your Rank

• How well you have mastered the important topics in each of the sections like physics, chemistry and mathematics.
• How much practice you have done on similar levels of questions as asked in JEE Main.
• How well you have perfected your timing of solving one question in the objective-type question.
• How much attention you have given to time management & strategy apart from covering your syllabus.
• How calm & confident you are when you take the exam.

— The writer is IIT JEE Expert, FIITJEE