The perfect preparation strategy

With hardly any time left for Board exams and JEE Main (April Session), it is high time for aspirants to align their preparation schedules for better outcomes in both the exams. This is the phase when you must not only focus on scoring good marks, but also perfect the art of simultaneous preparation for two major exams of your life – Boards & JEE Main. Preparing for these exams at the same time is surely a daunting task, both of these exams need to be dealt with equal determination & zeal.

With NTA’s decision to conduct the JEE Main exams twice a year from 2019, many aspirants are at an added advantage. The first phase of the JEE Main 2019 recently concluded on 8th Jan and the students who are not sure of getting a better rank also has a second chance in April. Board exams and the second attempt to JEE Main being closely scheduled, preparations for both these needs to be planned meticulously.

How to excel in both – Boards and JEE Main
Board exams usually kick-start in the month of March while JEE Main is conducted in the month of April, which means preparation for both these examinations needs to be planned meticulously. However the challenge remains about how to focus and go about it to emerge victorious in both the exams.

There are certain sub-topics in various subjects which generally get more weightage in the Boards because the questions are subjective type. There are also some topics which are part of JEE Main but not part of the JEE Advanced exam which some students tend to ignore during their preparation. 

For example, in physics, the chapters on Electronic Devices and Communications Systems are part of JEE Main and the Board exam but not part of the JEE Advanced Exam. Students should carefully study these chapters along with the Questions from the Sample papers so that they can comfortably handle descriptive questions from these chapters.

However, the challenge over here is about where to focus and how to go about it and emerge victorious in both exams. After the first sessions of JEE Main in January recently concluded, a hint about the pattern is known. Here are some tips to master the simultaneous preparation of Board exams and JEE Main (April session):

1.Make a feasible plan - In order to attain what you aspire for, it is vital to have the right preparation strategy and follow it strictly.  Make the most of the preparation time for board exams to optimize your JEE Main preparation.  Be wise & plan out a well-structured strategythat caters to the requirement of both Board exams and JEE Main preparations.

2.Segregate your preparation time wisely - To ensure each subject is given equal emphasis, it is better to divide your preparation time into various sections.  Spend equal time to revise each section and then on the following day, attempt the sample papers of respective subjects. Preparation should be a mixed basket of revision of the syllabus and taking the sample papers. This way, you will be able to revise the syllabus while taking the sample papers simultaneously.

3.Choose the correct study material - In this phase when school students are flooded with all kinds of reference books from different publishing houses, it is vital to follow the right book without losing the track. NCERT textbooks serve the best purpose for serious students.

4.Get the right temperament of exams - Preparing for two exams simultaneously needs to be done cautiously especially when it about getting used to the exam pattern. Be aware of the differences between the board exam paper pattern and the JEE pattern. Do not get jumbled between the two.

5.Take mock tests - Taking mock tests will acquaint you with your current preparedness and also your shortcomings. You still have enough time to mend your ways to success. With JEE Main being conducted in Online mode, practicing the same mock tests will be highly beneficial.

6.Give special emphasis to the exclusive Board type questions - There are certain sub-topics in various subjects which generally get more weightage in the Boards because the questions are subjective type. There are also some topics which are part of JEE Main but not part of the JEE Advanced exam which some students tend to ignore during their preparation.

The Common Rank List for JEE Main 2019 will be available in the first week of May after the declaration of the results of the April exam. The better of the scores of candidates who have appeared in both JEE Main January and April will be considered for the ranking purposes while the scores of the candidates who have appeared for just one exam will be used as it is. The common rank lists will denote the All India and Category ranks of the candidates in addition to the details of the candidates and marks obtained. The JEE Main rank will be the basis for admissions to the NITs, IIITs and GFTIs.

Remember, the grades or marks that you score in examinations do play a vital role in determining your career graph. So, stay focused on your goal & put your best foot forward to bridge the gap between your aspiration and reality. Just do your best with a positive attitude & confidence and there would be no reason for you to stumble.

(Ramesh Batlish - The author is IIT JEE expert, FIITJEE)