Last minute prep strategy for JEE Main

Utilising time to perfection will play a vital role for the aspirants to succeed, says Aakash Chaudhry

With less than a month left for one of the toughest entrance exam, students might have already started burning the midnight oil. While it isn’t easy to memorise and grasp all the lessons in a short span of time, cracking the competitive exam with a well-planned strategy is not an unattainable feat.

With the clock fast ticking, students are required to devise a stronger action plan in order to crack the JEE Main. It is to be noted that only those students who manage to achieve the required cut off in JEE Main are eligible for the next level JEE Advanced exam. It is a challenge to excel in both the exams and students may find it difficult or may get demotivated to meet the required expectations. To overcome this problem, they need to chart out an efficient timetable and carefully plan strategies that can help them smoothly sail through the exams. Here is a list of strategies that you can follow for last minute preparation.

Practice thoroughly from NCERT textbooks: NCERT textbooks are a great resource and aspirants preparing for the JEE Main should study from these textbooks thoroughly. NCERT books not only cover the fundamentals but also play an important role in the preparation of the competitive exam. In order to solve most of the questions in the JEE Main paper, a strong knowledge of the basics is required, which can be gained from the NCERT textbooks.

Solve mock tests: Practice as many multiple choice questions as you can. Solve JEE Main sample papers to get a grasp on the pattern of questions. Solving mock papers will improve your confidence level and help you to concentrate better on weaker segments. In addition, it will increase your speed and accuracy and introduce you to the real exam scenario.

Do not waste time in learning new concepts: Although every topic and chapter is crucial to crack the exam, do not waste time in learning new topics or engaging in complex lessons in such a short span of time. Instead, devote time to strengthen the already learnt topics and solve as many mock papers as you can. In addition, identify your mistakes and learn to correct them through practice.

Subject-wise preparation: Make notes for every subject and list down important points that will help you in your revision later.

• Mathematics: NCERT textbook revision is a must. Ensure you practice all questions from the textbook and if you are left with more time, pick up a couple of MCQ-based books for additional preparation. Sequence and Series, Probability, Circles and Family of Circles, Inverse Trigonometric Functions, Matrices, Parabola, Quadratic equations and expressions, Hyperbola in coordinate geometry; Continuity and Differentiability, Limits, Application of derivatives and Definite integral in calculus are some of the important chapters that need reconsideration during revision.
• Physics: Jot down important points and formulae of every chapter in a separate book. Solve as many questions as you can from mock papers and keep the revision book handy. Important topics are Dimensional Analysis, Current Electricity and Heat Transfer, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Thermodynamics and Rotational Dynamics, Geometrical Optics, Waves and Sound and Electromagnetic Induction.
• Chemistry: For Chemistry as well, the NCERT textbook is highly recommended by teachers, as it is well framed for a detailed understanding of all the topics. Attempt all questions in the textbook and then move on to reference books for additional preparation. Important topics in Chemistry are Redox reactions, Thermodynamics, Chemical equilibrium, Carbonyl Compounds, Chemical bonding, Mole concept and the concept of equivalents, Electrochemistry.

Follow a fixed routine: It is essential for a student to follow a fixed routine for the next few days till the exam. Make it a practice to wake up early in the morning and sleep early. Prepare a timetable and devote an equal amount of time for all the subjects. Sleep for at least six-seven hours a day for a refreshed mind and body. Try to practice meditation and breathing exercises during free time. Do not skip meals.

Take timely breaks: While preparing your timetable for a continuous study of 8-10 hours, ensure that it includes breaks as per your convenience to get a breather. Regular breaks keep your mind calm and poised. This will, in turn, help you to concentrate better and keep stress at bay.