Memories of JEE Advanced 2017: Personal Experiences and Insights
The journey towards securing admission to Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is often long and arduous. Every year, thousands of aspirants prepare exhaustively to crack the JEE Advanced, one of the toughest undergraduate entrance exams in the world. This article delves into the personal experiences and reflections of two individuals who shared their scores and the aftermath of taking the JEE Advanced in 2017.
Experience 1: An Uncertain Path
As I approached the day of the JEE Advanced on May 21, 2017, it was a day filled with both excitement and apprehension. My dream of joining one of the prestigious IITs was vividly etched in my mind. However, my preparation mindset revolved around securing a score between 55 to 60 to achieve a respectable rank. Despite feeling the pressure of negative marking, I attempted many questions partially, hoping that my efforts would reflect in my score.
After the examination, it took some time to understand my raw marks. According to the official answer key, my scores were as follows: Physics - 66, Chemistry - 70, and Mathematics - 70, giving me a total of 206 marks with an All India Rank (AIR) of 5688. As a general category candidate, my score was not enough for a seat at one of the top seven IITs.
Reflection and Reality
The cut-off for the JEE Advanced in 2017 was notably high. Even if my paper seemed easier, the increase in the cut-off significantly impacted my chances. Initially, I hoped for a rank in the 10-12,000 bracket, but I was disappointed with the actual outcome. I was happy to merely qualify the exam and proud that I had managed to secure a rank, albeit not the one I desired.
After the examination, many rank predictors suggested around 9k, but the actual rank came as a surprise. The wrong allocation of bonus marks led to an incorrect rank prediction. When the Supreme Court began looking into the matter, it brought back a mix of emotions—frustration, disbelief, and hope.
Experience 2: The Quest for a Precise Score
Another individual shared their story, where the experience was marked by a fluctuating score due to varying answer keys. Initially, according to the ALLEN answer key, the total was 226. However, after the bonus marks were awarded, the score dropped to 149. The experience highlights the intricacies of score calculation and the importance of the official answer key.
A True Challenge
This individual also recounted their experience, where they managed to qualify for the JEE Advanced but scored 153 marks with a CRL (Common Rank List) rank of 18624. Initially, they were hopeful of a much better rank based on some rank predictors, but the final result was a letdown. The experience of losing 18 marks due to the awarding of bonus marks added another layer of disappointment.
Lessons Learned
Both experiences emphasize the unpredictable nature of the JEE Advanced and the importance of consistent preparation. The individuals mentioned the impact of mindset, the role of negative marking, and the importance of keeping an open mind about the cut-off in such competitive exams. The stories highlight the emotional rollercoaster experienced by aspirants and the need for resilience in the face of unforeseen outcomes.
Conclusion
The JEE Advanced is a formidable challenge, and the experiences shared by the two candidates underscore the resilience required in pursuing higher education in India. The journey towards securing a place at IITs is demanding, but the dreams of these individuals stand as a testament to their determination and hard work.