My Journey to JEE Advanced 2024: From Struggle to Success
My journey to JEE Advanced 2024 was a challenging yet fulfilling one. From giving the exam without much preparation to securing an admission into a state private college, the road was more than just uphill. Here's how I made it work.
Initial Focus and Preparation
When I gave the JEE Advanced, my main focus was on my board exams. I had not done much coaching for JEE, but I managed to score 99.3 in the mains on my first attempt. It was a good result, considering I didn't have much preparation. I have been admitted to my state's private college for Mineral and Coal Engineering (MnC).
A Leap of Faith into CSRL
My journey truly began when I learned about CSRL (Career Services Research Learning), a nonprofit organization that prepares students for JEE without any cost. After my 10th class in the midst of the pandemic, I realized I should prepare for JEE. However, my family's financial condition was not in a position to afford expensive coaching like that in Kota. I had a 100% attendance record in 11th class, and only 2-3 days of absence in 12th class. I never gave up, as I believed that God had a plan for me.
It was a significant turn of events when my classmate informed me about CSRL on the 15th of May, 2023. I quickly applied and was selected for their program, which had a final written exam on the 21st of May in a nearby city. Soon after, I was called for an interview on the 12th of June. I was selected and started my preparation at their campus in Kanpur on the 1st of July, with a year-long preparation period.
Preparation and Challenges
Life at CSRL was quite intense. I was not allowed to use phones or go outside the campus. However, the faculty consisted of some of the top educators from Kandao, and all the focus was on JEE Advanced. The preparation was intense, and I struggled in the beginning. However, in the last 2-3 months, I found my rhythm. Regular test series and previous year papers helped, and I felt more comfortable with the exam.
One year later, it was time for JEE Advanced day. The exam was on 26th May. The van ride to the exam center was nerve-wracking, and I almost vomited. I started with Math, and within an hour, I completed two or three questions before time ran out. I then moved to Physics and Chemistry, but I felt the immense pressure and didn't return to Math. In Paper 2, my first goal was to clear the Math cutoff, so I began with that again. I felt an increasing level of panic. In the end, the paper was finished.
When I compared my answers with the answer key, I calculated a 104/360 score. It was devastating news, and I broke down in tears. I attributed my underperformance to the panic I felt, particularly in Physics and Chemistry. The exam pressure was too much for me.
Results and Future Plans
After the JEE Advanced, we all returned home. However, when I matched the answer key, I realized I had missed the cutoff. Only 72 out of 100 students from my center qualified, and only 45 were admitted to IITs. Many of my close friends from CSRL were also admitted to prestigious institutions. Despite the setbacks, my family and friends have been a constant source of support. However, I still feel a strong sense of regret for missing out on my initial ambition of joining an IIT.
Nevertheless, I have secured an admission at NIT Allahabad. I am determined to leverage this opportunity and strive to get into an IIT in the future. While it was a challenging journey, the experience has made me a better person and a stronger student.