Journey to JEE Main Success: Overcoming Challenges and Achieving a 98th Percentile
As a student, my educational path was unconventional and filled with many twists and turns. I managed to clear the JEE Main examination with a 98th percentile ranking, securing a general category rank of 22,921 and a category rank of 5,300. Although this isn't the top rank, it remains a significant achievement for me.
Early Educational Background
I went to school at a Navodaya institution, where I completed my schooling with an impressive 87% grade. However, I was not a top student in the class, and my interest in studies was not very high. My passions lay in cricket and dreaming of playing for the Indian team. While that dream is cherished by many boys, I had another profound aspiration—to become an engineer.
The Decision to Go to Kota
Given these interests and aspirations, one clear path presented itself—pursuing higher studies through the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination). With my limited resources and the sheer workload ahead, I decided to enroll at Kota for my JEE preparation.
The life in Kota was a stark contrast to my academic upbringing. Initially, the winding road was challenging and confusing; nevertheless, time and commitment gradually transformed everything into a well-structured and enjoyable experience. I learned to relish the process of studying in a way that was quite different from my previous experiences. It was during this period that I first encountered the feeling of despair, which I later referred to as ‘depression’. This happened when my performance in the institute tests was subpar, and the JEE examination loomed large.
Dealing with Depression and Hard Work
The period leading up to the JEE January examination was particularly tough, and my scores were disappointing. In this challenging position, I had the invaluable support of my father. His unwavering encouragement was a significant morale booster. I realized that it was essential to focus on my strengths rather than dwelling on my weaknesses. Gradually, I worked on removing habits that were detracting from my studies. Notably, overcoming a rather tough habit of oversleeping proved to be a significant challenge.
Finally, I felt a renewed confidence in the September examination. With hard work and a focus on my strengths, I secured a remarkable 97.99 percentile. This was a precious moment for me and my whole family, especially my father.
Strategies for Success
Looking back, I want to share the strategies that contributed significantly to my success. Studying for up to 12 hours a day involved attempting two full-length JEE Main practice exams daily from the National Test Abhyas app or practice papers from respective colleges. The remaining six hours were equally distributed among Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
This regimen improved my performance by a remarkable 75%. Through diligent practice, I honed my skills and built the confidence necessary to excel in the exam.
A Final Word of Wisdom
To aspiring students, my final piece of advice is to trust in your abilities and strive your best. Remember that hard work is the primary key to success. Without it, you will not reach your goals.