My Journey to Overcoming JEE Challenges: Lessons Learned

Hey there! It’s May and my X board exams are almost over. As a normal kid amidst lakhs of students, my passion for science and mathematics drove me to explore the wonders of physics and chemistry. Little did I know that this passion would lead me to the IIT-JEE, a prestigious engineering entrance examination. My parents and I sat in my room one day, sipping tea, when my father casually asked, “What stream would you like to opt for in Class 11?”

I was hesitant to reveal my true interest, fearing what he might say. My father seemed to sense my hesitation and gave me a choice, leaving me to make my own decision. With my best advisor and friend by my side, I decided to pursue the sciences and mathematics, ultimately securing a place in Allen Jaipur with the nurturing JEE programme, qualifying for a 40 scholarship through ASAT.

The First Days at Allen

June 2nd marked my first day at Allen. I was on a high from my decision and dedicated every moment to studying, often sleeping only 4 hours a night. Week by week, the pressure built up. Meanwhile, everyone else was enjoying their leisure activities, while I was engrossed in my books.

Academic Performance and Early Challenges

A month into the programme, our first test came. I scored 290 out of 300 with a rank of 6 amidst 1600 students. I was thrilled, as were my parents. However, this joy was short-lived as I began to feel tired and stressed. The second test revealed a 78th rank, leading to disappointment among my family. I redoubled my efforts and managed to improve to 34th rank. Unfortunately, a bout of dengue fever set me back, and though I studied in the hospital, my rank was still 78 upon my return.

Adjusting and Rebounding

While my rankings were not where I wanted them to be, I never lost sight of my goals. I decided to take a more hands-on approach, taking my education into my own hands. Despite the backlogs and stress, I recovered and even improved enough to secure a spot in the Special Rankers Group (SRG).

Unforeseen Challenges and Distractions

However, my journey was far from smooth. One day, after a test at Allen, I was informed of my rank – 401. This came as a shock and a blow, leading to anxiety and motivation issues. I began to rely on YouTube for motivation, and my 11th-year rounded off with a strong sense of accomplishment but also a growing feeling of demotivation.

Reflection and Moving Forward

With the end of my 11th year, I went back home for a month to reassess my goals and make a fresh start. I created a study plan and stuck to it, but in the process, I neglected my classes for the SRGians. My 12th year began, and I knew I had to continue working hard to overcome the challenges of the JEE.

Now, as I look back, I realize that my journey is about more than just exams. It taught me resilience, the importance of seeking help when needed, and the value of perseverance in the face of challenges. Whether you are in Class 11 or Class 12, my advice is to stay focused, lean on your support system, and never give up on your dreams.

Keywords: JEE preparation, Allen Academy, Dengue fever, IIT-JEE