National Testing Agency (NTA) is yet to announce the official dates for the remaining two, indefinitely postponed April and May sessions of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main 2021. As per a latest report in the Free Press Journal, the NTA will soon hold a review meeting decide when to hold the deferred exams. Hence, candidates can expect a decision soon, and until then, work towards getting better prepared for the two more opportunities to improve their score and qualify for the JEE Advanced 2021 examination.
As per NTA, a total of 6 aspirants secured 100 percentile in the JEE Main 2021 February session whereas 13 aspirants managed to score 100 percentile in the March session. More than 60 students scored 99 percentile and above each time. Only the top 2,50,000 students shall be eligible to apply for the JEE Advanced 2021 examination. It is also assumed that with each attempt, the number of 100 percentile scorers shall increase. This invariably, shall spice-up the competition among students. However, rather than getting intimidated, candidates must take this competition as a stimulus to study harder and score better.
With each attempt, the competition to score 100 percentile, or as close to it as possible, gets fiercer. Here is a preparation strategy to achieve the top rank in JEE main 2021.
Step 1: Understanding the weightage in each subject.
As per reports, mechanics is given the maximum weightage, nearly 30% in the examination. Heat and thermodynamics along with Simple Harmonic Motion, Waves and Elasticity are given 7% weightage each. 13% weightage each is given to magnetism and electromagnetic induction and, Semiconductor Devices, Electromagnetic Waves and Principles of Communication. Electrostatics and current electricity are given 17% weightage whereas 10% weightage is given to Modern Physics.
In Chemistry, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry are given 30% weightage each whereas Physical Chemistry is given 40% importance. In Mathematics, the paper is divided into six sections – Coordinate Geometry (17%), Calculus (27%), Algebra (27%), vector/3-D Geometry (10%), Trigonometry (6%) and, Sets and Relations, Mathematical Reasoning and Statistics (13%).
Step 2: Creating a proper study schedule and sticking to it.
Since candidates have already given one or two JEE Main 2021 attempts before, they shall be well-versed with the paper pattern and marking scheme. Equal importance is given to each subject. Hence, while devising a study schedule, candidates must keep this paper pattern in mind. Create a schedule for a week of 15 days and try to follow it. By doing so, candidates shall understand whether they can follow the schedule or not. Accordingly, make changes in this schedule. However, the key is to provide equal importance to all chapters. More time must also be spent or chapters which are tough and important from exam point-of-view.
Step 3: Using the right study material and sources.
Along with the right schedule, the right study material also makes a huge difference. Apart from lectures and study material from coaching classes, candidates can also refer to other books for conceptual clarity and question-solving. For Physics, ‘Fundamentals of Physics’ by Halliday, Resnick & Walker and ‘Concepts of Physics Vol I and II’ by H.C. Verma are highly recommended.
Candidates can refer to ‘Organic Chemistry’ by Morrison & Boyd, ‘Inorganic Chemistry’ by J.D. Lee and ‘Numerical Chemistry’ by P. Bahadur for the Chemistry section. Lastly, for Mathematics, books such as ‘Higher Algebra’ by Hall & Knight and ‘Problems in Calculus of One Variable’ by I.A. Maron are highly recommended.
Nevertheless, heavy duty books can be refrained in the last weeks, if the theory is already well covered. Solving past year papers, mock tests, sample papers is most important.
Step 4: Practicing mock tests and previous-year papers.
Mock tests and previous-year question papers are the key aspects of any preparation strategy, especially for a national-level entrance exam such as JEE Main. Mock tests help develop qualities like time-management, presence-of-thought and the ability to recollect a lot of information in one go. Previous-year question papers provide a clear idea of the kind of questions asked and the topics which are getting repeated. Hence, solve as many papers as possible before the JEE Main 2021 exam.
The most important point in any preparation strategy to maintain consistency. Irrespective of the problems or distractions surrounding a candidate, he/she must consistently work hard and study smart. Only then will a candidate successfully clear the JEE Main examination.