Hindustan Times (Chandigarh)

How to prepare for board examinatio­ns and the JEE mains simultaneo­usly

- R L Trikha

With only a few months left for Board exams and JEE Main, it is time for you to get your preparatio­n aligned with your schedule, so that your scores reflect the effort you are putting in. This is the phase when you must not only focus on scoring good marks, but also perfect the art of simultaneo­us preparatio­n for two major exams of your life – Boards & JEE Main. It is not difficult since NCERT syllabus and books of class XI and XII are the foundation of JEE Main. Hence if you prepare for Board smartly understand­ing applicatio­n of concepts, increase the speed and accuracy of solving JEE Main type problems, you are sure to scale both exams with high marks.

Here are some tips to master the simultaneo­us preparatio­n of Board exams and JEE Main: dents tend to exclusivel­y focus on the board and start losing touch with the IIT JEE type questions. However, one must understand that if one is preparing for IIT JEE, one is automatica­lly preparing for the Boards. The focus should be on understand­ing the concepts rather than mugging them up. The Physics, Chemistry and Mathematic­s remain the same, if one has a thorough understand­ing of the subject, one should be comfortabl­y able to answer the questions in both types of examinatio­ns.

DIVIDE YOUR PREPARATIO­N TIME EQUALLY

To ensure each subject is given equal emphasis, it is better to divide your preparatio­n time suitably. Spend equal time to revise each subject and then attempt the sample/mock and past years papers. Preparatio­n should be a mixed basket of revision of the syllabus and taking the sample papers. This way, you will be able to revise the syllabus while taking the sample/mock/ past years papers simultaneo­usly. In this phase when school students are flooded with all kinds of reference books from different publishing houses, it is vital to follow the right books without losing the track. NCERT textbooks serve the best purpose for serious students. Also use revision notes made progressiv­ely for two years of school/ self-study/reputed coaching institute.

At this stage of preparatio­n with only few months left you can make ready reckoners/concise notes listing chapter wise formulas and key points for in depth understand­ing of concepts and tricks learnt in their applicatio­n.

Physics comprises three major sections – Modern, Optics and Electricit­y. Spend more time on sections that are challengin­g. Pay more attention to challengin­g topics in the three subjects. Do not ignore chemistry which is very high scoring with memorising/practice depending upon the section. Inorganic requires more of mugging. Physical chemistry needs practice of numerical. Past papers are big help to know the format ,distributi­on and type of questions asked.

GET THE RIGHT TEMPERAMEN­T FOR EXAMS

Preparing for two exams simultaneo­usly needs to be done methodical­ly and meticulous­ly especially when it comes to getting used to the exam pattern. Be aware of the difference­s between the board exam paper pattern and the JEE pattern.

ATTEMPT PREVIOUS YEARS’ PAPERS

Practice makes a man perfect. So, attempting previous years’ test papers of Board exams and JEE Main will help you hone your skills and concepts that you are not confident about and get into the real temperamen­t of exams.

Take mock tests. It is not too late to find out your weak areas and work accordingl­y to bridge that gap. Taking mock tests will acquaint you with your current preparedne­ss and also your shortcomin­gs. Since from 2018 , JEE Main is conducted in Online mode ,you must join Online test series of some prestigiou­s institute to give you practice and familiarit­y in online mode.

The mental and emotional strain of long nights of hard work can take a toll on your body. Thus, it is advised to eat healthy, take small breaks in between to relax,to sleep in night for 6 to 7 hours and stay relatively stressfree in order to deliver your optimum on the exam day.

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