Is the TNEA Anna University Examination Easy to Crack?
The Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions TNEA process heavily relies on the marks obtained in the 12th-grade board exams, particularly in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Unlike a specific entrance exam, TNEA assesses students based on their overall academic performance rather than a dedicated test. However, when considering entrance exams like the TANCET (Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test) related to Anna University, the perceived difficulty can vary among students, depending on various factors.
Factors Influencing Exam Difficulty
1. Preparation Level: Students with a strong foundation in the relevant subjects typically find these exams easier. Consistent study and practice can significantly improve performance. 2. Syllabus Familiarity: The exams often cover topics that students are already familiar with from their higher secondary education. A good understanding of the syllabus can make a big difference. 3. Mock Tests: Taking mock tests can help students gauge their understanding and identify areas for improvement, which can ease the pressure during the actual exam. 4. Competition: The level of competition can affect how easy or difficult the exam seems. A large number of candidates can create a more challenging environment. 5. Previous Year Papers: Reviewing past papers can provide insight into the exam format and types of questions, helping students prepare more effectively.
Real-World Experience: The 12th-Grader's Perspective
Me, going anonymous for obvious reasons, just finished 12th and have a TNEA cut-off of 197.5/200. I am eligible to share my perspective.
In most Tamil Nadu private schools, the 12th-grade curriculum is introduced in 11th standard itself, so students essentially study the same portion for two years. My experience began in 11th when I was not as diligent in my studies, getting distracted by extraneous life events like first love and friend-related distractions. However, I was acquainted with the syllabus.
April and May months, following the 11th exam, were not a holiday for us; this was where I began to seriously learn my syllabus. My friends who started preparation last year had a significant headstart, and my school conducted tests daily, often from chapter 4, while I had barely covered chapter 1. Test series continued up until a month before the public exam, during which I attended evening tuitions where I also fell behind.
Practically, I had little time to prepare thoroughly. In all test series, I got only pass marks. September brought full-portion tests, and my first attempts showed only pass marks in three subjects. The tuition teachers then taught me to study according to the blueprint and previous year's questions.
I studied exactly according to the blueprint and memorized previously asked questions, focusing on understanding concepts only until exam time. Services were skipped, and I focused on easy lessons to ensure I had extra questions. During correction, marks were awarded only for key points, so I learned the key points from previously asked questions. For physics and chemistry, answers were mostly book back or previous year's questions. For math, studying book back one-word answers and CBSE one-words would guarantee full marks.
Between January's full-portion tests, I scored around 135/150 for physics and chemistry and 180/200 for math, thanks to the blueprint and numerous options, allowing me to skip difficult lessons. Practical classes were nonexistent in most private schools, and full marks were often given for practical even without proper knowledge.
Public exams began in March, and the rest is history.
Conclusion
Good marks can be easily scored, especially with smart strategies like focusing on key points and previously asked questions. However, understanding the concepts and learning the hard way is significantly more difficult but ultimately more beneficial in the long run.