Navigating Health Challenges and Academic Struggles: My JEE Main August Attempt
During my JEE Mains August examination attempt, I was faced with a series of challenges, both academic and personal. This experience was not only educational but also a testament to resilience and determination. In this article, I will recount my journey, highlighting the hurdles I overcame and the lessons I learned.
Unexpected Fever and Isolation
My JEE Mains examination was scheduled for August 31 during shift 2. However, on August 27, I began to experience a fever. My classmates also shared similar symptoms, and we were placed in isolated rooms pending further evaluation. The concern was that it might be COVID-19, which was a significant worry given the ongoing pandemic. On August 28, a rapid antigen test was carried out, and the results were negative. This early detection led to timely action, and I was prescribed medicine to control the fever, which was a common viral infection rather than COVID-19.
On August 30, I visited a doctor for a comprehensive check-up. The doctor prescribed azithromycin to ensure that my symptoms would not hinder my performance during the exams. The medication proved successful in bringing the fever under control. On the day of the exam, despite the iris scanner issues, I managed to complete the exam starting with chemistry and progressing to mathematics and physics.
Examination Experience and Challenges
Chemistry was the subject I approached with caution due to the need for thorough preparation. The exam presented questions from the NCERT books, and the questions were designed to probe a deep understanding of the subject. It took me around 20 minutes to complete the chemistry section, but I still had two or three doubts that I needed to address later.
Mathematics was the next challenge, and while the questions were lengthy, my strategy of finding shortcuts in solutions helped me manage the time more efficiently. Completing the mathematics section within 40-45 minutes, I felt relieved that the subject had not posed any significant hurdles.
Physics, on the other hand, required more time and effort. The inclusion of assertion reasoning type questions necessitated careful consideration and interpretation. Despite the questions, I managed to complete the physics section in around 85-90 minutes, although I had some doubts about the assertion reasoning type questions.
In the last 30 minutes of the exam, I reviewed my answers and ensured that no mistakes were made. With 19 minutes left, I meticulously checked my entire paper to ensure everything was correct.
Results and Reflections
The checking of the answer key showed that my score was 286 M, 100 P, and 96 C, with a total of 90 marks, but due to objections, two questions were deducted, lowering my score. The questions I missed were related to conformers and the confusion between ΔU and nRΔT, a common lapse in exams. Despite these minor errors, the result was a surprise and a source of immense joy.
The exam results were declared, and I was delighted to find that I had achieved a 99.998 percentile. The rank was 41, a position that I had not anticipated. This result stemmed from a change in the tie-breaking criteria, which allowed 18 individuals to share the number one rank. This year, there were only 44 individuals who achieved a perfect 100 percentile, a significant change from previous years. This experience is one I will always remember, marked by challenges and achievements that have significantly impacted my future academic and career aspirations.
Conclusion
This experience taught me the importance of preparation, both academically and health-wise. It also highlighted the resilience needed to overcome unexpected obstacles and the opportunity to grow from such experiences. Moving forward, I am more prepared and determined to pursue my ambitions in the field of engineering with renewed vigor.