Introduction

As a medical student with a

PCB

background, I often find myself delving into the challenging world of competitive exams. The journey to JEE Mains is akin to a marathon, where preparation, focus, and determination are key. In this article, I reflect on my experience with JEE Mains, specifically the March 2021 attempt, and share insights that might inspire other students like me.

The Decision to Take the JEE Mains

During my second year as a medical student, I took up the

PCB

stream, which stands in stark contrast to my preferred subjects in

Mathematics

. Nevertheless, out of sheer curiosity and to gauge my readiness for the National Entrance Screening Test (NEET), I decided to give the JEE Mains a shot. My motivation was twofold: to test my knowledge and to understand the overlap between JEE and NEET questions.

Hitting the Exam Room

I took the JEE Mains 2nd shift on March 16, 2021. Looking at the paper, I decided to start with chemistry. The initial difficulty was manageable, and I managed to complete most of the questions. Transitioning to physics, I maintained a solid pace, feeling a sense of accomplishment. However, when I turned my attention to mathematics, the reality hit with full force. The problems were lengthy and challenging, leaving me with only 30 minutes to solve 7-8 questions. I decided to revisit chemistry and physics, using the saved time to tackle more questions in those subjects.

In the end, despite the difficulties with mathematics, I felt satisfied with my performance. This resulted in a notable improvement in my percentile, from 96.3 to 98.22, a significant boost over the February session. The increase in my percentile reflected both my hard work and my dedication to the exam. It was a particularly joyous moment, as I had been grappling with clinical depression due to the lockdown and other personal challenges.

Lessons from a Dropper

My journey with JEE Mains took an interesting turn when I became a dropper in 2020. Having scored a commendable 94.59 percentile in the January session and an equally admirable 92 percentile in the September session (neither of which guaranteed entry into the JEE Advanced), I was devastated. I wasted six months of lockdown without productive engagement, which significantly hampered my preparation.

Feeling demoralized and the constant taunts from peers, I was deeply upset. However, I managed to score 93 percentile in the February 25 shift 2, yet the disappointment lingered. I was repeatedly reminded of the sacrifices made and the expectations towering over me. The March session felt like a fresh start, and I performed well with a 92 percentile score. Despite the consistent pressure, I maintained a high level of ambition, telling myself that there were still two chances left.

Conclusion

To all JEE 2021 aspirants, remember that every step forward is progress. The path might be arduous, but the effort is worth it. When life feels like you are falling behind and not making any improvements, it's crucial to pause and reflect. Sometimes, the journey towards success is about making small, but consistent strides. All the best to all JEE 2021 aspirants. Success will follow those who are dedicated and resilient.