The Storm Before the Calm

Chapter One: The Crossroads of Adolescence

Let’s rewind to my 10th-grade days. The results arrived with a humbling 82%, a far cry from my expectations, leaving me at a crossroads. Should I pursue Biology or Mathematics? As the child of a doctor, I was conditioned to envision myself in a white coat. Yet, an unquenchable love for Mathematics tugged at my heartstrings. Torn between familial legacy and personal passion, I embarked on a journey with PCMB, choosing to embrace the vast expanse of both worlds....

Chapter Two: The Uncharted Territory of Eleventh Grade

At this juncture, I had no grand ambitions of cracking JEE or NEET. My sole focus was to excel in school. Unexpectedly, I soared to the top of my class in 11th grade, a feat that astonished everyone, including myself. This achievement was the fruit of consistent study and my inherent introversion, which kept me laser-focused on academics. The realization that I could excel despite additional subjects ignited a fire within me....

Chapter Three: The Awakening in Twelfth Grade

As I stepped into 12th grade, the fog began to lift, revealing a clear path: JEE. My passion for Mathematics had eclipsed my interest in Biology. However, midway through the year, I found myself ensnared by stress and frustration. During a parent-teacher meeting, a teacher’s suggestion that I might be in depression hit me hard. Thankfully, a heart-to-heart with a dear friend helped me see that it was merely overthinking and unnecessary pressure that plagued me. This friend’s support was a beacon of light in those tumultuous times....

Chapter Four: The Storm Before the Calm

The final months of 12th grade were a whirlwind. Anxiety gripped me as the 12th board exams loomed, and I ended up scoring 91%. Though respectable, it wasn’t enough to feel prepared for JEE Mains 2020, where I secured only 82 percentile. Surprisingly, this score brought me joy rather than disappointment. It was a testament to my self-driven preparation and the unwavering support of my teachers....

Chapter Five: The Fork in the Road

Realizing that JEE wouldn’t be an easy nut to crack, I turned to other national-level entrance exams like ICAR, CUCET, RIE, DUET, NEET, NEST, and IISER. Although I cleared a few, the ranks weren’t stellar. Thus, the decision to take a drop year crystallized. This choice was fraught with resistance from my parents, who urged me to accept the colleges I had already qualified for. But my heart was set on JEE. After convincing them, I embarked on a journey defined by clarity and purpose....

Chapter Six: The Alchemist’s Year

With a clear understanding of my weaknesses, I plunged into a year of self-study, transforming my room into a sanctuary of knowledge. YouTube became my guru; Alakh Pandey’s videos demystified chemistry, Aman Dhattarwal’s lessons on Unacademy illuminated physics, and my diligent practice in mathematics laid a sturdy foundation. My resources were modest—NCERT books, Arihant’s 41 Years of PYQs, and daily practice problems (DPPs)—but my resolve was unshakeable....

Chapter Seven: The Triumph

Finally, I faced JEE Advanced 2021 and emerged victorious, securing a place at IIT Kharagpur. Reflecting on my journey, I realize the importance of my mistakes and the wisdom they imparted:...