My Career Journey From Setbacks to Success at IIT Patna

I am a student pursuing Mathematics and Computing at IIT Patna, and I would like to share my journey with the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination). This path was fraught with challenges, but ultimately led to a rewarding outcome.

The First Attempt: A Learning Experience

My first attempt at JEE Main didn’t yield the results I had hoped for. I secured a percentile of 96.84, which, while respectable, was not enough to secure admission to my desired college. The disappointment was hard to swallow, but I was determined to improve. I dedicated myself to extensive preparation for the second attempt, viewing it as my final shot. Taking a gap year was not an option I wanted to consider. The goal of gaining admission to an IIT was immensely significant to me, so my primary focus was on excelling in the JEE Main.

The Second Attempt: A Setback

Despite my efforts, the second attempt was even more disappointing. During the exam, I succumbed to panic, which led to a further decline in my performance. My JEE Main rank was 28358, leaving me in a state of deep disappointment. It felt as though all my efforts had been in vain. However, I refused to lose hope.

Shifting Focus to JEE Advanced

Determined to prove my mettle, I shifted my focus to preparing for the JEE Advanced. I realized that to succeed, I needed to harness all available resources and put in my utmost effort. I utilized various resources including Unacademy’s YouTube channel videos, which provided valuable insights and explanations. I diligently solved previous year’s questions for JEE Advanced and followed the IIT Express playlist on Unacademy’s YouTube channel. Additionally, I worked through the Aakash coaching question bank, which was instrumental in honing my problem-solving skills.

Key Resources and Strategies

The preparation phase was intense. I dedicated long hours to studying, practicing, and refining my understanding of key concepts. The resources I used played a crucial role in my preparation:

• Unacademy YouTube Channel Videos: These videos offered comprehensive coverage of topics and were accessible at any time, allowing me to learn at my own pace.
• Previous Year Questions: Solving these questions helped me understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked, boosting my confidence.
• IIT Express Playlist: This Unacademy playlist was particularly helpful for in-depth topic revision and exam strategy.
• Aakash Question Bank: The extensive question bank from my coaching institute provided a variety of problems to practice, ensuring that I was well-prepared for any challenge.
• Regular Mock Tests: Regularly giving mock tests helped me analyze my preparation, identify my weak areas, and improve my time management skills.
• Solving Advanced Problems: I also tackled advanced problems from books like “Problems in General Physics” by I.E. Irodov, which helped deepen my understanding and application of physics concepts.

Essential Books for Preparation

To strengthen my preparation, I referred to several important books that are well-regarded among JEE aspirants:

• Physics: “Problems in General Physics” by I.E. Irodov provided challenging problems that enhanced my analytical skills.
• Organic Chemistry: Books by O. P. Tandon and M. S. Chauhan offered detailed explanations and practice problems.
• Physical Chemistry: “Physical Chemistry” by O. P. Tandon was instrumental in building my conceptual understanding.
• Inorganic Chemistry: “Concise Inorganic Chemistry” by J.D. Lee served as a comprehensive guide for this subject.
• Mathematics: “Objective Mathematics for JEE Main & Advanced” by R.D. Sharma was my go-to resource for practicing a wide range of mathematical problems.

The Exam Day: A Mixed Experience

On the day of the JEE Advanced exam, I approached it with a mix of anxiety and determination. Paper 1 was satisfactory but not exceptional. However, Paper 2 went exceptionally well, much better than I had anticipated.

The Result: A Dream Fulfilled

To my astonishment and delight, I secured a rank of 5532 in the JEE Advanced. This achievement meant that I had gained admission to IIT Patna, fulfilling my dream of studying in my desired branch of Mathematics and Computing. This success came as a shock to me, as I had never dared to dream of entering an IIT after my setbacks in the JEE Main.

Lessons Learned: Perseverance and Resilience

This journey has taught me the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. It has reinforced my belief that with dedication and hard work, one can overcome any challenge and achieve their aspirations. The setbacks I faced only strengthened my resolve to succeed, and the resources I used played a pivotal role in my preparation.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that the path to success is rarely straightforward. It is filled with obstacles that test our resolve. My experience with JEE has been a testament to the fact that persistence and the right resources can make a significant difference. I am now proud to be a student at IIT Patna, where I continue to pursue my passion for Mathematics and Computing, equipped with the lessons and experiences from my journey.