JEE (Main) 2016: Attempt theoretical questions first for high score
Having an analytical approach and well-planned strategy will help you crack the exam confidently
The Joint Entrance Examination JEE (Main) will be very competitive this year with approximately 13 lakh students expected to appear in offline and online modes. The offline exam will be held on April 3, 2016 and the online exam on April 9 and 10, 2016. JEE (Main) scores are taken into account for admission to undergraduate engineering and architecture programmes at National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), other Centrally-funded technical institutions, and institutions funded by participating state governments.
Pattern of JEE (Main)
BE/BTech (Paper 1) entrance exam is of three hours and will consist of objective questions from physics, chemistry and mathematics with equal weightage given to each subject. Each question will have four options. There is negative marking for incorrect answers.
BArch/BPlanning (Paper 2) entrance exam will be of three hours comprising mathematics, aptitude test and drawing test. While mathematics and aptitude test will have objective questions, drawing test will have questions to check the drawing aptitude of a student.
Clearing JEE (Main) is not a difficult task. A systematic approach towards preparation will help students secure a good rank. JEE (Main) consists of CBSE syllabus from physics, chemistry and mathematics and some common topics from Class 11 and Class 12 state boards. The cut-off for JEE (Main) is generally around 60%-70% for NITs and IIITs.
Attempting JEE (Main) Online
Remember that in the computer-based test, the correct options are submitted in a single click. It is important that questions are attempted in a sequence so that you remember the order of answering the questions. Taking several mock test papers in online mode will help.
You must scroll over the screen to check if all questions are appearing on the screen before starting to attempt the paper.
As all pages can be viewed through a tab on the top right side of the screen, select the subject you wish to take up first and ensure you click on the right option and save the option immediately. Remember to submit the paper only after all the questions in physics, chemistry and mathematics have been answered.
Read more: JEE Advanced 2016 chairman’s take on new aptitude test plan
Attempting JEE (Main) Offline
Check that you have got the entire question paper and no page is missing in between because of any printing error.
Attempt all subjects in three rounds and do not attempt them subject wise.
Do not allot fixed time for a subject
Attempt questions in the order you are comfortable with, where comfort depends on both the ability to solve a question and time taken to solve it.
Solving the paper
Sometimes, the right strategy and time management play a vital role in deciding the rank for an aspirant. So, you must be quick enough to adapt to the level of the paper and act promptly. For a three-hour paper with three subjects, generally students tend to devote one hour each. It is advisable that you devote 40-45 minutes for attempting questions from any one subject you feel confident about and move on to second subject and then to the third. You can review the unsolved questions in the remaining time. You can develop your own strategy based on your preferences.
What you can expect
Selective study is not advisable for any of the subjects. Given the weightage, in mathematics you can expect more questions from calculus and algebra. In physics, you can expect more questions from mechanics and electromagnetism. In chemistry, there can be more questions from physical and organic chemistry.
Handling surprises
There may not be any surprises this year but there is no harm in being ready for some. Do not panic if you come across something new (if not seen earlier in any sample paper or mock test) as this will be new for all aspirants taking the exam.
Tips for the exam day
Don’t discuss your preparation with anyone as this may make you nervous even if you are well prepared. Revise important formulae in all three subjects. Say to yourself, ‘I am excited about JEE (Main) and I can crack it easily.’
Try to attempt theoretical questions first and then questions which require calculation. Avoid lengthy numerical questions in the first 10 or 15 minutes.
(The author is FIITJEE, centre-head, Noida)
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