The IIT-JEE Advanced is one of the toughest and most respected examinations in the world, at its level and naturally, it is so because it is a demanding one. To underline a difference between a competitive examination and a board level examination, is that the competitive examination, by design, aims to filter and select the best of the best. That means, it requires a different mindset and level of preparation. We attempt to highlight what it takes to stand out in the examination. If a pursuit of excellence is something that excites you, and if you have a winning spirit, read on.
Due to the significant difference between the nature of problems in school examinations and competitive examinations, there is a period of adjustment that is required to get out of a rote-learning-based mindset into an application-based problem-solving mindset. This is one of the greatest challenges faced by aspirants, and many are unable to move past beyond this hurdle.
An early start makes the adaptation process smoother. It also gives aspirants ample time to practice papers, prepare for boards and crucially, comprehensive revision. Time is our most precious resource in life. An early start dedicates more time to this pursuit, and, by natural consequence, improves the probability of a better result.
It is said that the greatest athletes win the game in their minds, and then set foot in the arena. There are doubters, naysayers, and demotivators. But they’re in the audience. They have no stake in your game. Their actions have no impact on your result. As an aspirant you need to remember this, and simply smile at people who say you can’t do something. Their doubts will turn into silence or applause on the result day.
There is a considerable gap in the level of difficulty between board examination and competitive examinations. Hence, when you start your preparation, you will naturally face a lot of hurdles (Remember the first time you rode a bicycle?). It is your response to this hurdle that will dictate where you go. Do have an attitude of curiosity towards what you learn, it will take you a long way.
Another important thing to address is handling of failure. Due to a system that punishes failure, we often forget that it is not just a stepping stone, but a necessity for success. Be assured, you Will fail at something. Do take failure seriously. Analyse where you went wrong, work on rectifying it. But never take failure to be final, or a reflection on your worth. Remember, an exam cannot decide whether you are good enough, but You can. Your words, and your actions decide your worth. Setting a high standard for yourself and not wavering will take you a long way.
There are no shortcuts to success. There are no excuses either. An important thing to note here, is hard work DOES NOT mean donkey-work. Our intelligence, curiosity and imagination are some of our greatest gifts, and using them is our responsibility. A good work-ethic, thus, means being diligent, smart, dedicated and being excited about your mission. A laser-focus on your end goal is the key to piece all them together, as your actions are driven by it. It pays to take time and write down where you want to be at the end of the two years. And then, make a schedule consistent with that goal, and stick to it. Time is a precious resource, and one should afford one’s time the respect it deserves. Self-study is another crucial element, because it helps you to open your mind. A helpful way to learn something is to learn it as if you must teach it. That way, you are not tempted to take any shortcuts.
Preparation for two or three years is a marathon. The final examination is designed to qualify only those who have worked diligently over the two years. It is important to understand that studying hard for a week will not get you the results you want. It is important to never compromise on work ethic, even in the face of poor results. Relax, trust yourself, and keep going. The results will come if you do.
In the era of information overload, it is very easy for the right advice to get lost in a sea of noise. It is very important now, to carefully pick who you listen to. In the field of cracking examinations, the teachers at champions academy have been there and done that. And hence, they have the necessary experience to guide you to do the same. Our teachers will be your mentors, gurus and guides. Remember, though, mentorship is a privilege. And it is earned through showing respect and a willingness to listen and learn.
