JEE Tips: The Day before the Exam

[Mainak Jas is a freelance writer and author of the blog M(ainak) Jazz. He writes on issues related to IITKgp and the society in general]

I spent 3 years preparing for JEE and cracked it not once but twice. The second time - I secured a rank that was one-third my first attempt rank with one-third the preparation in my first attempt.

So how did I do it? What was the secret ingredient that was missing in my first attempt that got the magic going in the second?

Mindset

More than a test of analytical abilities, JEE is a test of nerves.

The D-Day could be anybody's day.
It could be your day.

You have to BELIEVE that it is going to be your day. Once you believe that it is going to be your day, there is no force in this world that can stop you from cracking the JEE and coming out with flying colours.

Being Alert

Get into an alert frame of mind. You wouldn't want to come out of the examinations regretting that you failed to read the instructions. Or that you could have solved the problem you didn't solve.

Go out for a Walk

Whenever someone asks me - What did you do on the day before the exam? I tell them this - I went for a walk with my father.

Avoid INACTIVITY and HYPERACTIVITY. They only increase anxiety. The best way to stay cool, calm and composed is to go out for a walk. It can do wonders tomorrow.

Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine increases the alertness levels. But it also increases anxiety.

Avoid coffee, cold drinks or anything that has high caffeine content.

Have normal food. Nothing extravagant. You wish to be in your mental and physical best - extravagant food will not help.

Prepare Well

I am not asking you take out your notes and start revising. That part of your preparation is over.

Do what remains. Get your pen, pencil and eraser ready. Have backups. Check your admit card. Be sure of the examination venue. Start early tomorrow.

Have a good sleep

Do not try to wake up early. No use revising now. Having a good sleep will help you maintain an alert state of mind tomorrow.

Tomorrow

Do not fret. You know it is going to be your day. The Day of (Your Name). Reach the examination venue well before time. Go and check your room no and floor.

In the examination hall, follow the instructions of the invigilators. Read the instructions CAREFULLY before starting.

And remember, if you cannot solve a question - even Chintu/Montu cannot. It is all about maximizing your marks. No one gets all the questions right.

Tomorrow is going to be your day. You are going to rock JEE.

All the best.