Top mistakes to avoid during JEE Mains 2024, important tips for the exam day

Top mistakes to avoid during JEE Mains 2024, important tips for the exam day

By Anil Ahlawat

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has unveiled the examination dates for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains 2024. The upcoming JEE Mains will take place in two sessions, with the initial phase scheduled from January 24 to February 1, followed by the second session set for April 1 to 15. The JEE Mains is a pivotal step for aspiring engineers to secure a spot in the country’s premier engineering institutes. However, success in this highly competitive exam often hinges on avoiding common pitfalls that can hinder your performance. Here are some crucial mistakes to avoid clear during your JEE Mains 2024 preparation.

Skipping fundamental concepts might seem tempting, but in JEE, the questions often trace back to the basics. Ensure a solid foundation in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Regularly revisiting fundamental concepts will fortify your understanding and make tackling advanced topics more manageable.

Ignoring NCERT books

Ignoring the importance of NCERT books can be a grave mistake. These textbooks serve as a foundation for JEE preparation, offering questions directly related to their solved examples and practice exercises. Neglecting NCERT can lead to a significant performance dip.

Failure to adapt study techniques

Every student has a unique learning style. Failing to adapt your study techniques based on your strengths and weaknesses can hinder progress. Experiment with diverse approaches, such as collaborative learning, visual aids, or mnemonics, to discover what works best for you. A personalised study strategy can significantly enhance your understanding and retention.

Overlooking difficult chapters

In the quest for a competitive edge, some students make the mistake of avoiding challenging chapters. However, overlooking difficult subjects can prove detrimental in the long run. Confront challenging chapters head-on, leveraging online tools such as instructional videos and 3D models for clarity. Consider live classes for personalised attention and prompt doubt resolution—tackling difficulties upfront is integral to effective JEE preparation.

Deviation from JEE Syllabus

The JEE Mains rigorously tests candidates on the specified syllabus. Deviating from the prescribed syllabus can lead to wasteful efforts and confusion. Ensure a deep understanding of the JEE syllabus and concentrate your efforts on mastering the required topics. Avoid unnecessary diversions and stay aligned with the exam’s expectations.

Overlooking contemporary exam trends

JEE Mains is a dynamic examination, and staying updated on contemporary trends is essential. Keep abreast of any changes in the exam pattern, marking schemes, or syllabus modifications. Adapting your preparation strategy to align with these changes ensures that you are well-prepared for the evolving nature of the examination.

Avoiding previous year’s papers

Some aspirants underestimate the value of solving previous years’ papers. These papers provide insights into the exam pattern, question types, and difficulty levels. Integrating them into your preparation strategy can enhance your familiarity with the exam format and boost your confidence.

Lack of confidence

Confidence is key to success, and underestimating your capabilities can be a significant stumbling block. Develop confidence in your study skills and approach the exam with a calm and focused mindset. Avoid unnecessary anxiety by trusting your hard work and diligence. Confidence is not only about knowing the answers but also about tackling challenges with a positive mindset.

Important tips for the exam day-

Read questions thoroughly: Carefully read each question to fully understand the requirements. Pay attention to details and ensure you are addressing what is being asked. Misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary errors.

Prioritize time-consuming questions: Identify questions that may take more time and decide whether to attempt them immediately or leave them for later. Prioritise questions based on your comfort level and the time required for each.

Manage Negative Marking: Be mindful of negative marking. If uncertain about an answer, it might be strategic to skip the question to avoid deductions. Only attempt questions you are reasonably confident about.

Utilize Rough Sheets Effectively: Make optimal use of the rough sheets provided. Use them for rough work, calculations, and jotting down important formulas or concepts to reference during the exam.

Watch the clock: Regularly check the time remaining for each section. Stay on track by allocating time proportionally to the number of questions. Don’t let one challenging question consume too much time.

Mark questions for review: If uncertain about an answer but short on time, mark the question for review and move on. This way, you can revisit it during the review phase if time permits.

Stay calm during technical glitches: In case of any technical issues or glitches, remain calm and alert the invigilator immediately. Avoid unnecessary stress and focus on completing the exam to the best of your ability.

Final review: Before submitting your answer sheet, conduct a final check. Ensure you have attempted all questions, and the answers are recorded correctly. Be confident in your responses before finalising.

The author is the CEO of MTG Learning Media.