There are at present two 3 hours [Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics] papers to test the aptitude, comprehension and analytical ability of the students. If we analyse pattern of papers in the past, we find mix of questions from these types: Multiple Choice MCQ Single Correct, MCQ Multi-correct, Paragraphs with 2/3 Questions, MCQ-Single Correct, Numerical-based, Matrix Match & Assertion-Reasoning.
 

Strategy of solving questions from fundamentals will induce in the student parallel thinking processes so very necessary to increase and master analytical skills with conceptual understanding. During practice sessions speed in working out the questions should be developed. Progress made must be checked by solving Quizzes/ Mock Test Papers on a regular basis. For a competitive edge students should aim at a 100% hit rate to avoid negative marking. Speed and accuracy will also allow to finish papers ahead of time, leaving some time for revision.

 

Asanas, Pranayama & Meditation in that order every day in the morning and/or evening will help to develop inner calm, poise, confidence, concentration and spiritual quotient needed for success in the IIT-JEE. Students have a tendency to overwork just prior to examination, thereby stressing themselves. Minimum 5 to 6 hours of sleep every night is necessary to keep physical, mental fitness and a healthy biological cycle. Strategy in the examination hall will be to keep cool, to have faith and to harness the examination temperament built during planned preparation.

It is advisable to reach examination centre at least 20 minutes early. A few deep breaths on the seat in the hall will ward off nervousness. Instructions given in the question papers should be read and followed very carefully. The student should not spend more than 45 minutes on any of the subjects in the first attempt. He should prioritise after a concentrated quick reading of paper and start answering the question he knows best and move progressively to ones in ascending order of difficulty. Questions with no negative marks must be attempted. The 45-minute cycle should be repeated for the other two subjects. Thereafter the student should come back to the three sections for attempting left out questions, conceptually with well reasoned logic and for overall revision during last 45 minutes. Even if some segment/section appears to be tough, one should keep cool since it is the relative performance which will count and hence should put-in his best.
 

IIT-JEE is different in as far as this tests understanding in application of concepts and analytical skills vis-à-vis mechanical/blind application of formulae/ theory. The success in IIT-JEE examination is directly proportional to the number of problems solved independently and preferably by more than one method.

 

• Around 12 lakh students take the exam at over 1,600 centres in more than 80 cities in India and abroad.
   
• Aspirants have the choice of appearing in anyone of the two types of papers or both. Paper - I is for those who wish to go only for BE/ B.Tech courses in colleges accepting AIEEE ranks while Paper - II is for those who wish to pursue a course in B.Arch/ B.Planning.
   
• Systematic approach towards its preparation will help students get admission to one of the top National Institutes of Technology. AIEEE consists of CBSE syllabus. About 25% questions are easy, 50% are average and 25% are difficult. The cut-off for AIEEE is generally around 60 to 70%.
   
• A two-year, planned, organized preparation is required. Every set of problems needs to be approached appropriately and with a different methodology.
   
• Students must be careful to select the right mentors who have the expertise and comprehensive pattern-proof study material which is constantly upgraded.
   
• Those who succeed in AIEEE are the ones who do comparatively well in Chemistry. Always attempt theoretical questions in Chemistry first and then those that require calculation. If you attempt a few confident questions in the beginning then you gain positive energy which increases your efficiency and speed for the rest of the paper. One day before the examination, go through formulae at a glance. Stay calm, confident.
   
• In 2008 paper there were 105 questions (35 each subject) each carrying 3 marks. In Physics 75% of the questions were from Electricity, Magnetism, Modern Physics and Mechanics. 35% questions were easy and 60% were medium. In Chemistry – Physical, Organic & Inorganic had equal weightage. 24 questions were from two topics - Calculus & Algebra in Mathematics.
   
• In 2009 the number of questions in each section was reduced to 30: 24 questions of 4 marks and 6 questions of 8 marks in each section along with 1/4th negative marking. The 8-mark questions were time consuming and tough.
   
• In Physics 40% questions were easy, 52% medium level and 8% difficult. In Mathematics, 32% questions were easy, 58% medium level and 10% difficult. In Chemistry, 40% questions were easy, 50% medium level and 10% difficult.
   
• In 2010 Paper-1 had a total of 90 questions with negative marking. 6 questions in each subject were 8 marks question which were relatively difficult compared to rest of the 4 marks questions.
   
• The 2011 Paper–1 had a total of 90 questions with negative marking. However, there were questions of 4 marks each only. Thus the paper was easier than 2010. In Physics more importance was given to Mechanics having 8 questions, Heat having 4 questions, Electrostatics having 4 questions & Rotational Mechanics having 3 questions. Physics was more difficult. In Chemistry more weightage was given to carbonate compounds. In Mathematics there were no questions from Progressions, Indefinite Integrals, Solution of Triangle, Circle & Hyperbola. Remaining chapters had almost one question each.
   
• In order to crack the exam the student should have deep knowledge of the syllabus, sound analysis of the exam, awareness of changing pattern of the exam in last few years, right strategy for the exam, confidence to crack it and most importantly staying calm and composed, realising that panic will not help. No one is perfect. It is relative performance that matters.