Should I Take a Partial Drop Year for IIT JEE After Scoring 90 Percentile?

Ans: Gagan, Taking a partial drop (preparing for JEE while attending college) is possible but challenging. Students often join engineering colleges via state quotas or management seats (e.g., AP/TS EAPCET Category-B) to secure admission with lower board scores (64% is sufficient for many private colleges). However, balancing college academics (attendance, assignments) with JEE prep requires strict time management and discipline. For instance, students in integrated programs (e.g., Resonance, Sri Chaitanya) combine 12th boards with JEE coaching, but this model is harder to replicate in college. Alternatives include lateral entry after a diploma or targeting colleges with flexible attendance policies. While partial drops are mentally taxing, they allow backup options if JEE isn’t cleared. Prioritize colleges with lighter academic loads or online/distance programs to focus on JEE. Note that NITs/IIITs require 75% boards (65% for reserved categories), so improving board scores via compartment exams may help future attempts. Recommendation: If confident in multitasking, opt for a partial drop; otherwise, focus on college and switch branches later via GATE or state exams. All the best for your admission and a bright future!

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Ans: Welcome back. It's time to set aside the notion of taking a gap year, whether fully or partially. If Computer Science Engineering is available at KIIT, consider enrolling there or selecting another reputable institution that aligns with your goals. Given your rank of 5 lakh in the previous JEE, delaying your education could lead to unnecessary stress. Instead of dwelling on the past, embrace new aspirations and explore different courses. Remember, JEE is not the sole route to success; many individuals have thrived after graduating from lesser-known engineering colleges and are now thriving in multinational companies, both in India and abroad. Let go of past disappointments and focus on the future. Wishing you the best of luck.