JEE Prep Started Late: Should I Solve PYQs Now?

Ans: You have NOT mentioned you are a dropper or you have just entered into 12th Standard this year, preparing for JEE-2025 & whether you have joined any Coaching Center or simply practicing from Online Test Series?

Anyway, I ASSUME, you have completed your 11th & this year you are in 12th. Here are the 15 Factors to be Kept in Mind & the Strategies / Steps / Tips you should follow:

1) You should be able to score above 96% even in Mock Test.
2) Once you finish the Mock Test(s), analyze about 10% mistakes / wrongly answered questions.
3) Which all chapters you are weak in? Which subject has the lowest marks always, out of PCM?
4) Immediately note down in a separate note-book about the wrongly answered questions & keep revising them frequently.
5) As you have entered into 12th now, be thorough with NCERT books of PCM (both 11th & 12th).
6) If you feel that you are weak in any particular chapter of PCM, keep revising them/take further notes/practice frequently.
7) If don't have already, you should prepare your short-notes for each chapter with formulae, wherever applicable.
8) If you have joined any coaching center, keep asking for doubt clearing sessions / classes to get your doubts cleared then and there.
9) At home, always study for 45-minutes and then have a break of 10-minutes & continue your study for 45-minutes to get more concentration power / maximum output.
10) Avoid comparing with other students.
11) To keep yourself physically & mentally fit, you should involve in some physical activities (yoga/meditation/indoor-outdoor games something) for 30-40 minutes daily either morning or evening whichever will be convenient to you.
12) Avoid taking too much pressure at any cost to get admission into any top NITs/IITs. It is not that you will be successful in your career only if you join IITs/NITs. Nothing like that. Your health (both physical/mental) is also equally important.
13) Though you have entered into 12th Standard, you should keep revising/practicing 11th standard syllabus also at least 20-30% daily.
14) Try to finish 12th Syllabus maximum by November-end to start revising both 11th/12th Syllabus from December itself.
15) Download 2024 JEE-Main / Advanced Syllabus which will be more or less same for next year also. Just check which all chapters you have already studied/practiced and which all chapters/topics need to be improved/revised/practiced more?

Most IMPORTANT (which I always recommend all parents/students): Please avoid relying only on JEE/JOSAA/IITs/NITs. Appear for 5-7 Entrance Exams (State Engineering Entrance/Private College Entrance Exams) apart from JEE to have a lot of options open for you to choose the most suitable option for you.

All the BEST for Your JEE-2025 / Other 5-7 Entrance Exams.

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Ans: Clear the basic and fundamental knowledge of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Unless your fundamental concepts are cleared you can't go ahead. Best of luck. Professor.....................:)

Ans: Jayashri, here is a detailed and practical guide to help you prepare smartly for JEE and other engineering entrance exams starting from 9th grade, aiming for top scores in 2029.

Start Early and Build Strong Basics:
Before your school or coaching teaches a chapter, watch chapter-wise videos from reputed coaching centers on YouTube, focusing on NCERT-based content for Physics, Chemistry, and Math. This early exposure helps you grasp concepts better. As you study, immediately note down any doubts or difficult points. Don’t leave them unresolved—use Google, ask your teachers, or clarify during coaching sessions.

Organize Your Study Material:
Maintain a separate notebook for complicated or lengthy concepts. Regularly revise these notes to strengthen your understanding. Similarly, keep track of questions you answer incorrectly in practice tests or mock exams. Revisiting these repeatedly will help you avoid repeating mistakes.

Practice Previous Years’ Questions:
After completing 10th grade, start solving JEE previous years’ questions chapter-wise. Once you finish a chapter in 11th or 12th grade, immediately attempt related past questions. This builds familiarity with exam patterns and question types.

Use Time-bound Online Tests:
Ensure your coaching provides chapter-wise and full syllabus online test series with detailed solutions. If not, enroll in one or two online test series from reputed coaching centers. Regular timed tests improve speed, accuracy, and exam temperament.

Effective Study Routine:
At home, study in focused intervals of 35-40 minutes followed by 5-10 minute breaks. Identify your most productive hours—early morning or late evening—and schedule your toughest subjects then.

Focus on Maths and Core Concepts:
In most engineering exams, rank depends heavily on Maths scores, followed by Physics and Chemistry. Strengthen your Maths skills through regular practice. For Physics, use books like HC Verma and Irodov to build deep understanding. For Chemistry, NCERT remains the foundation.

Create a Study Plan and Revise Regularly:
Make a realistic timetable covering all subjects and stick to it. Allocate more time to weaker topics but don’t neglect others. Revise frequently using short notes or flashcards. Solve mock tests and previous year papers under timed conditions to simulate exam scenarios.

Stay Healthy and Motivated:
Maintain good sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits to keep your mind sharp. Avoid distractions like social media during study hours. Stay positive and confident—consistent effort over time yields great results.

Summary
Begin your JEE preparation early by understanding chapters through NCERT-based videos before formal teaching. Note and clear doubts promptly. Maintain separate notebooks for tough concepts and wrongly answered questions, revising them regularly. After 10th grade, practice previous years’ questions chapter-wise. Enroll in time-bound online test series to build speed and accuracy. Study in focused intervals during your most productive hours. Prioritize Maths, followed by Physics and Chemistry, using recommended books. Follow a structured study plan with regular revision and mock tests. Stay healthy, avoid distractions, and keep motivated. With dedication and smart strategies, you can confidently aim for top ranks in JEE and engineering entrance exams in 2029. All the best!