Boards VS Competitive Exams: A Complete Guide For JEE/NEET Aspirants

 

Most Class 10 and Class 12 JEE/NEET aspirants face a dilemma. They get confused about how to manage board exams and competitive tests. If you are someone going through the same situation, this article is for you. 

 

First things first. Does getting good marks in board exams matter? 

 

Students are expected to score better marks in board exams and a higher rank in competitive exams simultaneously. Getting good marks in board exams matters because: 

  • Most colleges consider the academic scores of the students and not just the competitive exam’s rank at the time of admissions
  • Scoring higher marks in board exams imply that all your fundamental concepts are clear
  • Above all, it boosts your confidence when you know you are performing well in the board exams  

So how to manage between board exams and competitive tests simultaneously? Well, here are some expert tips for you. 

 

#1 Familiarise yourself with the exams 

You must have a clear idea about the exam pattern of boards as well as competitive tests. It will help you create your study strategy accordingly. For instance, board exams focus on the theoretical aspects of the topics while competitive exams focus on the applications of the concepts

 

Similarly, board exams mostly include subjective questions that test your reasoning, analysis, and explanatory skills. While competitive exams test your logic, aptitude and how quickly you can solve a question

 

According to our online tutoring experts, if you want to ace both board exams and JEE/NEET then you must understand:

  • The syllabus for boards and JEE/NEET
  • Is there anything common between board exams and JEE/NEET syllabus 
  • The exam pattern and marking schemes of board exams and JEE/NEET  

#2 Identify your benchmark 

The next step is to know where you stand in the competition. This will help you identify your learning gaps. Once you know what are your weak areas and strong points for these examinations, you can easily decide how to move forward in the preparations. You can identify your benchmark in various ways: 

  • Give mock tests and analyse your scores
  • Join online coaching for JEE/NEET to seek advice 
  • Appear in international/national aptitude tests like iCAT by askIITians 
  • Analyse your past test scores in school 

#3 Plan a study schedule 

Now comes the master step! Every mission is impossible without a plan. So if you want to succeed in your mission to score higher marks in board exams and a better rank in JEE/NEET you need to have a solid plan. 

  • Analyse the syllabus for both the examinations and then create a study schedule. 
  • Create a monthly, weekly and daily study schedule so that you can manage your time effectively. 
  • Make sure you have the best NEET or JEE Main study material so that you do not have to waste your time looking for explanations online. 
  • Decide which topics contribute a major portion to the exams and complete them first. 
  • It is not about giving equal attention to board exams and JEE/NEET preparations. It is about prioritising when you need to study for which exam. 
  • Focus on the common elements in boards and JEE/NEET and complete them first.

 

#4 Find a mentor 

The road to JEE/NEET could be a little tough at times. You might feel unmotivated, discouraged or lack confidence. There could be days when you would not feel like studying at all. At such times, you need an expert who knows how to overcome all these challenges and shine like a star! 

 

Joining IIT JEE coaching online at askIITians can help you find the right mentor at the right time. Our experts can be your ultimate source of motivation and inspiration. They can help you manage your time and can provide career counselling, personal guidance and unlimited advice that will help you create a balance between your studies and mental well-being. Our mentors are available 24*7 for the students.

 

Bonus tips to ace boards and competitive exams that nobody has told you yet! 

#1. Calendar Blocking: A step ahead of creating timetables

Almost every student creates a study timetable, but not all of them follow it precisely. So here’s a method that will surely help you stick to your routine. It is a highly effective technique recommended by our JEE and NEET online coaching experts called calendar blocking. 

 

This means every day you block a certain time for every activity that you need to do. For instance, your to-do list for Monday is studying Thermodynamics and Mole Concept. But, you eventually also need time for things like - getting ready, breakfast, lunch, dinner, exercising. 

 

If you have blocked your time for each of these activities, your mind will have a clear picture of when you need to perform which activity. It would then perform that activity automatically without any pressure. Here’s an example of calendar blocking: 

 

Example of Calendar Blocking 

 

Moreover, once you have blocked your time, you will not get distracted to do anything else (because you do not have any time slot left!). 

#2. Taking breaks in between: Keep your mind sharp! 

Myth buster: Most students think that studying for a longer number of hours makes them more productive. 

 

It is not the number of hours but the quality of studying that matters. So focus on ensuring that you understand what you are studying and do not measure how much you have studied with the number of hours. 

 

To enhance the quality of your learning you must keep your study sessions short and take breaks in between. Just a ten-minute break between a 45-minute study session would work. You may listen to your favourite music, hydrate yourself, go out for a walk, read a few pages of a novel or complete a quick workout! 

 

Managing boards and competitive exams could be tough but not impossible! 

Every year thousands of students set their targets to clear the toughest entrance tests of India, JEE and NEET. There is no denying fact that preparing for JEE and NEET is not a walk in the park! It requires conceptual knowledge, problem-solving skills, analytical abilities and of course, a great aptitude. Along with that, managing board exams could be a challenge. Hope these tips will help you win over all the difficulties and achieve your goals. 

 

Need more help in managing your boards and competitive exam preparation? Try our Fusion Program where our experts will provide you with step by step guidance.