Interviews
‘Focus on time management,’ advises JEE aspirant
Apeejay School, Noida’s Class XII student warns peers against blindly trusting JEE influencers online
As students step into Class XII, they face a critical academic milestone that demands dedication and discipline. Balancing Board exam preparation with competitive entrance tests like JEE requires strategic planning, consistent effort, and a focused approach throughout the year. Meet Lavanya Varshney, a Class XII student at Apeejay School, Noida, who has set her heart on taking the JEE. In a candid interview, she shares the exam strategy.
Are you planning to take the JEE exam?
Yes, I plan to take the JEE. It has always been part of my academic goal since I chose the PCM stream. JEE is a challenging exam, but I believe with consistent effort and the right strategy, it’s achievable. It opens up many opportunities, and I want to give it my best shot.
What field do you want to pursue?
As of now, I’m interested in either Computer Science or Chemical Engineering. I know Computer Science is a very popular choice, and I do find it fascinating. But I’m also inclined towards Chemical Engineering — not because I have a very specific reason, but because I’ve always found Chemistry easy to understand and quite interesting. It comes naturally to me.
Do you want to go into research eventually?
No, I don’t see myself in research. I want to work in the corporate sector. I enjoy solving problems and applying concepts practically, and I feel that working in a corporate environment would be the right fit for me.
What is your strategy for studying for the JEE while in Class XII?
The toughest part of JEE preparation is handling both Class XI and XII syllabi together. In school, the focus is mainly on the Class XII Board syllabus. But JEE requires a strong grasp of Class XI concepts too. So, I plan to keep revising Class XI topics regularly. I’m also preparing for Olympiads to stay in touch with those concepts and improve problem-solving skills.
What advice would you give to students planning to take the JEE?
I’d say focus on practice and time management. Both are equally important. Furthermore, be careful not to waste time watching too many YouTube videos or following influencers who talk a lot about JEE for views. Their content can often be distracting. It’s better to stick to your pace and plan.
How many hours do you study currently?
In Class XI, I used to study for around five hours a day. Now that I’m in Class XII, I know I’ll have to push myself more. So my target is to study for at least six hours a day. It may seem like a lot, but it’s necessary if I want to excel in both the Board exams and JEE.
