When I first joined VMC, I thought I could approach the JEE on my own terms. I could not have been more wrong. So, I will share some mistakes I made during my JEE prep and some I narrowly avoided.
Advice 0: Trust the System
Ignoring my teachers’ plans was the first in a long list of mistakes I had come to regret. Disobeying the better guidance of your teachers is a recipe for disaster. Be very particular about the homework they assign you. Stick to the study material prescribed by VMC and do not go around chasing the resources that you do not need. Yes, you don’t need to impulsively buy books that your friends at other places pretend to read. As a natural progression, we move to the next.
Advice 1: Befriend the Teachers and Enjoy the Class for all the Subjects
At VMC or in general, it is quite important to resolve all your issues immediately with the supportive faculty. So, take all your doubts and concerns to your teachers without any fear. In class, it is essential to participate in discussions without fear of peer or teacher judgment. Any failure in class is infinitely better than lying to yourself and hiding in class.
As my teachers and mentors would say, “The only lies that we are truly punished for are those which we tell ourselves.”
In my case, I would be intimidated by some teachers, either because I had not done the homework or lost track of class. This lesson I learnt early in physics class. There, our teacher would personally push us to think for ourselves and develop our intuition. Exposing yourself to discussions and communicating rigorous arguments will shape your mind to think logically and solve fresh problems.
Advice 2: JEE Prep is for Everyone, Not Just the Gifted
Another great piece of advice from my teachers was that if you admire someone, if they are better than you, then emulate their methods to reach new heights. That gives you a tried and tested path to distinction. For me, it was my best friend and classmate. He was disciplined, hardworking and determined. I had his company for the entire 2 years. So, a friend group that is committed to JEE preparation will push you to new heights. You have to keep discussing stuff and work hard.
Advice 3: Take Care of your Health Before It Is Too Late
I was having some health issues during my twelfth class, but I continued to go to classes, ignoring them. As time progressed, I was forced to take a leave longer than I would have liked. The problem had aggravated. So, take care of your health right from the beginning. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and exercise regularly during your JEE preparation.
Advice 4: Do Not Miss Classes
When things became difficult, when the schedule became hectic, I got overwhelmed and resorted to missing classes. For the topics I missed, no matter how many times I revisited, read, and watched videos, I never felt confident again. So, minimise the number of days you miss for no reason at all. When I had to take a leave due to my health problems, my teachers were happy to support me with video lectures, so I took on Fluid Mechanics and Complex Numbers on my own.
Advice 5: Celebrate Success but Don’t Stop Winning – Learn from the Failures
Once, I secured Rank 5 on an internal exam among all VMC students. I was quite delighted and sent the screenshot of my result straight to my teacher. The reply humbled me. It said “Get Better”. It was a reminder to keep working hard and not to limit myself (I am also guilty of not sharing some bad results). Hence, don’t let failure deter you, nor success get the best of you.
Also Read: CBSE Class 10 & 12 Date Sheet 2026
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