Rahul was getting late for his coaching institute. He hurriedly rushed to his scooty and then saw a punctured tyre. But it was an important class and he could not afford to miss it. So he proceeded to take an auto. But there was none in sight. The fog was thick and it looked as if he would have to give the class a miss. But suddenly he saw a bike coming in his direction. Not sure, he just waved his hand and voila! it stopped. The rider gave him lift and then as it happens, conversation started and then Rahul came to know that the Samaritan was an IITian. His name was Saurabh. This is what they talked about.
Saurabh: So, you are planning for IIT-JEE?
Rahul: Yes. Hope I also make it like you did.
Saurabh: You can. It is not that tough as it is made out to be. But you need to be focused and consistent in your preparation. Many students miss this vital point and end up failing.
Rahul: Well, I am trying my best. Did you also join a coaching institute?
Saurabh: Yes I did. It was Bansal Classes in Kota.
Rahul: Looks like one cannot crack this exam without coaching.
Saurabh: Not really. Now a days, it has become a trend to join coaching institutes but there are students who have cracked it on their own. I know some of them personally. They are my class mates. But their number is very less.
Rahul: Are they very intelligent? They must be studying all the time. I have heard that there is no respite for students at IITs until they graduate.
Suarabh: That’s a myth. It’s true that we study intensively but we also participate in other activities. Sports and cultural events are a regular part of our life. In fact, the extra-curricular activities at IITs give the extra shine to IITians.
Rahul: Oh! Cool. It must be like pleasant surprise after the dull study schedules at schools and coaching institutes.
Saurabh: Indeed. By the way, how is your coaching?
Rahul: The teachers are good. Mock tests are also conducted on time. They have also given us study material. But I am still confused about other books. Which books did you refer to?
Saurabh: There are some standard and popular books that all students refer. HC Verma and Resnick Halliday are good for Physics. Morrison and Boyd is good for Organic Chemistry. This book is really helpful. The language is simple and the concepts have been explained well. For Maths there was no specific book that I followed. You can follow any standard book, may be Arihant. But do remember to follow the NCERT books.
Rahul: Ok Bhaiyya! I will definitely refer to these books.
Saurabh: Do take help of your teachers and friends. Group study does a lot of good. I personally feel it is the best doubts-clearing session one can have. You also get doses of motivation. I used to do it a lot with my friends.
Rahul: We at coaching also discuss questions in spare time but it is not that frequent. Now that you are suggesting I will do it more frequently.
Saurabh: Yes, you must. One more thing, while doing the practice sets, keep a tab on time because it matters a lot in the actual exam. Time management is very essential in IIT-JEE papers. Your speed must keep pace with your problem solving skills. Together only they can take you through the exams.
Rahul: Sure bhaiyya! Stop here. That is my coaching.
Saurabh: Ok Rahul. It was nice meeting you. Best of luck!
Rahul: Thank you bhaiyya! Bye.