JEE Main 2021: Exam Experience and Insights for Medical Students

When it comes to competitive exams in India, the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) holds a significant place, especially for students aspiring to pursue engineering. The JEE Main 2021 was conducted in multiple sessions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first session taking place in February, followed by additional sessions in March, April, and May. This article delves into the key aspects of the exam and shares insights from the experiences of a medical student who also took the exam for future reference in their NEET preparation.

Exam Format and Structure

The exam was conducted in a Computer Based Test (CBT) format. The JEE Main 2021 consisted of two papers:

Paper 1: For admissions to courses Paper 2: For admissions to and courses

Each paper had a specific subject distribution:

Paper 1: Physics (30 questions), Chemistry (30 questions), Mathematics (30 questions) Paper 2: Mathematics (10 questions), Aptitude (50 questions), Drawing (2 questions)

Syllabus and Topics Covered

The syllabus for both papers largely followed the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12. The topics were aligned with what is commonly taught in these grades. For the medical student in question, who prepared for the PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) combination, the exam busted a myth: it included questions that would be beneficial for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), a crucial exam for medical students.

Exam Difficulty

The difficulty levels of the questions varied across different sessions and for different subjects:

Physics: Generally considered challenging, particularly in the March session. Chemistry: Often featured a mix of easy and difficult questions, depending on the session. Mathematics: Generally perceived as moderately difficult, with some time-consuming and lengthy questions.

The shift in topics from one session to another also influenced the difficulty. It was essential for students to remain calm and manage their time effectively during the exam.

Personal Experience and Advice

One of the key pieces of advice for medical students coming from this experience is to take the JEE Main if they are preparing for NEET. The senior of the medical student advised him to do the same, given that some questions in JEE Main can show up in NEET.

The author of this article had their first attempt in the first day of the March session, at a center located 90 km away from their place. This was a pleasant surprise as it was the third choice on their priority list. The paper pattern was similar to the January and February sessions, with Chemistry being easy, Physics being moderate, and Mathematics being moderately tough but lengthy and time-consuming. The topics and focus areas had changed, requiring a different approach for students.

For students considering taking the JEE Main for the sake of NEET preparation, it is essential to manage time effectively, stay calm, and prepare comprehensively for topics that might overlap. This experience could prove invaluable for future exam preparation.

Conclusion

The JEE Main, especially in 2021, offered significant insights for students. For medical students like the author, taking the JEE Main can be beneficial for practice and understanding the format of the questions that might reappear in NEET. With the proper preparation and mindset, JEE Main can be a stepping stone towards a strong foundation for engineering and medical students.