
My Journey through JEE Preparation: Books I Brought and Used
Introduction:
Embarking on the journey of JEE preparation can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a student who went through this experience, I would like to share my insights on the books I brought and used during my preparation. From NCERT textbooks to various reference books and materials, each had its own impact on my learning. So, let's dive into my bookshelf and discover the pros and cons of these resources!
NCERT's Role in JEE Preparation:
NCERT textbooks played a vital role in my JEE Mains and Advanced preparation. The core lines from NCERT are often directly picked for statement-type questions in the exams. While some chapters, like Environmental Chemistry and Chemistry in Everyday Life, require rote memorization, others, like Organic Chemistry, benefited from supplementary notes from my Chemistry lecturer. Inorganic Chemistry aligned well with the logical minds capable of providing reasons behind statements. Physical Chemistry, on the other hand, had a mix of theory-based and standard JEE problems.
Physics: Striking a Balance:
For physics, it was essential to follow my teacher's guidance in topics like electricity, magnetism, optics, mechanics, and thermodynamics. However, some topics, like modern physics and solid mechanics, required individual effort, and NCERT served as a good resource. Building a strong foundation in vectors was crucial for tackling advanced topics effectively.
Mathematics: A Vast Syllabus:
Mathematics proved to be an area where thorough practice was key. I recommended completing all exercises of a chapter within two days to stay on par with the teacher's pace. While NCERT confidently covered certain chapters, topics like conics and calculus demanded complete reliance on the teacher. Algebraic chapters like probability and permutations and combinations intertwined and required a balance between strong understanding and logical reasoning.
Cengage and Arihant Classic Series:
Though I invested in various books like Cengage and Arihant Classic Series, I found them unsuitable for the average student. Cengage, especially, turned out to be a regretful investment. While these resources might be useful for those with a strong foundation and a hunger for challenging problems, borrowing from seniors and returning the books proved to be a more practical option.
Other References and College Materials:
Additional physics references like Deepthi Publications and H.C. Verma proved beneficial for comprehensive theory and problem-solving. G.C. Aggarwal's book offered advanced numerical questions but was not highly recommended. College materials, especially the comprehensive summaries and practice questions, were valuable for JEE Mains, while specific chapters required more attention before JEE Advanced.
Conclusion:
Navigating through the multitude of books and resources in JEE preparation can be overwhelming. While NCERT textbooks lay the foundation, supplementary materials and reference books like H.C. Verma and Deepthi Publications offer valuable insights. However, it is essential to assess one's own learning style and capabilities before investing in books like Cengage and Arihant Classic Series. Collaborating with teachers, following their guidance, and solving ample practice questions can help students bridge the gap between theory and application, ultimately leading to success in JEE exams.
Remember, the journey is unique for each student, and the key lies in finding the right balance between resources and individual learning strategies.
Good luck!
Happy Learning