Introduction to JEE Mains 2021: A Personal Journey
My journey into the competitive world of architecture began with the JEE Mains exam in 2021. This experience, marked by both challenges and unexpected surprises, offers valuable insights for aspiring architecture students. From my preparation to my final ranking, here is a detailed account of my experience.
Preparation for JEE Mains
As an engineering aspirant, I found myself considering the because of a growing interest in the field of architecture. My cousin sister had taken the exam the previous year and shared her experiences, encouraging me to give it a shot as an alternative if I didn't secure a good seat in engineering colleges.
Preparation for the exam, especially the aptitude and drawing sections, required a unique approach since it differs significantly from my typical engineering curriculum. I started by researching the exam pattern, understanding the types of questions, and focusing on areas like mathematics, general knowledge, and drawing skills.
Exam Experience - February 23rd Shift
The February 23rd shift of the JEE Mains exam began with the mathematics section, which many students found easy. My score in mathematics was a perfect 100/100. The aptitude section was more challenging, with a mix of general knowledge (GK) and practical questions. I scored 161/200 in this section.
The mathematics section was straightforward, with no difficult substitutions required. However, the aptitude section posed more difficulties. The GK questions included several easy-to-answer queries, but a few were straightforward for me as they were mentioned in newspapers. I was well-informed about the iim ahmedabad building's demolition plans, but the remaining questions were a mix of confusion and unanswered queries.
Challenges in the Aptitude and Drawing Sections
The drawing section was a bit of a surprise for me. I generally do not have a strong background in art due to my last study year being in 7th grade. While my pencil shading drawing technique was good, the other drawing task was a significant weakness, leading to a lower score than I anticipated. I initially expected to score around 99 percentile due to the reduced number of candidates and the general difficulty of the mathematics section for many aspirants in the field of architecture.
Importantly, the results were announced later than expected, after I had already taken my second mains on the 18th. To my pleasant surprise, I achieved the 99.99 percentile in the JEE Mains exam.
Final Results and Ranking
The final results of the exam were announced on October 5th, and I was delighted to learn that I secured the 8th rank. This outcome exceeded my initial expectations significantly, especially given my preparation and the competitive nature of the exam.
For engineering and architecture aspirants, preparing for the JEE Mains requires a tailored approach. Engaging with resources like previous years' papers, understanding the exam format, and building strong general knowledge and drawing skills are crucial steps.
While the mathematics section can be easier for non-architecture candidates, the aptitude and particularly the drawing section need dedicated practice. My experience highlights the importance of a well-rounded preparation strategy and staying informed about the latest news, which can be beneficial in the aptitude section.