The Road to IITs: How IITians Exceeded JEE-Advanced Without NTSE or KVPY Success

There isn't a specific database or record that tracks the number of IITians who did not clear the NTSE (National Talent Search Examination) or KVPY (Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana) but still achieved extraordinary ranks in JEE-Advanced. However, it is not uncommon for students to excel in JEE-Advanced despite not qualifying for these competitive exams. The JEE-Advanced primarily assesses understanding of concepts and problem-solving skills in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Success in JEE-Advanced can depend on various factors, including individual study strategies, coaching, and personal motivation.

A Case Study: AIR 1 2016 Aman Bansal

A notable example is AIR 1 2016, Aman Bansal. He did not clear the NTSE, which is an exam almost all IITians do clear. Instead, his journey focuses on JEE-Advanced. The question remains valid: how did Aman achieve such a rank without NTSE qualifications?

User Experience: Unprepared for NTSE, Excelling in JEE-Advanced

A user, who did not prepare for the NTSE, provides a detailed account of their journey. They mention never preparing for competitive exams until 10th standard and focusing only on JEE preparation later. Here’s a breakdown of their experience:

11th Standard: Preparation Without Prior Competitive Exam Experience

In 11th and 12th, I prepared in a very competitive environment. A friend who was predicted to be a top 100 ranker in JEE also shared that he performed 'decently' and got into one of Vidyamandir Classes' reputed batches, the founder batch. My peers were also very studious, and all of them except one ended up securing a better rank than me.

Unexpected Health Issues: Derailed NTSE Preparation

During my 12th grade, I was not performing up to the mark and lacked self-confidence. I planned to appear for NTSE in 12th because I would have completed my JEE Main syllabus by then. However, a month before the exam, I contracted yellow fever, which worsened. Paracetamol didn’t work, and I was rushed to the hospital. I did not study much for the next two days, and when the exam came, I was not confident. I scored 52/100 and just missed the cutoff of 59 marks for the General category. I was devastated.

Recovery and Preparation for JEE-Advanced

For a few days, I didn't feel like talking to anyone. However, since the NTSE was a month away from JEE Main, I had to control my emotions. I took mock tests and revised NCERT daily. In the January attempt, I secured a 99.68ile rank. Although I felt disappointed, my focus shifted to JEE-Advanced. Post-board exams, the lockdown delayed the exam, and my preparation continued. After scoring 406/450 in BITSAT, I realized I could do it. Finally, my JEE-Advanced rank was AIR 977.

Lessons Learned

From this experience, you can take away several key lessons:

Exams don't always go as expected. Acceptance is the only way, and learning from failures is crucial. Maintain a healthy competition with friends but never be jealous. They will help you in many tough situations. Your final competition is not with a few aspirants but with the whole country. Always keep this in mind.

Cheers!

Conclusion

The journey to IITs through JEE-Advanced is multifaceted and requires determination, resilience, and consistent effort. While NTSE and KVPY are important, they are not prerequisites for success. Instances like Aman Bansal and the user's experience highlight the importance of adapting to unforeseen circumstances, maintaining a positive mindset, and persisting in the face of challenges.