Which Tutor, Piyush Maheshwari or Mohammad Kashif Alam, is Superior for JEE Inorganic Chemistry on Unacademy?

Introduction

The question of who is better: Piyush Maheshwari (PMS) or Mohammad Kashif Alam (MKA) when it comes to JEE inorganic chemistry on Unacademy has been a topic of discussion among students. I, a graduate of IIT Guwahati who has studied under both of them, can provide a well-informed answer. This article will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of both tutors, based on my personal experience, to help you make an informed decision.

Piyush Maheshwari (PMS)

PMS is recognized for his exceptional results, leading a large number of students to success. His teaching methods are highly effective, and his content is widely consumed, attracting a significant number of students due to his comprehensive approach. Critics who label him as rude and impatient often want teachers to be overly accommodating to students' needs. However, it is important to note that PMS is not unresponsive to student queries. He may scold students if the question is repetitive or seems too basic, but it is essential to understand that this is a form of tough love, not physical harm. This approach often helps students grasp concepts more clearly, and he is generally supportive of students seeking clarification.

Mohammad Kashif Alam (MKA)

MKA is valuable for students who are preparing for boards as well as JEE, but this approach can make the inorganic chemistry syllabus more challenging. Some of my specific criticisms of MKA’s teaching methodology include:

He did not cover atomic orbital concepts, which are fundamental to inorganic chemistry. While he did a decent job explaining chemical bonding in the first chapter, his explanations improved as the course progressed.

MKA's content-cutting methods became apparent when he left essential topics in the middle of chapters, promising to cover them in the revision phase. When the revision period finally arrived, these topics still hadn't been covered.

In the case of the atomic orbital theory, MKA imported a PDF from his book and read through it, leading to confusion in the most critical chapter of class 11 chemistry.

During the revision phase, many students found the course less effective. The batch I was in was considered unlucky, with two key teachers leaving after class 11, while others were expected to complete their syllabus by the first week of January.

While MKA is a good choice for students who are already familiar with the content and need a refresher, he is not ideal for beginners. His teaching style, while rigorous, is most suitable for self-motivated and disciplined students who require a comprehensive understanding of the topics.

Conclusion

Selecting the right tutor is crucial for your JEE preparation. If you are seeking a thorough and comprehensive learning experience with strong community support, Piyush Maheshwari is the better choice. Conversely, if you are preparing for both boards and JEE and require a rigorous and methodical approach, Mohammad Kashif Alam may be a better fit, but with the caveat that you should be more self-motivated and disciplined.

Final Verdict

Don’t choose based on the opinions of people who want teachers to cater to every student's needs. Make your decision based on what works for you and your learning style. Both tutors have different strengths, and the key is to select one that aligns with your goals and preparation strategies.