IIT JAM 2024 Achiever Astha Jain | AIR 12 | Sagar Surya

Summary

In this engaging session from IT Jam Academy, educator Sagar Surya interviews Achiever Aastha Jain, who secured a remarkable rank in the IIT JAM exam. Aastha shares her preparation journey, emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach to managing academic commitments and utilizing college notes over standard textbooks. She offers insights on maintaining focus during study breaks and suggests starting preparation early in the year. The conversation highlights the significance of mock tests for enhancing speed and decision-making skills in exams, providing valuable advice for aspiring IIT candidates.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Aastha Jain achieved an exceptional All India Rank of 12 in the IIT JAM Mathematics exam.
• 📚 She started her preparation in December, giving herself a full year to prepare without pressure.
• 📝 Aastha managed her college academics alongside exam preparation by aligning subjects and attending classes strategically.
• 📖 Instead of relying on standard textbooks, she utilized her course materials and class notes to cover all necessary content.
• ⏳ To combat distractions and burnout, Aastha emphasized the importance of taking breaks and spending time with family.
• 🧠 Early preparation allows students to focus on understanding theoretical concepts before shifting to practice problems.
• 📊 Mock tests are crucial for improving speed and familiarizing oneself with the exam format, helping to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• 🤝 Trusting teachers and managing stress levels are key factors in successful exam preparation.
• 💡 Aastha encourages students to engage in stress management techniques for better performance on exam day.
• 👩‍🏫 Her future aspiration is to pursue a Ph.D. and become a teacher, demonstrating her passion for mathematics.

Q & A

Who is the guest speaker in the IT Jam Academy session?

The guest speaker is Aastha Jain, who achieved an exceptional All India Rank of 12 in the IIT JAM Mathematics exam.

What was Aastha's educational background before preparing for IIT JAM?

Aastha is from Ghaziabad and is currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Mathematics Honours from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University.

When did Aastha decide to start her preparation for IIT JAM?

Aastha decided to start her preparation in January, following the recommendation of her seniors, giving her a full year to prepare.

How did Aastha manage her college academics while preparing for the IIT JAM?

Aastha managed her college academics by attending evening classes and aligning her college subjects with her IIT JAM syllabus, ensuring both were covered effectively.

What materials did Aastha use for her preparation?

Aastha primarily relied on her course materials and notes rather than standard books, as her college curriculum already covered essential topics.

What advice did Aastha give regarding time management during preparation?

Aastha emphasized the importance of taking breaks and engaging in other activities to avoid burnout, suggesting a balance between studying and relaxation.

What is Aastha's perspective on mock tests?

Aastha highlighted that mock tests are crucial for improving speed and identifying strengths and weaknesses in problem-solving during exams.

What should students focus on according to Aastha when preparing for the IIT JAM?

Students should focus on understanding concepts thoroughly in the initial months, followed by practicing questions and taking mock tests as the exam approaches.

What common struggles do students face during preparation, according to Aastha?

Students often struggle with distractions and lack of motivation, which can be mitigated by taking breaks and maintaining a balanced routine.

What final advice did Aastha offer to students preparing for IIT JAM?

Aastha advised students to believe in their teachers and to learn stress management, as it is essential for performing well in exams.