Byju's JEE Coaching Experience
Last Updated :
18 Jun, 2024
My Journey: From 10th Standard to Aspiring for IITs and NIT
My journey began after my 10th standard board exams when a Byju's awareness contest was held at my apartment. Intrigued by their grand advertisements featuring Shah Rukh Khan and the visual explanations of concepts like the Pythagorean theorem, I eagerly participated. A week later, I received a call from Byju inviting me to a free demo and a scholarship test.
On the day of the demo, an engaging Byju salesperson visited our home and tested my conceptual understanding. Impressed by his marketing and questioning skills, my parents decided to invest in Byju's JEE and NEET preparation courses for the next two years. I was thrilled to receive a tablet to watch and learn from Byju's videos. Having used Byju's services since the 8th standard, I was excited to start this new phase of my learning journey.
My Interest in IITs and NITs
As I entered the 11th standard, discussions about joining coaching centers for JEE preparation, one of the toughest exams in India, became common. While many of my friends joined offline coaching centers like Aakash and Lakshya, I was worried about the effectiveness of self-learning at home. However, the idea of studying at prestigious institutions like IITs and NITs, with their sophisticated campuses, motivated me to succeed.
Learning Journey
The 11th standard was particularly challenging as I had to balance my school syllabus with JEE preparation. Studying under the ISC syllabus, it was tough to excel in board exams and JEE mocks simultaneously. My 11th final exam scores were low, and I struggled to grasp the concepts fully.
Covid-19 and Its Impact
Determined to improve in my 12th standard, I was hit by the unexpected lockdown due to Covid-19. Initially, I was pleased as everyone had to stay home and study, leveling the playing field. I started studying vigorously, completing each chapter quickly.
Mistakes I Made
Lack of Practice:
I focused on finishing video lessons quickly to stay ahead but neglected the essential practice. To future JEE aspirants, I highly recommend practicing thoroughly before moving on to new chapters and taking regular mock tests.
Dissatisfaction with Byju's
During the 11th standard, I learned that Byju's offered Cengage learning materials worth ₹5000 for free. However, when I inquired, my mentor informed me that I had to pay for them. To avoid burdening my parents, I refused to buy them. Later, in the 12th standard, I discovered that the books were indeed free. Frustrated and feeling burdened, I received the materials too late to utilize them effectively. This significantly affected my confidence and performance.
The Outcome
With JEE exams held across four dates from February to May, I was not able to secure a 90+ percentile due to my inconsistent efforts. I shifted my focus to scoring high in my board exams to get into a top engineering college under Anna University. Unfortunately, the board exams were canceled due to Covid-19, and I received an all-pass grade. My low cutoff score meant I had to join a college by paying a hefty donation, which shattered my confidence.
Regaining Confidence
In college, my shattered confidence reflected in my semester exams. However, I started practicing yoga, which gradually improved my confidence. I am hopeful that I will overcome all my fears, succeed in my career, and bring happiness to my parents by securing a position in a top MNC with a high salary.
This is my journey so far, and I believe that with perseverance and self-care, I will achieve my dreams and live a prosperous life.