STUDY TIPS (mainly for IIT-JEE)

1. The first and foremost thing required for academic success is RIGHT EFFORT &
ATTITUDE. Unless one follows a correct mode of preparation for IIT-JEE, in the right spirit,
it is absurd to hope for a good result. The major aspects of adopting the right methodology
are given below, although the fine points evolve as the student progresses.

2. Always read good books which explain the fundamental concepts in depth, encouraging
the spirit of inquiry in the student. For Physics, the XI and XII CBSE books published by
NCERT should be considered the most important text books, even for IIT-JEE. University
Physics (by Freedman & Young) is excellent as a second text book. Even I had read this
book’s old version, cover to cover, during my school days! The problem book by Irodov
remains the best available, even today. Also “3000 solved problems in Physics” (Schaum
series) is highly recommended for IIT-JEE. More ambitious students can study the two
theory books by Irodov titled – “Fundamental laws of Mechanics” and “Basic laws of
Electromagnetism”.

3. A peaceful academic environment at home is very important. The student should preferably
have a separate room for himself or herself, with a neat and tidy study table. Studying on
the bed, sofa, etc. are not good habits. On the study table too, the student should sit in a
state of alertness, with the neck and spine straight to allow the entire central nervous
system to work efficiently. Try not to litter your room with books, etc. Always tidy up before
embarking on a study session. There should be plenty of fresh air in the room, and sunlight
too. If you are in the habit of studying late in the night (which is ok), do spend a minute in
the day for doing some eye-exercises or practicing eye-relaxation techniques, especially
focusing on a low brightness distant object like a far away tree in daylight or a bright star at
night. Our eye muscles are most relaxed when the eye lens is focusing at infinity.

4. Choose your teachers carefully. The in-depth knowledge required for IIT-JEE is best
imparted by a good teacher, who is himself absolutely clear about the concepts, and
possesses the pedagogical skills for communicating them to the students. Don't go for the
brand name of an institute, rather, find out about the specific teacher who you are going to
interact with. Institutes with good brand names have above average study material, and
systematic approach which may be all right for simpler exams like AIEEE or CET. For IIT-
JEE, any amount of practice, mock-tests, etc. are useless without a deep understanding of
the subject. Always seek the advice of senior students who themselves got a good rank in
IIT-JEE. The opinion of those students, who have not got through IIT-JEE, is generally
useless and misleading.

5. Pay full attention during your coaching classes/lectures and note down each and
everything explained during the class in your notebook or register. Unless you note down
each and every point with your own hands in your register, you will probably forget that
lecture within a few days. Some tricky concepts explained lucidly by an intelligent teacher
 can be grasped by an attentive student within a few minutes, whereas they may elude
another student for days.

6. If you are tempted to be sometimes inattentive during a class or study session due to
fatigue, remember that the human energy reservoir has many layers, and the apparent
depletion of outer energy layer is illusive. A strong will and the desire to pay attention make
available the hidden energy layer, eliminating the feeling of fatigue or mental inertia. A few
minutes of Yoga will benefit greatly, probably beyond your expectations! I especially
recommend the ‘humming technique’ or ‘Bhamri Pranayama’ for students. It essentially
consists of closing your ears with your thumbs, lightly resting your fingers on your closed
eyes and nose bridge, and humming – trying to create resonance within your head. At a
certain pitch of sustained humming, you will suddenly feel resonance within your head, or a
state in which the sonic vibrations have distinctly perceptible amplitude inside your head.
You can hum 3-4 times in one session, several times in a day, or whenever you feel mental
fatigue. This technique will take less than 5 minutes of your 24 hour routine, but it will work
wonders. Everyone can start feeling the difference in mental energy within a week to 3
months, depending on how soon you can achieve the resonant state. Incidentally, people
with a musical ear can master this yogic technique very quickly! But, never ever think that
you can substitute hard work (and the time spent in studying or practicing problems in your
rough notebooks) with such things as yoga or divine/esoteric stuff. These things can just aid
you in providing the energy required for hard work and studies, or boost your perseverance.
But if you don’t study or practice, then you cannot hope to do well in exams.

7. Incorporate 10 - 30 minutes of physical exercise in your schedule, of any type. Exercise

lowers mental stress and improves overall functioning of the body-mind system. During
exercise, try to eliminate all thoughts and just become aware of your body, its breathing
rhythm, etc. Physical exercises like jogging, swimming or cycling for about 15-20 minutes in
the mornings and evenings are recommended. Do some shoulder and hand exercises too
to increase your handwriting speed and associated stamina. A disregard for these tips
might result in heaviness of the head & body, and mental fatigue (as the exams approach),
jeopardizing your two years of effort. It is stupid to think that you can bypass your body’s
health and get a good rank in IIT just by sheer studies!

8. Do not entertain any unnecessary thoughts about success/failure in IIT-JEE and other
exams. Brooding over such ‘futuristic’ event possibilities is just an escape mechanism of a
weak mind. Most people, who get depressed, unconsciously enjoy their lamentable state. A
sharp awareness of the thought weaving mind is enough to reclaim your authority over the
mind. Even from a practical point of view, study sincerely, because it will give you the
career of your choice. An unfit career can be very, very frustrating.