Toppers’ Tips: How Shrenik Sakla prepared for JEE Main, Advanced and got into IIT Delhi

How did I prepare?

I started preparing for JEE in Class 11 and completed my syllabus early on in Class 12. I ensured that I devoted time to each subject every day. I would devote extra time to Chemistry as it wasn’t my strongest suit. And, through this practice, it became one of my strongest subjects.

Books I referred to

Since Chemistry wasn’t my strongest subject, I studied multiple books including JD Lee, which piqued my interest in Inorganic Chemistry. For Organic Chemistry, I studied Clayden and for Physical Chemistry, I referred to Neeraj Kumar.

For Mathematics, I referred to Sameer Bansal and Cengage for Calculus. I also studied Cengage and Anurag Mishra (Balaji Publications) for Physics.

Why did I read so many books on Chemistry?

Initially, Chemistry was difficult for me and I could not understand it. After reading these books, I understood the reason behind what I was learning and thus developed an interest in the subject.

I got so interested in Chemistry that I appeared in the Chemistry Olympiad and qualified for camp. There are three stages in the olympiad — national, international and third was camp. But due to Covid, there was no camp in 2021 and 2022.

My revision strategy

I started my revision by solving the previous years’ question papers. When only a month was left before the exam, I would solve two previous year question papers in a day. I would do the analysis of the paper and then read the related theory. I would also revise my notes. While preparing for JEE Advanced, I would give a lot of mocks. The mock paper would be 6 hours, then I would do the analysis and study one topic from each subject each day.

Study during day time, relax in the evenings

I mainly studied in the morning or during the daytime. I did online coaching and I found it to be more time efficient as you save up travel time and it also increases your efficiency.

I would use my evenings for recreational activities such as taking a walk. Sometimes, I would watch a movie if I felt overwhelmed. I am also very keen on reading and currently reading ‘Latitudes of longing’ by Shubhangi Swarup. I am also a part of the debate club as well as the literature club in my college.

Advice for students

Take interest in the subject you are studying. There should be diversity in the things you are referring to to maintain interest. Previous year questions and solving questions are very important.