My Journey Through the JEE Advanced: Overcoming Pre-Exam Anxiety

Exams, especially major ones like the JEE Advanced, can be nerve-wracking experiences. This article chronicles my personal journey and the steps I took to prepare for and overcome anxiety during this crucial exam period.

The Pre-Exam Build-Up

The countdown to the JEE Advanced started, and my anxiety began to build as I reflected on my previous attempts and the formidable challenge ahead. On 20th May 2017, at 9:30 PM, I found myself feeling overwhelmed:

"I am not able to solve a single question from the 2016 paper. What's happening to me! High Pressure."

Several hours later, at 1:30 AM, the anxiety reached a peak as I struggled to find solace in sleep:

"Damn it. I am not able to fall asleep. I will ruin the most important exam of my life now, won't I?"

But as dawn broke on 21st May, the freshness of the new day brought a sense of calm. In the words of Neera Singh, a well-known motivational speaker, 'Start each day with a deep breath and a smile.' And so, the journey to the JEE Champions League Final began.

The Journey to the Exam Centre

I left my home that morning with a sense of determination, fearing not the worse but intent on delivering my best. As I drove, I was reminded of a scene from my neighborhood: a group of street dogs clearing the road for our car. I couldn't help but reflect on this as a positive omen, exclaiming, 'Was that another positive signal?'

The road ahead was fraught with challenges, including a renowned student who might have affected my confidence but I reminded myself that it wasn't about the other students, but how I performed.

As I prepared to enter for the exam, I set the stage for success, telling myself repeatedly, 'Dont get any brainfade please. Keep running. Donrsquo;t lose your focus. Just don’t stop. Just don’t! You know you will do much better than most, at least from your State.'

The Exam Day and Final Countdown

By 8 AM, as Paper 1 began, I was in 'concentration mode,' ready to give it my all. Despite feeling anxious, the fear and uncertainty of others gave me an extra boost of confidence. As the hours passed, I held my head high, storming out after completing Paper 1, confident in my performance.

The afternoon brought Paper 2, which was more challenging. I remember feeling a headache and a momentary fear of brainfade. However, I took a break, calmed myself, and returned to the exam with renewed determination. I carefully thought out my approach, maximizing my risk-taken, no-negative-mark questions to exploit their advantage.

As the final bell rang and the invigilator began to collect the papers, I felt a mix of emotions—a sense of uncertainty and the possibility of success. When my paper was taken away, my fate seemed sealed. Yet, in the afterward, I was numb with a sense of nothingness. My family remained chilled out, and I continued to prepare as the day turned at home with a drink in hand.

The Results and Celebration

After checking the answer keys, I found myself with a surprising result: AIR 4536. It wasn't the top rank I aspired to, but it was enough to declare me a winner. My determination and resilience paid off, as I found myself sitting in the library of IIT-G for a much-earned Physics Quiz.

My story is one of perseverance, belief, and preparation. It's a reminder that even the most challenging exams can be navigated with the right mindset and attitude.