Board exams are coming

Board exams are near. Pressure must have increased. You must be thinking how to handle so much pressure ? Boards -> JEE Main -> JEE advanced !!
Life must be going too difficult. I know how it feels. I have been through the same last year.
Let me help you to make it a bit easy.
Most probably, your first exam will be English (you must have got your date sheet by now). Prepare whole heartedly for it. Dedicate 3-4 full days for it. Keep your JEE preparation aside and start preparing English. There are many guide books available in the market and they are really really helpful especially if you are a dummy school student (Like me :P ). It's very important to get at least above 80 in English otherwise your percentage will go down significantly (Remember you have to be in the top 20 percentile of your board). Read the text book prescribed for your board thoroughly and follow a guide book. Ask for help from your friends who are not preparing for JEE. Request them to teach you English lessons.
Attempt the paper with planning and everything should be fine.
Around 50% load should be gone off from your head after English paper is over.
Next usually you will have Mathematics then Physics then Chemistry.
Here is where the trick comes.
You have a great chance to prepare NCERT thoroughly. Study NCERT in great detail. Solve the examples given in maths book. They might seem trivial but remember that if you don't have a practice of "writing" a solution, then you will be facing problem in your Board exams. So better sit with a pen and paper and write down the solutions to even the easy questions. There are certain topics that are not present in JEE advanced syllabus but they are in Board syllabus. Make sure you cover them. That will not only help you in Board exams, but also in JEE Main.
Do the same with Physics and Chemistry (especially). Prepare NCERT thoroughly and you will be done with class 12th syllabus of JEE Main and JEE advanced too (partly). In this way, you aren't wasting your precious JEE time. Instead, you are utilizing it smartly.
Make sure to cover all the proofs and derivations in Physics. They are important.
Make sure you have seen papers of last 3 years and solved them properly.
Make sure you have memorized all the tables and diagrams mentioned in NCERT for both Physics and Chemistry.
Lastly comes the optional subject (Computer/Physical education/Hindi/any other).
For Physical education, you don't really need to burn the midnight oil. Just learn the headings and write the final answer in your own words. You will surely get 90+ but make sure to dedicate around 2 days to the optional subject.
Getting a 90% in Boards is not only easy, but also it is required especially if you are in ICSE or CBSE Board.
For CBSE, the GodBook is NCERT. Don't search for unnecessary guides and all. Guides are required for English and optional subject. For Physics, Chemistry and Maths, you don't really need a guide. You JEE preparation experience is sufficient.
Whatever I have written in this post applies by and large to all the boards. Syllabus may vary slightly. Make sure to follow the syllabus strictly. You should not end up wasting time on something that is not really required.
All the best.
Work hard and make everyone proud of you.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
A post on JEE Main will be coming soon

Co-ordinate your geometry - co-ordinate geometry

Co-ordinate geometry has a huge weightage in JEE and it is considered to be the easiest topic in JEE maths.
First of all, a chapter wise analysis, then relevant books and then concluding remarks are mentioned in this post.

1.) Basics : Cartesian coordinates, distance between two points, section formulae, shift of origin etc. They form the backbone of Co-ordinate geometry. Make sure to learn all formulas by heart. Locus problems form another set of problems from the point of JEE. Master them

2.) Straight lines : Equation of a straight line in various forms, angle between two lines, distance of a point from a line. Lines through the point of intersection of two given lines, equation of the bisector of the angle between two lines, concurrency of lines, centroid, orthocentre, incentre and circumcentre of a triangle. These are the topics as mentioned in JEE syllabus. Understand the various forms of a line and learn to apply the best form in a particular scenario. Family of straight lines is most important from the point of view of JEE problems. Also make sure to learn how and when to apply the parametric form of a straight line.

3.) Circles : Equation of a circle in various forms, equations of tangent, normal and chord.
Parametric equations of a circle, intersection of a circle with a straight line or a circle, equation of a circle through the points of intersection of two circles and those of a circle and a straight line.
It's the simplest chapter. Understand the standard equations. This chapter contains a number of formulas such as - length of tangent from a point, equation of chord of contact, equation of chord with a given midpoint, equation of common tangent, finding radical axis, radical centre, etc. The formulas derived here are general and apply to ellipse, parabola and hyperbola as well. So better learn them by heart. The parametric form of a circle is very important.

4.) Parabola : Most of the equations that are derived in Circles chapter will work here. The parametric form is really important in all chapters of conics. An interesting topic is the reflection property of parabola which you might like to learn for solving paragraph type questions in JEE. Note that paragraphs are common from the chapters of coordinate geometry so better be prepared to se something new on JEE day. You won't be given the same old beaten up problems.

5.) Ellipse : Much of same as Circles. Again the parametric form is important. Auxiliary circle helps a lot in solving the questions of this chapter. Locus problems are frequently asked from this chapter. Parametric form will help you in solving locus problems.

6.) Hyperbola : Much of same as Circles and ellipse. Simple but confusing. Conjugate hyperbola and asymptotes and their properties are important. Some people face problems in this chapter. Reason is that this chapter marks the end of coordinate geometry. So, usually people get bored till this time and tend to neglect it. But keep in mind that paper setters know all this. And they are ready to trap you. A good student cannot afford to miss any chapter.

Books : TMH is the best book if you are aiming for a good rank. If you are looking to try something challenging and want to convince yourself that you know coordinate geometry, then go for Arihant Coordinate Geometry by SK Goyal. It's a good book. It contains enough subjective and objective problems. Make sure you do all

Concluding Remarks : Make sure that you know the parametric form of each curve, equation of tangent of slope "m", equation of normal of slope "m", equation of tangent and normal at any point (x,y) or in terms of parameter. These are the most important things and most problems will be done if you do them.

Revision : Any review package might help. Make sure you revise the formulas from some reliable source. Best way is to write down all of them in a sheet of paper and revise regularly. You will learn them only when you apply them. So solve as many problems as you can. You will enjoy it. For revision you may try TMH (unsolved problems).

Finally : I request you all not to ask me "Is this book enough for JEE ?", "will I get under 1000 rank if I do this ?".
I really don't know the answer to such questions. Nothing is enough for JEE. You can solve all the material available but still, you might not get the expected marks because of poor examination temperament (about which I will write soon in my next post).

All the best.
Enjoy coordinate geometry

Last few months

The last few months are very important.
Waste this time and time will waste you.
Time is precious during the last few months. Especially the time between JEE Main and JEE Advanced. This time is the rank deciding factor.
Let me make it a bit more explanatory. The people who haven't prepared well during the past two years are going to make full use of this time. Such students were not able to prepare well because of say school exams, board exams etc. But now(after board exams are over), they are completely free of any load and will charge themselves to the fullest.
They might easily go ahead if you don't work hard. So better utilize this time.
To be precise, do the following :

• Do endless revision of inorganic chemistry. If you don't revise now, then it will be washed away.
• Solve innumerable problems of organic and physical chemistry.
• Solve as many problems as you can from various topics.
• Make a clear list of topics/chapters in which you are weak.
• Practice infinite problems of the chapters in the above list.
• Make sure you have completed NCERT books thoroughly.
• Make sure that you are solving a good amount of problems in a given time. Always have a timer with you to time yourself.
• Take special care of your health. You don't want to waste even a fraction of this time.
• Increase your study hours by around 10%.
• Think about your target. Keep the target in mind and stay motivated.
• Do well in the test series. Make sure to analyse your mistakes in every paper.
• Note down the silly mistakes that you committed in the exams and make it a point that you don't repeat the same mistake again.
• Revise your coaching notes regularly.
• Cut down your extra curricular activities especially those activities in which your body gets exhausted (sports etc)

Word hard, work smart. The IITs are calling you.

Ideas for efficient revision sessions

I received tonnes of requests on "How to revise ?"
Here are a few methods that are based on my own experience. Note that my strategy might completely fail for you. So it's best to discover one's own techniques when it comes to revision, which is a crucial stage in JEE preparation.
First of all, I will write about Chemistry because this is something that needs infinite revision.

Inorganic chemistry : As I have been emphasizing from the beginning, inorganic chemistry requires a lot of revision. I had my own strategy. I used to :
1.)read from books (NCERT/JD Lee/FIITJEE packages etc) 
2.)fix in my mind as much as I could in one shot
3.)maintain a diary wherein I used to mention all those facts which I didn't remember/used to forget easily
4.)revised that diary daily during the last couple of months
5.)revised the stuff of point number 2 (above) on weekends

This way, I ensured that I did not forget the things that have been covered so far.
Note : although I have mentioned JD Lee here. You can simply ignore it
Summary : re-read NCERT

Organic chemistry : towards the end of my preparation, I made a full reading of Morrison and Boyd to ensure that nothing is left from HC Verma of chemistry (Morrison Boyd is regarded as HC Verma of chemistry). I solved numerous problems to ensure that I am ready to apply the reactions on the final day.
Another important thing was that I revised all the "Key mechanisms" of LG Wade. They are the most important mechanisms and a table is given in the book that lists all the page numbers of the Key mechanisms. That table is meant for quick revision.
Summary : solve problems

Physical Chemistry : I solved the problems of RC Mukherjee (note that there are objective problems at the end of book). I regularly revised the chapter - Colloidal state
Summary : solve problems

Maths : for maths, I revised algebra from TMH. Co-ordinate geometry, Trigonometry from FIITJEE packages, Calculus from Arihant Differential and integral calculus (best pair of books for calculus) and Vectors/3-D geometry from ML Agarwal (ISC board Maths book)
Summary : solve problems

Physics : In physics, I was proficient in numericals but the thing that bowled me were the theory based questions that are frequently asked in more than one correct type problems. So I revised HC Verma fully (meaning the theory portion) and solved the objective I and II and discussed it with my teachers.
Summary : solve problems

Note that most of the summaries contain the tag - "solve problems".
Reasons : 
1.)you are applying the formulas so you are forced to recall them (this is what you'll be doing on D-day)
2.)you are practicing more and more questions
3.)your speed is increasing
4.)your accuracy is increasing
5.)your examination temperament is improving

Last piece of advice :
1.)Do not waste time after JEE main. Utilize this fully for you revision. This time is going to decide your rank. The one who wastes this time is going to be ruined on the JEE day
2.)If you JEE main doesn't go fine, don't be depressed
3.)Revise all the subjects daily - one subject per day is dangerous
4.)Keep pen and paper with you (for solving problems and not as a show piece)
5.)Practice as many problems as possible
6.)last and final one - don't be over confident. There are super stud people in every fields that are way ahead of you

All the best.
Do post your comments/queries

Qualitative analysis - requires quality study

Qualitative analysis is viewed as one of the most difficult chapters of inorganic chemistry because it requires sheer cramming with little or rather no logic. This is the perception of most JEE aspirants. But my view is a bit different.
If you study from a good source(which has been mentioned below) then I don't think that this chapter is that difficult as a JEE aspirant feels.
Here are a few tips :
1.) Prepare this chapter by "writing" the reactions on a notebook. You might feel that if you just read it once, then you are done but the case is different. An average JEE aspirant doesn't have that high IQ level. And it has been scientifically proved that we remember things better if we write them once. So carry pen and paper with you when you study this chapter.
2.) A good and reliable study material with a simple language is the best. For example - I used FIITJEE packages parallel to a book called Vogel's qualitative analysis. It's a good book but it is not meant for JEE. You have to study only about 15% of that book for JEE. You might like to try something else. But the above 2 must be sufficient. Note that instead of FIITJEE packages, you might have a different package. But don't worry, all are more or less the same.
3.) Solve a number of problems especially the past year problems. Don't miss a single problem from at least past 25 years. They repeat the questions from this chapter.
4.) In the end, the most important thing is revision. As I have already mentioned in my inorganic chemistry post, all the chapters of inorganic chemistry (qualitative analysis included) require intense revision. You are highly likely to forget everything you did if you do not revise say once a week.

Algebra , the most difficult one

For me , algebra was like a nightmare , even today. Thankfully there is no algebra course here in B.Tech. Here is a chapterwise analysis of algebra as most people demanded. I am sorry for the delay.

Complex numbers : as the name suggests , it's a really complex chapter. Contains a large number of concepts. This chapter integrated with coordinate geometry serves as the source of a large number of questions. Be careful with this. Locus problems are asked from this chapter wherein the definitions are given in complex number notation and you are expected to decipher it. The triangle inequality is another important aspect.

Quadratic Equations : A rather simple chapter but very much interesting. Make sure you know all the concepts. This would be easy if you practice past years problems well.

Progressions and series : The so called Vn method is most important. Recursion problems are the favourite ones. Make sure you know the definitions well and are well equipped to apply them whenever needed.

Logarithms : Simplest one. But the base change formula is important. Direct questions are asked rarely but they can test you in say a different way but integrating this chapter with other chapters of algebra.

Permutations and Combinations : The most difficult chapter for me. I am still confused so I can't really say anything but make sure that you solve a large number of problems.

Binomial Theorem : Easy one. Practice a handful of problems and you are done.

Matrices : Simplest chapter of algebra. But the paper setters know how to make you sweat in matrices problems. Check the paragraph that was asked in JEE 2010. It is the toughest problem from this chapter.

Probability : Not really difficult but not easy too. Practice board level problems in the beginning and then move on to tougher ones.

Algebra is an important and a diverse topic with a large weightage so make sure you practice it well.

All about Mechanics

Mechanics is one of the most important part of Physics in JEE.
It has huge weightage and not having a command on this part will definitely pull down your rank.
It's important because it has large applications in thermodynamics, electromagnetism as well as in modern physics so being expert in this part helps you to understand the subject better.
Here is a chapterwise analysis of mechanics:
Kinematics: First chapter of mechanics. It's mainly mathematics with a little bit of physics. Knowing calculus is important to understand this chapter. Definitions in this chapter must be absolutely clear and yes focus mainly on projectile motion(especially projectile motion along an inclined plane).
Laws of motion: "backbone of classical physics". Newton's second law is everything here. Practice it well and apply it with caution. Constraint relations form an important part and a number of questions are framed from this topic. Most students face problem in friction part. And yes paper setters know it!
Work, power, energy: work energy theorem and law of conservation of mechanical energy are two important laws that need to be mastered. Don't leave small things out here. In competitions they even ask the units and conversions(for example 1HP = ? Watts).
Center of mass and momentum: another important chapter. The law of conservation of linear momentum is very important and a number of questions are asked from it. Mixed questions from these 4 chapters are common in JEE.
Gravitation: not so important from the point of JEE but very important of you are and olympiad aspirant. If you are done with electrostatics then this chapter is a cakewalk.
Rigid body dynamics/rotational mechanics: most important chapter for JEE mechanics. It was the favourite chapter of paper setters in JEE 2012. Difficult for most students and sometimes confusing too. You are expected to know the formulae, moment of inertia for simple objects, the theorems on inertia, and most importantly - law of conservation of angular momentum. This law combined with law of conservation of linear momentum is used to solve the problem of collisions which is another favourite for competitive exams. Another aspect is impulse momentum theorem and the angular equivalent of the theorem. Brilliant questions have been asked in JEE from this chapter. Even for olympiads, this one is important. Practice this chapter patiently and learn to apply the equations and theorems correctly. Give this chapter extra time.
Simple Harmonic Motion: Another simple yet interesting chapter. Spring mass system is it all about! Make sure you take the help of Work energy theorem to solve the problems of this chapter. All the above chapters are used in solving problems of this chapter.
Fluid mechanics: Pascal's law , Archimedes Principle , Bernoulli's Equation and Equation of continuity are the 4 most important aspects of this chapter. You must be familiar with pressure calculations in different situations. This chapter might prove to be difficult for some (including me).
Elasticity: Easiest chapter of mechanics. Learn the definitions by heart and apply them.
The recommended books have already been mentioned in another post. Important theorems / laws have been underlined and are expected to be known perfectly.