IIT-JEE Exam Experience In Kota
The thrumming of the generator, a constant hum in the background, was the soundtrack of my two years in Kota. It powered the relentless pursuit of cracking the IIT-JEE. Leaving my hometown and familiar life behind at 16, Kota was a pressure cooker of aspirations.
The initial days were a whirlwind. Classes ran from dawn to dusk, cramming physics, chemistry, and mathematics into every available minute. The sheer volume of students, all with the same laser focus, was both intimidating and motivating. Every test was a battlefield, a constant ranking that measured your progress against thousands.
The teachers were veterans, having seen countless batches chase the IIT dream. They weren’t just educators; they were drill sergeants, whipping us into academic shape. Their passion for the subjects was infectious, and their problem-solving techniques opened new pathways in my understanding.
Kota wasn’t all about studies though. The evenings were a refuge. We’d gather at hostel canteens, sharing not just meals but also anxieties and strategies. The camaraderie between students, all yearning for the same goal, became a lifeline. We were both rivals and a support system, pushing each other to persevere.
There were moments of doubt, of exhaustion. The syllabus felt like a never-ending mountain, and the pressure to perform gnawed at you. But then you’d see someone ace a complex problem or hear an inspiring talk by visiting alumni, and the fire would reignite. The city, though a bit chaotic, offered its escapes. Visits to the local Chambal River or indulging in delicious street food were stolen moments of normalcy.
Looking back, those two years were a blur of intense focus and relentless hard work. There were tears of frustration and moments of pure joy when a difficult concept clicked. Kota wasn’t just about academics; it was a crucible that forged resilience, time management skills, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Did I crack JEE Advanced? That’s a story for another day. But what I know for sure is that those two years shaped me. They taught me the value of discipline, the power of hard work, and the importance of a supportive community. And that’s a valuable lesson, IIT or not.