“Sir, my question to you is, what was the first thing you learned when you joined IIT?”
When I first stepped into IIT, I encountered an interesting and impactful lesson, one that has stayed with me to this day. Let me share this experience with you, as it holds a valuable lesson for anyone preparing for NEET, JEE, or any significant milestone in life.
The Humbling Experience
It all started with a course on humanities. As part of this course, we were given regular assignments. One such assignment needed to be submitted by 12:00 PM on a Friday. It was a ten-mark assignment, and I had worked diligently to complete it on time.
On the submission day, I reached the main building of IIT Delhi. The professor’s office was located on the sixth floor, and as luck would have it, the elevators were extremely crowded. With precious minutes ticking away, I decided to wait for the lift, thinking it would be faster than taking the stairs.
However, the wait proved longer than expected. By the time I finally got into the elevator and reached the professor’s office, it was 12:01 PM. When I handed over my assignment, the professor simply said, “You are late.” He did not accept my assignment.
The Crucial Lesson
This incident taught me my first and most crucial lesson at IIT: the importance of meeting deadlines. It underscored how vital it is to complete any task within the stipulated time frame, whether it’s an assignment, a project, or any other commitment. This lesson on the value of time and punctuality has been ingrained in me ever since.
Applying This Lesson to NEET and JEE Preparation
For students preparing for NEET and JEE, this lesson is particularly pertinent. The preparation for these exams is a race against time, with a limited period to cover vast syllabi. It’s essential to create a schedule and adhere strictly to it. Unlike assignments, where there might be a chance for resubmission, the exams have fixed dates that won’t be delayed. You must be ready by then.
Meeting deadlines during your preparation phase translates directly into achieving your goals during the exams. The discipline you cultivate in adhering to your study schedule will reflect in your performance. Missing out on study targets can accumulate, leading to stress and a feeling of being unprepared as the exam date approaches.
Practical Tips for Managing Time Effectively
Create a Realistic Schedule: Break down your syllabus into manageable chunks and assign specific deadlines for each. Make sure your goals are achievable within the set time frames.
Prioritize Tasks: Identify the subjects or topics that need more attention and prioritize them in your schedule.
Avoid Procrastination: Delaying tasks can lead to unnecessary stress. Stick to your schedule diligently.
Use Time Wisely: Utilize every available moment effectively. Even short breaks can be used for quick revisions or solving a few problems.
Monitor Progress: Regularly review your progress to ensure you are on track. Adjust your schedule if necessary, but avoid pushing tasks to the last minute.
Conclusion
The lesson I learned at IIT about the value of time and meeting deadlines is one that every NEET and JEE aspirant should take to heart. By respecting deadlines and managing your time efficiently, you can ensure that your preparation is thorough and effective, leading to success in your exams.
Remember, the discipline you build now will not only help you clear NEET or JEE but will also be a valuable skill throughout your life. So, make time your ally and stick to your schedule to achieve your dreams.
Thank you for reading, and best of luck with your preparations!
