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Here I am, a JEE dropper in November, facing a situation that feels like a plot twist: not only do I need to ace JEE, but I also have to reappear for my 12th boards. Why? Because that 75% (or top 20 percentile) criteria slipped right out of my grasp last year. So now it’s double the challenge: JEE and boards. And, well... my current prep level? Let’s just say “zero” feels like an optimistic estimate.
1. The Pressure Cooker Reality
Being a dropper with the 12th boards and JEE prep is like having two major deadlines, both of which you forgot about until... now. Every day feels like a ticking clock reminding me that “time is running out.” Friends who are done with boards look at me with sympathy, while I’m over here trying to figure out how to fit two entire curriculums into one study plan without imploding.
2. The Legendary Zero Prep Start
Let’s be real – if it’s November and you’re still staring at blank notebooks, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you. It’s not like I haven’t thought about studying; it’s just that every time I sit down, my brain decides it’s time for a “break.” Now I’m looking at the calendar wondering how to turn zero prep into at least something by December without a miracle.
3. That Overwhelming “Where Do I Start?” Question
When you're starting at zero, choosing a starting point feels impossible. Should I dive into 12th boards? Focus on JEE? Or just cry for a bit? Trying to balance both feels like juggling fire while riding a bike. My plan is usually: “Let’s just start somewhere,” but when that “somewhere” changes daily, it’s more like a random walk through textbooks.
4. The Constant Reminder of 75% and Top 20 Percentile
Unlike last year, when I thought I could just breeze through boards, this year I know better. The 75% cutoff and top 20 percentile aren’t just numbers—they’re an extra exam I need to pass alongside JEE. So now it’s double duty: focusing on tricky JEE topics and then flipping to board-friendly answers that actually make sense to examiners. Easy, right?
5. November Survival Mode: Attempting to Catch Up
At this stage, I’ve decided survival mode is all about tiny victories. Covering even one chapter, acing even one mock test, and ignoring the urge to binge-watch anything becomes a full-on win. My new study mantra is “slowly, but steadily” – even if that pace feels a lot like crawling. But hey, progress is progress.
6. The Not-So-Perfect Study Plan (But It'll Have to Work)
A month ago, I would’ve aimed for a color-coded schedule. Now? I’ll settle for anything that gets me from Point Zero to Point “Slightly Prepared.” JEE and boards are two different beasts, so my strategy is simple: focus on subjects that overlap, like physics and chemistry, and hope my brain can hold both board-style answers and MCQs without breaking.
In the End…
Being a dropper with both boards and JEE on the horizon feels like running two marathons at once – and not really having trained for either. But here’s the silver lining: we’ve got time, even if it’s not much, and every little step counts. Whether you’re working through zero prep like me or just trying to keep up, keep going. We’ve made it this far, so why not go all the way?
