The JEE Main 2016 will soon be upon us and many a dreams will soon be fulfilled. However, as the saying goes, there is many a slip between cup and lip. Making the most of the remaining days and – most of all – the day of the exam is critical. Here are 6 of the most important things to keep in mind.

1. Refer self-written notes

Go through your self-written notes and revise all critical topics, playing to your strengths while focusing on your weak areas simultaneously. Didn’t make notes? Well, it is too late to do it now so pick up books that have good quality chapter summaries at the end. Only caution: at this late stage do not try to pick up anything new that you have skipped over earlier.

2. Mock tests rock

There is no substitute for mock tests. These test depth & breadth of knowledge and that all important elements, speed & accuracy. See below for links to some recommended exams.

3. Quality over quantity

In the last lap, you do not have time to cover a 100 questions in each topic of every subject. Choose 10 that test concepts thoroughly rather than 100s just for the sake of practice. If you have marked out these quality questions in your practice rounds earlier, well and good. If you haven’t, sift through the practice questions quickly to cherry pick the best quality.

4. Haste makes waste

Maths is unarguably the toughest part of JEE Main. At the same time, it may be the easiest to work around with practice. Do not hurry through your solutions in the mock tests or the day of the exam – basic errors lead to wrong answers even if your logic is sound. And remember, there is negative marking so be slow & steady and sure.

5. Pick your battles, wisely

In every section, there will be a fair number of downright easy questions, some lengthy ones (that aren’t that difficult but are designed to wear you down), some conceptual ones (that become easy if your concepts are clear) and some downright tough nuts that won’t crack without a lot of effort unless you are a genius. The point is, weightages rarely wary proportionately. In light of negative marking especially, choose what questions to focus on and come back to the rest if you have time.

6. Go solo

Group study at this late stage, when practice is the most critical aspect of your preparation, is a bad idea. Apart from being a distraction, it will definitely add to anxiety.

Bonus tips (for D-Day)

• Get enough sleep and eat breakfast

• Reach the test centre at least 30 minutes prior.

• Needs to be said – don’t forget the Admit Card.

• Split the total time into 3 buckets of an hour each (for each subject). Keep limits for each question.

• Save time to review the answers

• If there is any day of your life when you really need to keep calm, it is this.