In 2016, 27 students from the Maoist-impacted regions of Chhattisgarh successfully passed the JEE exam, securing their admission into the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology.

Success is a complex concept. It’s often associated with luck, opportunity, and blessings, but it’s much more than that. It’s a fundamental instinct for survival, and in our quest to be competent members of society, we often link success with circumstances and fortune. Over time, we may come to believe that success is a state only attainable by those with resources and money.

However, there are countless examples of individuals who have demonstrated that success is not dependent on circumstances, fortune, or money. Stephen Hawking once said, “No matter how hard life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

India has its own share of such inspiring stories. There are numerous success stories that prove that regardless of life’s difficulties, success is achievable with persistence.

The 27 students from the Maoist-affected areas of Chhattisgarh who passed the JEE exam in 2016 are a testament to this. These students have shown that with determination, one can overcome any obstacle that comes their way.

Life was far from easy for these students. Some of them came from the most severely affected Maoist areas in Chhattisgarh. When the only alternatives for survival are joining a rebel group or being oppressed by them, excelling in education becomes the only way out. Despite these challenging conditions, these students thrived and embodied the saying, “With struggle comes strength.”

Their outstanding performance is a combined effort of their own determination and the support from ‘Prayas’.

Tips For Success

Time Management:

• Plan your study sessions: Allocate specific time slots for each subject and stick to them. Use a planner or calendar to track your schedule.
• Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important concepts and focus on them first. Use the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to prioritize tasks.
• Break down large tasks: Divide complex topics into smaller, manageable chunks. This makes them less daunting and easier to comprehend.

Active Learning:

• Read actively: Engage with the material by highlighting, annotating, and summarizing key points.
• Take notes: Write down important information in your own words to enhance understanding and retention.
• Review regularly: Go over your notes and summaries at regular intervals to reinforce learning.
• Use flashcards: Create flashcards with essential concepts and definitions for quick recall.

Memory Techniques:

• Spaced repetition: Review material at increasing intervals (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day) to strengthen memory.
• Chunking: Break down large amounts of information into smaller, related groups. This aids in recall and retrieval.
• Mnemonic devices: Use acronyms, rhymes, or imagery to associate concepts with memorable cues.

Practice and Feedback:

• Solve practice problems: Regularly work through practice questions and problems to test your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
• Take mock exams: Simulate exam conditions by taking timed mock exams. This provides valuable feedback on your progress and areas needing attention.
• Seek feedback from others: Ask classmates, teachers, or tutors to review your notes, practice answers, and mock exams to gain constructive criticism and identify weaknesses.

Stress Management:

• Take breaks: Step away from studying at regular intervals to clear your mind and reduce stress. Engage in relaxing activities like exercise, meditation, or socializing.
• Get enough sleep: Rest is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive function. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects.

Example:

• If you have a history exam and need to memorize a list of significant events, you can use the chunk method. Break down the list into smaller groups of 3-5 events. Then, create a mnemonic device by associating each event with a vivid image or story. This will make the events more memorable and easier to recall during the exam.