IIT JAM 2017 Mathematics Topper Interview: AIR 3, Abhay Jindal shares prep tips

Currently pursuing Integrated PhD, Abhay Jindal qualified IIT JAM 2017 Mathematics paper by securing AIR 3 to get admission at IISc (Indian Institute of Science). Talking about his total score in the Science entrance exam, Abhay revealed that although he aimed at scoring 100/100, he managed to secure 76.68 marks out of 100 in the online test.

A graduate (BSc Pass course) from SS Jain Subodh PG College, Jaipur, Abhay likes travelling and cooking the most.

When we asked Abhay what preparation strategy he adopted to crack the prestigious Science entrance exam, he revealed that although he never adopted any study plan but one thing that he ensured was that he always cleared his doubts. He recommends the same for all IIT JAM 2018 aspirants and he was quoted as saying, “Don't skip your doubts. Clearing doubts play an important role in JAM preparation.”
Elaborating further on his preparation strategy for the entrance exam, Abhay shared that he joined coaching classes and also referred to the following books for different Mathematics subjects:

Book	Author	Subject
Introduction to Real Analysis	S K Mapa	Real Analysis
Contemporary Abstract Algebra	Joseph A Gallian	Group Theory
Linear Algebra	Stephen H Friedberg	Linear Algebra

Although Abhay took coaching to clear IIT JAM, he feels that one can top the exam even without joining any classes. Talking about his strengths, Abhay said that after preparing a topic he used to explain it to his friends which helped him understand the topics better.

When we asked Abhay what strategy candidates should adopt to avoid negative marking in the exam, he said, “Exam authorities provide a booklet to do rough work. I recommend JAM 2018 candidates to work systematically on the booklet rather than writing randomly. This is important because if a candidate spends some time on a particular question and is not able to do it at that time, he/she can return to that question later easily by referring to the rough notes made on the booklet before.”

Apart from this, Abhay also suggested JAM candidates, “Try and attempt NAT questions before MSQs. Also, do not spend more than five minutes on a particular question to manage time well.”

As per Abhay, his experience of giving a computer-based test was nice. However, he found Vector Calculus the most difficult section in the exam and recommended, “One should practice giving online tests before appearing for IIT JAM.”

Apart from giving JAM, Abhay also appeared for other Science entrance exams such as TIFR GS. He recommended JAM 2018 aspirants to try and get admission in some research institute instead of IIT.

Abhay’s initial dream was to become an IAS officer. However, he studied Mathematics in-depth and discovered his liking for the subject after graduation. Going forward, Abhay wants to make his career in the field of Mathematics only.