How to Prepare for IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics (MS) ~ Mainack Paul

Learn from the Achiever - Mainack Paul (AIR-2)

Mainack Paul - IIT JAM MS Success Story

Mainack Paul has cleared the IIT JAM Mathematical Statistics (MS) 2021 Entrance Examination with a Score of 68.33 and an All India Rank (AIR) - 2.

He shared with us how he prepared for the IIT JAM MS in an interview with the Cheenta Statistics and Analytics Department. This interview will take you through the preparation journey of Mainack for IIT JAM MS 2021 and can help you with some insights that you can utilize for your IIT JAM MS preparation.

When did you start preparing for IIT JAM MS?

The preparation for JAM started with the commencement of the B.Sc. course but the most rigorous preparation started during the last year of BSc.

What was your plan of preparation? How did you start?

One need to have a strong grasp on the syllabus. I started clearing the basics by reading the theory and by solving variety of sums. The more you practice sums, the more you become flexible with that topic. Obviously, you need to choose sums properly. Like very difficult sums are not needed for Jam. About the type of sums needs to be practiced, you have to look at the previous year papers and then on your own, you can decide, what type of sums need to be practiced. My plan for preparation was that I used to give time for JAM almost everyday except during the semester exams preparation. If you regularly prepare for JAM, you can achieve your goal and that used to be my motivation.

Share your preparation journey in as much detail as you can.

As I have told already, I used to give time for JAM preparation almost everyday. Try to work very hard, do not leave any gaps in the concepts. The parts that you are weak, you must regularly go through them. Always revise what you have learned. Practice as much sums as possible. There will be times when you will be fed up and your mind will say to give up, but believe me, during those times how you manage yourself will be the deciding factor. Listen to the various motivational speeches and songs, that will help you to boost your confidence. But most importantly believe in yourself!! Always!!

What did you do in the last 3 months?

During the last 3 months, I had thoroughly revised all the topics. I used to practise sums in a limited time.( Like 10 sums in 30-40 mins). I used to give tests on my own of the previous years papers of various exams like JAM(STATS), JAM (MATHS), HU, PU, DU, TIFR(MATHS), ISI(STATS), NET papers in a limited time. Then, the mistakes that I have made during those tests, I used to note down in a copy and used to thoroughly go through that copy before every tests, so that the mistakes I have made earlier, I will not repeat in the upcoming tests.

What did you do in the last 1 week?

I have given exams of the previous year JAM( STATS) papers in 2-2:30 hrs time. And used to listen to the motivational songs and speeches.

What did you do on the last day?

I just have given the test of the last year JAM paper and then I have rested the full day and watched SUPER 30 for motivating myself.

There are just too many books out there. But how did you select your optimal combination of books? How did you select the books, that suit you?

My professors and seniors have guided me properly about these things.

Any resources / books / courses to practice problems for/like IIT JAM MS examination?

Practise previous years papers of various exams like JAM(STATS), JAM (MATHS), HU, PU, DU, TIFR(MATHS), ISI(STATS), NET.

What are the important topics for all the subjects for IIT JAM MS?

Probability Distributions, Inference (Estimation + Testing), Linear Algebra, Real Analysis and Sampling Distributions are the most important topics.

What is a good score to get in IIT JAM MS?

Above 60 is a very good score for cracking JAM.

How did you attempt the question paper? How should one attempt the question paper to maximize the marks?

First of all, I would like to state one thing clearly. This year, paper was really difficult and lengthy compared to the previous years. So the time management that I thought before the exam, I could not implement in the exam hall. You can think any strategy but you have to act instantaneously according to the question paper you were facing.

In the first 1 hour 20 mins, I have attempted as many MCQs as possible, then, I went to the NAT part and solved as much possible for 45 mins. Then, I went to the MSQ part and spend around 30 mins and the remaining time I went for those sums that I could not complete.

One advice I can give is that if you get stuck in a sum, just leave that sun immediately and do not waste more than 5 mins for a single sum.

There is no hard and fast rule. Everyone has their own attempt strategy. The way you are most comfortable with, you can choose that.

To attempt the maximum marks in a question paper, I would suggest that first solve the easier sums and then go for the difficult ones.

How did you manage your time during the exam?

I started with the easier problems and that build up my confidence. Then, it helped me to solve the tougher ones. Do not waste more than 5 mins in a single question. Always keep your cool and keep your concentration at the highest level during those 3 hours

How did you manage your exam preparation alongside your college classes and exams?

Whatever be the situation, I used to study regularly for JAM at least an hour or two.

What are the mistakes you made, that you don't want your juniors to make?

At the exam hall, since our paper was so difficult, I got panicked for around 5 minutes and have lost my momentum. So I would suggest that always keep yourself cool and calm; and build your confidence in the exam hall by solving the easier problems first. Try not to panic and always believe in yourself!

Anything you want to say to the students?

If you have made an aim about cracking JAM, do not rest until you have achieved it. Work hard and make your dream a reality. Best of luck!!....