What are the 4 must-have habits for new aspirants of JEE and NEET?

With JEE Advanced 2025 and NEET 2025 approaching soon (both scheduled for May), the spotlight now shifts to the 2026 aspirants. Meanwhile, fresh batches for the 2027 exams have already begun.

As students embark on this rigorous journey, avoiding certain pitfalls is crucial, especially at the beginning. Here are four foundational habits that can make a big difference during your preparation:

1. Undivided Attention During Lectures and a Positive Mindset Toward Studying

From day one, give your full attention to every lecture. Early topics may seem easy and tempting to skip or overlook, but direct and straightforward questions often appear from these chapters in the final exam. Listening carefully allows you to internalize the topic and eliminate the need for repetitive revision later.

A mindset focused on understanding and doing your best from the beginning sets the tone for the next two years. Cultivating this mindset early on is one of the strongest habits you can build.

2. Organized Stationery and Study Materials

Start with a clear system. Keep your files, folders, notebooks, and modules neatly arranged from the beginning. Color-coding different subjects or labeling materials can make your study routine more efficient.

Make it a weekly habit to file, rearrange, and review your materials. This small but consistent effort will save you a lot of time and stress later.

3. Productive Study Environment at Home

A dedicated study space significantly boosts focus and concentration. Make adjustments to reduce distractions, whether switching off notifications, setting up a comfortable table and chair, or ensuring good lighting.

A cupboard or storage system for organizing books and materials also plays a key role in maintaining a clutter-free and mentally calming study zone.

4. Prioritizing Health and Sleep

Your body and mind need to stay strong throughout these two demanding years. Stick to simple, home-cooked meals—or similar healthy food if you live away from home. This helps prevent frequent illnesses, which can cause extended leaves and accumulated backlogs.

From what we’ve seen, students who fall sick repeatedly often find it hard to catch up, so taking care of your health is not just a lifestyle choice; it’s a strategic one.

These habits might seem basic, but they are incredibly impactful. Mastering them early can provide the consistency and stability you need to successfully navigate your JEE or NEET preparation journey.

About Mentor and Mom

Mentor and Mom is an initiative by Dr. Monika Mittal and her two IITian sons, Ameya Mittal and Sarthak Mittal. With our enriched experience and practice over the years, we provide mentoring and effective study tips to help you prepare for JEE, NEET, and other exams. We aim to build a happy, healthy, and motivated student community!

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