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Preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), especially the JEE Advanced, is no small feat. With its vast syllabus and competitive nature, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. As a JEE aspirant myself, I’ve struggled with maintaining focus and managing time efficiently. That’s when I discovered the pomodoro technique, a simple yet effective time management method that has transformed the way I study.
What is the pomodoro technique?
The pomodoro technique is a time management strategy developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s. It involves breaking your study time into short intervals, typically 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. Each of these intervals is called a "pomodoro." After four pomodoros, you take a longer break of 15–30 minutes.
This technique works on the principle that the brain can only maintain intense focus for a limited time. By taking regular breaks, it helps prevent burnout and improves concentration.
Why the pomodoro technique works for JEE preparation
1. Improves focus
With distractions like smartphones and social media, staying focused for long hours is tough. The pomodoro technique encourages you to concentrate fully for just 25 minutes, making it easier to resist distractions.
2. Prevents burnout
Studying for 8–10 hours a day without breaks can be mentally draining. Short, frequent breaks help you recharge and stay mentally fresh throughout the day.
3. Boosts productivity
Instead of endlessly sitting at your desk, you work in short, efficient bursts. This can significantly increase the amount of effective study time.
4. Creates a sense of urgency
Knowing you only have 25 minutes pushes you to work with more intensity and less procrastination.
How I use the pomodoro technique for JEE Advanced exam preparation
Here’s how I apply the pomodoro technique to my daily study routine:
Morning sessions: I usually do three pomodoros focusing on physics or mathematics concepts from the JEE Advanced syllabus.
Afternoon sessions: After a long lunch break, I do four pomodoros for problem-solving, past year papers, and JEE Advanced mock tests.
Evening sessions: Two or three pomodoros for revision, NCERT reading, or short topic brushing.
I use a timer app like Focus To-Do or just the stopwatch on my phone. I also keep a notebook handy to jot down distracting thoughts so I can return to them later.
Tips for making the most of pomodoro
Plan your tasks before you start: Know what you want to achieve in each pomodoro session. This is especially useful when following JEE Advanced exam preparation tips.
Use breaks wisely: Stretch, drink water, or take a short walk during your 5-minute breaks.
Avoid multitasking: Focus on one subject or topic at a time based on your JEE Advanced syllabus.
Track your progress: At the end of the day, review how many pomodoros you completed and what you achieved.
Understand the JEE Advanced exam pattern
Before you start preparing, it's crucial to understand the JEE Advanced exam pattern. It consists of two papers, each with three sections: physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The questions can be MCQs, numerical-based, or comprehension type. Knowing the structure helps you tailor your study sessions effectively.
Final thoughts
The JEE journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Smart study techniques like the pomodoro technique can make a huge difference in your preparation. It’s helped me stay consistent, avoid fatigue, and make the most of my study hours. If you're feeling overwhelmed or distracted, give pomodoro a try. Combine it with an understanding of the JEE Advanced exam pattern, regular practice with JEE Advanced mock tests, and consistent review of the JEE Advanced syllabus. You might just find the focus you’ve been missing.
May 20, 2025
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Been there, done that. I can share the strategies that worked great for me. I found it useful to plan those weeks ahead and minimize all distractions. Planning my meals in advance helped me avoid the hassle of grocery shopping and cooking during that time.
I also made Post-it notes with the date of each exam, which I could satisfyingly rip off once the exam was done. To stay motivated, I created a playlist with "epic" songs—video game boss battle themes or movie scores from exciting scenes, like Time by Hans Zimmer—which I listened to while commuting to school to hype myself up.
I minimized chatting online or in person about the exams, allowing me to enter a focused, almost trance-like state on exam days, at least until they were over. Small habits like these help set the right mindset.
As for studying, there's no magic trick—you just have to sit down and grind. Making posters with key points and placing them where you'll see them often (on your bathroom mirror or even in the shower) can be a great way to reinforce what you've learned.
Feb 22, 2025
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I recommend the Pomodoro technique during studying or writing papers - 25 minutes working followed by 5 minutes of rest. Do that 3x. During those 5 minutes, step outside or sit by a window, enjoy the sun on your skin, and look out into the distance. Avoid doing anything that stimulates your mind (i.e. reading, looking at your phone, etc.) because the point is to rest your mind. After your 4th round of 25 minutes working, take a 30-minute break. I recommend 25 minutes of something fun - a show, a book, a game, etc. - and then the last 5 minutes resting your brain before jumping back in.
While working, enjoy a yummy treat! Something you can snack on or sip to bring some pleasure while you study/write. Maybe music if that's not distracting (wordless music is probably better, but everyone's different).
You could also change up where you study to spice it up (library, friend's place, cafe, etc.).
When you finish an exam, celebrate! Do a solo date or celebrate with friends. It can be as big or small as you want. You deserve it!
May 30, 2025
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I put my phone in another room. I agree with aidanaguirre about using the Pomodoro technique; that was instrumental to me in developing my sense of work ethic and discipline. A major part of productivity is just removing temptations and distractions so that it's not even an option to do anything but work.
I use kanban style project management software to plan out projects. You could obviously just use calendars or a planner but for longer term projects i find this to be really helpful. in the past i would break these projects up into small chunks of progress and reward myself throughout the day with a little treat every time I completed a chunk... so I would say the carrot stick method of conditioning yourself to associate progress with a reward helps.
If your work is more task based I would recommend making to-do lists; sometimes I’ve also created schedules for the completion of to-do lists and rigidly adhered to them. Setting goals helps too!
At my most productive times I would diffuse a scent that I would only use while working and play ASMR ambience or field recordings associated with that scent (forest essential oil blend and forest sounds for example) to create kind of a relaxing sensory experience where the connection to productivity would grow stronger every time I was successful with it… advanced productivity hack.
Controversial but intermittent fasting helps my mind stay clear and focused in my sedentary work…
Going into nature on a regular basis helps me, spending time with my pets, eating good food, and also making sure to fully decompress at the end of the day with yin yoga and a hot bath.
May 23, 2024
