If not JEE you still have options..

This year, around 10,43,739 candidates appeared for JEE Main 2018 examination.A total of 1,80, 331 boys cleared the exam, with 50,693 girls qualifying for the next stage.On 30th April many engineering aspirants are left clueless after the announcement of JEE reults as they realized that they could not get through the JEE examination, that engineering remains a pipe dream.They spent about 2-4 years of their school life preparing for engineering entrance exams, and give it their all through relentless studies, persistent coaching and sleepless nights.But alas,few succeeded, while others did not, the ones who do not succeed fail to properly comprehend a back-up plan. This is the reason  

If you are a JEE aspirant still in the midst of your preparation, or one with some disappointing results in hand, here are options to consider in case your JEE plan does not work out:

1.Other Engineering Colleges

If you are not able to clear JEE, but still feel that engineering is your true calling, then you need to look at some other options for engineering beyond the IITs and NITs. While JEE may be a tough exam to crack, there are many state engineering exams such as UPJEEE, WBJEE, COMEDK, MHTCET, TNEA, etc. that are relatively easier, and should be on your list of exams to be written.

Apart from state colleges, one can even consider Private institutesBirla Institute of Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, SRM University, Manipal University, etc.They conduct their own entrance exams & these are good institutions for gaining knowledge.

However,Take the time to evaluate the college reputation, ranking and placements before you take such a leap.

2.Applied Sciences

If you start feeling that engineering may not be your calling after all,but maybe science is,look for degree programs in science. Programs such as B.Sc. Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics can satiate your quest for knowledge, and are equally lucrative options as Engineering.

Degree in these fields open up exciting professional opportunities in pure and applied research. With areas such as Robotics, Computational Physics, Aerodynamics, Data Science, Pharmacological Research, Operational Research open for you to explore, you will get to work at the forefront of innovations in science and technology.

Institutes such as the IISc, IISERs, ISI, University of Delhi, Loyola College, etc. offer courses in the pure sciences, which can provide a tremendous learning experience to students of science and mathematics.

In some of the above institutes you will require to crack their respective entrance examinations, most of the time on merit too.

3.Professional Degree in a Related Field

There are multiple courses that you could look out for related to science and mathematics.

Courses such as BCA (Computer Applications), B.Arch (Architecure), B.Sc. Aviation (with Commercial Pilot training), B.Sc. Nautical Science (Merchant Navy training), B.Des. in Industrial/Product Design, B.FTech (Fashion Technology) etc. are all options that branch out from Science. Moreover, they provide some professional expertise for you to give your career a boost.

It can be a backup in case the initial plan of engineering does not work out. 

What is the right option for you besides JEE? Dheya can help you decide!

4. Alternate Paths 

Sometimes we may overlook the biggest signs that a certain career path is not meant for us. An inability to score well despite giving it your all, or a lack of interest in the subjects, being some.

The first step is to open up your mind to possibilities. There are hundreds of career options out there, with an immense number of opportunities and avenues to explore. And yes, they are as lucrative as engineering, Be it Law, Management, Psychology, or even something upcoming like Social Media Marketing, the possibilities are endless.

Explore as many options as you can to find out what lies out there. 

Beyond your research, take out the time to talk to people who know more about the fields you wish to explore – college students pursuing the course, professionals in that field, even career counsellors. If you don’t have any people in your circle of contacts, find such people on LinkedIn (send connection requests with a message), or post your questions on forums like Quora.

And if despite your exploration you are unsure which field is the right one, then seeking the guidance of career development facilitators to explore what's best in you to explore.

5. Taking a Drop Year

If you feel that engineering is your blood and soul, and there is no other career you would rather pursue, then consider taking a drop year.

Realistically evaluate your chances of clearing of next JEE exam if you do take the drop if you can sustain your motivation for the duration of the entire year of preparation?

Carefully think over these questions and decide if you have the right ability and patience for a second attempt at the JEE. If you have both, then there is no reason to not give it a try again.

I have met many students who take a drop year because of the wrong preparation strategy, illnesses, or insufficient preparation time. At the end of the day, one year will not make a huge difference to your long-term career.

Summarising my post 

Engineering and IIT are two dreams many Indian students nurture. There is no harm in harbouring this dream, I say, if you have the right vision of your longer-term goal. Don’t be a part of the “Everyone is doing it, so why not me?” but take the time to evaluate if Engineering is the right fit for you or not.

Countless of students end up discovering they do not wish to be Engineers after/during their course. I am sure you don’t want to be in their position, which is why this is the right time to assess your options.Your inability to crack the JEE could be a silver lining.

Whatever be your case, Dheya is always there to help and provide guidance! If there is something that you think needs to be addressed in your situation, feel free to get in touch with us at +91 99234 00555