Navigating IIT JEE Preparation: The Coach Dilemma - A Guide to Informed Decision Making

Preparations for IIT JEE exam requires time & practice. Considering the level of competency of these exams, it is always advisable to go for some form of coaching – either through some coaching institute or personal tutor. While self-study could also be an option, only that it entails a huge responsibility on student shoulders. 

Academics, as we know, is an important phase & portion of any student’s life. So it is critical to make any decision sensibly & with complete clarity of what is sought from that choice. The advantages of opting for a coach are many – from expert guidance to constant vigilance to getting feedback on methodology of study. So be mentally prepared as to which path do you intend to take during standard 11 & 12 itself. So that there is no time wasted when the situation comes.

Arriving at this critical decision would require screening & evaluation of some factors. As not only does it involve investment of money but also faith in the coach. There are some factors which need to be considered when choosing the appropriate coach for your studies. 

Firstly, let’s consider the traits of the coach that would fit the student’s study pattern of IIT/JEE caliber. During study situations, the student faces a lot of pressure of scheduling, studying & attempting past exam papers, revising etc. So the coach has to display the following traits when guiding the student in preparing for these exams.

Be empathetic towards the student

Have a sense of understanding

The nature of the coach should be friendly yet professional

Feedback from any coach plays an important part for the student to better his or her studies. So the coach will always keep the betterment of his student in mind & provide guidance. The future of the student needs to find the right direction & only the right coach can sail the student towards there. 

The experience of the coach ofcourse matters to determine what value does the coach bring to the table. The betterment of the student in terms of absorbing the subject taught, tackling questions, speed etc. A coach should also take to counselling techniques where applicable. This will make the student feel comfortable & more open with the coach.

The coach or the training institution should have high ethical standards. The coach should have the dignity to command respect & credibility to follow the path shown. The coach should also come from a background which shows no partiality or discrimination towards any student basis anything. There should be equal opportunity to everyone irrespective of even their academic background.

These are only a few tips that should be kept in mind while hiring or getting a coach or tutor on board. Ofcourse, like they say, the taste or proof of the pudding is in the eating. So similarly, the experience, guidance & feedback that the student gets from the coach is far reaching & more impactful on the life of the student going ahead. So make the decision wisely. & once you do, also put some faith in the coach & open to unlearn or relearn what would have already been built up in your mind.