How to Crack Engineering Entrance Exams Without Coaching

Many students in India dream of becoming engineers. To get admission in top colleges, you have to clear exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE and many others. These exams are tough, and most students think coaching is the only way to pass.

But the truth is – you can crack these exams even without coaching. Many toppers have done it. If they can, you can too. All you need is the right study plan, good books, and self-discipline.

Let’s talk step by step about how you can prepare at home and still do well.

1. Believe in Yourself

First thing – trust yourself. Don’t think, “I don’t have coaching, so I can’t do it.” That’s not true. Coaching can help, but success comes from your hard work.
If you keep a positive mind, you will study better and feel more confident.

2. Know the Syllabus

Before you start, check what you really need to study. Most exams cover these subjects:

Physics
Chemistry
Maths

The NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks and the syllabus are nearly identical. Make a list of all chapters. Mark which ones are more important by looking at old question papers.

Some examples:

Physics: Mechanics, Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Modern Physics
Chemistry: Organic basics, Thermodynamics, Chemical Bonding, Coordination Compounds
Maths: Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Probability, Coordinate Geometry

3. Make a Simple Study Plan

If you don’t have coaching, your timetable is your teacher. Make a plan that is easy to follow.

Example Plan:

Study 6–8 hours daily (with breaks).
Divide time: 2 hrs Physics, 2 hrs Chemistry, 3 hrs Maths.
Keep 1 day for revision every week.
Take 1 test every Sunday to check yourself.

Stick to the plan, but don’t worry if one day you miss it. Just continue the next day.

4. Choose the Right Books

Don’t collect too many books. NCERT should come first, followed by a few other books.

Best Books for Self-Study:

Physics: NCERT, H.C. Verma, I.E. Irodov (for tough practice)
Chemistry: NCERT, O.P. Tandon (Organic), P. Bahadur (Physical)
Maths: NCERT, M.L. Khanna, I.A. Maron

You can also use free online resources like YouTube lectures, NPTEL, and free test papers.

5. Study Smart, Not Just Hard

Don’t just read for long hours. Be smart.

First, clear basics. Then go to tough problems.
Focus on important topics that give more marks.
Make short notes for formulas, reactions, and shortcuts.
Use flashcards or sticky notes to revise quickly.

6. Practice a Lot

These exams are not only about knowledge. They are about speed and accuracy.

Solve previous year papers of JEE, BITSAT, etc.
Give mock tests online.
After each test, check where you went wrong. Write mistakes in a “mistake notebook.” Revise them often.

7. Learn Time Management

In the exam, time is less and questions are many.

Practice solving questions with a timer.
Don’t spend too much time on one tough question.
Try to finish 90 questions in 3 hours when you practice.

8. Take Care of Health

A sharp mind needs a healthy body.

Eat light and healthy food.
Sleep 6–7 hours daily.
Take short breaks every 2 hours.
Do small exercise or meditation to stay fresh.

9. Keep Yourself Motivated

Sometimes, you will feel tired or lose interest. That’s normal.

Set small daily goals.
Reward yourself after finishing a target.
Reduce mobile and social media.
Talk to friends or family who support you.

10. Revise, Revise, Revise

In the last few months before the exam, focus only on revision and practice.

Revise formulas and short notes daily.
Solve mock tests regularly.
Don’t start new topics at the last moment.

Example 6-Month Study Plan

Month	Focus	Goal
1–2	Basics + NCERT	Finish Class 11 & 12 NCERT books
3–4	Practice	Solve questions from reference books
Jan-00	Past Papers	Solve 10 years of old exam papers
Jan-00	Revision	Daily revision + full mock tests

Final Words

Cracking engineering entrance exams without coaching is possible. You just need:

Clear basics (NCERT first)
Few good books
A study plan
Practice with mock tests
Discipline and confidence

Remember, coaching can guide, but your effort is what matters most. Stay focused, stay positive, and keep moving. Success will come.