In our country, the idea of taking a year off from studies to prepare for NEST entrance exams is a significant decision for many students. This choice often comes with many opinions from family, friends, and society. The concerns about wasting a year, falling behind peers, and looming self-doubt can create a challenging environment for students considering this option. If you are such a student and are confused if you should drop a year or not, this blog will be useful to you.
In this blog, we will discuss:
Is there pressure to perform in the drop year?
When students contemplate taking a drop year, the first question often arises from family: “What if you don’t succeed again?” Similarly, societal expectations can add to the pressure, leading many to feel that a year spent preparing is a year wasted. It’s crucial to recognize that these pressures are common and can be managed with the right mindset.
Consider the story of a student who excelled academically from class ninth to twelfth but faced setbacks during entrance exams. This student learned about the need for entrance exams too late, having been conditioned to focus solely on board exams. When faced with unsatisfactory results, it is easy to believe in failure; however, it is critical to recognize that systemic weaknesses often contribute to such outcomes.
Self-Assessment of Preparation:
The first critical factor to consider is the quality of your preparation over the past two years. Ask yourself these questions:
- Did you give your 100% effort in your studies?
- If not, did you at least strive for 95% of your best?
If you feel that you genuinely put in your best effort but still didn’t achieve the desired results, it’s essential to analyze the reasons behind this. Was it a lack of understanding of entrance exam concepts? Did the focus on board exams hinder your preparation for competitive tests? Understanding these aspects is vital in determining whether a drop year could lead to better outcomes.
When in doubt about taking a drop year, consider a simple question and ask yourself, “Will I regret not taking this year to prepare?” For instance, some students have regretted enrolling in colleges without maximizing their preparation efforts, fearing they might miss out on opportunities at prestigious institutions.
How to survive the Drop Year:
The second factor to consider is your ability to manage a year dedicated to preparation. A drop year can be isolating, especially when friends are moving forward with their studies and enjoying their lives. You may find yourself stuck in a cycle of studying alone, which can lead to negative thoughts and demotivation.
Students have reported feeling immense pressure during this time, leading to mental health struggles. It’s not just about studying; it’s about maintaining a healthy balance and mindset. If you feel you might struggle to keep your morale high during this year, it could impact your preparation negatively.
Check out this blog to know how to prepare effectively in your partial drop year.
Balancing Risks and Rewards-
Taking a drop year is inherently risky. You must evaluate your confidence in managing the uncertainties that come with it. Will you be satisfied with your performance at the end of the year, regardless of the outcome? This self-assessment can guide your decision-making process.
Mental health during the drop year-
Moreover, the mental health aspect cannot be overlooked. If you choose to drop a year, be prepared to face societal pressures and family expectations. It’s crucial to foster a support system that encourages your efforts and helps you navigate challenges.
One way to ensure you stay on track is by enrolling in a good preparation program. SciAstra offers the Kalam Batch and Vikram Batch for IAT and NEST 2025. These courses provide live classes, recordings, and study materials to help you prepare better.
Why Choose SciAstra’s Kalam and Vikram Batch?
Choosing the right course is crucial for your success. To help every aspirant, SciAstra offers two excellent batches for IAT 2025 droppers: Kalam Batch and Vikram Batch. Both are designed to cover the complete 11th and 12th syllabus. They include live classes, recordings, and the best study materials.
Kalam Batch is taught in English, while Vikram Batch is in Hinglish. Both batches offer a free IAT & NEST crash course, which is worth Rs 4000. The Kalam Batch also provides daily challenges with prizes for consistency. These features make them the best courses for IAT & NEST 2025.
Click here to enrol now!
Conclusion:
Ultimately, the decision to take a drop year should be based on thorough self-reflection and honest assessment of your past performance, your capacity to survive the year emotionally and mentally, and your potential for future regret. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully before deciding.
Remember, each student’s journey is unique. Your experiences, challenges, and aspirations shape your path. If you believe you can give your best effort during a drop year and that you have the resilience to overcome potential setbacks, it may be a viable option for you.
Check out this blog to learn what things you should not do in your drop year.
FAQ:
Q: What is the benefit of the NEST exam?
A: Students who pass the NEST exam can enrol in undergraduate science and technology programs at NISER and UM-DAE CBS, two of India’s top universities.
Q: What is NISER?
A: The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) is one of India’s top basic science research institutes. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) provides funding for it. It’s located in Bhubaneswar.
Q: What is it UM-DAE-CBS?
A: The Department of Atomic Energy Centre for Excellence in Basic Sciences (UM-DAE CEBS) at the University of Mumbai is a university that receives funding from DAE.
Q: How many sections are in the NEST exam?
A: The NEST exam consists of four sections: biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
Q: Where can I find the official NEST syllabus?
A: The official NEST syllabus can be found on the official NEST website.
Q: How should I handle topics I find difficult?
A: Spend extra time on difficult topics, use SciAstra resources and tutorial videos, and discuss with your mentors for better understanding.
Q: What are the requirements to be eligible to participate in NEST 2025?
A: The 12th standard examination or its equivalent in the science stream with particular subjects must have been passed by the candidates. There are further requirements related to nationality and age. You can check out our other blogs.
About us:
SciAstra is India’s First & Largest Research Community. We’re a team of scientists and research scholars from IISc, Oxford, Harvard, and Cambridge and many more prestigious institutions around the world.
Since 2021, we have guided over 170,000 and taught more than 20,000 students, resulting in more than 2,000 top-ranked selections with AIR 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, and more in IISC Bangalore, IISER, NISER, IACS, and so on. If you are looking to prepare for IAT / NEST, ISI / CMI, IACS, you can check out our courses and get access to live classes, recorded lectures, study material, PYQs with detailed solutions, mock tests, doubt-clearing classes, and much more!
Our vision is to help students achieve their dream career in science. To know more about us, click here OR download the SciAstra App from the Play Store and App Store!
