Choosing a coaching institute for JEE is one of the biggest decisions a student makes after Class 10. Like many others, I found myself swept into the JEE preparation wave — a path full of expectations, competition, uncertainty, and self-discovery. Here's my experience studying at PACE Thane, preparing for both JEE (Mains & Advanced) and Board exams.
Where I Am Now
Today, I’m pursuing Computer Science Engineering at a decent college in Mumbai. I got in through the MHT-CET route, which might come as a surprise, considering my main preparation was always focused on JEE.
My JEE performance wasn’t bad. In fact, I performed reasonably well, but I landed in that frustrating "middle" zone — a rank that's considered good, but not good enough to get into IITs or land a CS/ECE seat in a top NIT. It was a borderline case where one more push could’ve changed things.
Why I Chose PACE Thane
My JEE prep began in 11th grade (2021). I joined PACE Thane, largely because my friends were joining. At the time, I didn’t think much beyond that — which, in hindsight, might not have been the most informed decision.
The First Year - The Online Struggle
The first year of preparation, like for many students during that period, was completely online due to COVID-19. That deeply influenced the learning experience.
The Online Phase: 11th Grade Struggles
- The Online Hurdle: Studying JEE-level topics online was challenging. Some topics just didn’t click — not due to poor teaching, but simply because of the complexity of concepts and the limitations of online learning.
- Faculty Review:
- Some teachers were genuinely helpful and clear.
- However, Physical Chemistry was a real struggle. The faculty member was undoubtedly sincere and hardworking, but teaching didn't seem to be their strength. As a result, I never gained a solid grasp of the subject in that year.
The Offline Shift: 12th Grade Improvements
When offline classes finally resumed, the learning environment improved drastically.
More Effective Teachers Arrived:
A few new teachers were brought in, and some of them were exceptionally good. It made a big difference in subjects like Physics and Maths.
Shout-out to the Physics HOD:
The Head of Physics at PACE Thane was an incredible teacher — probably one of the most skilled I’ve come across. Unfortunately, he was often tied up with administrative duties, so we didn’t get enough of his time in class.
Mixed Experience with Doubts:
While some faculty members were approachable and ready to clear doubts, others were less available or responsive, which made self-study even more important.
The Final Stretch – Going Solo
As the exams approached and it became clear that coaching wouldn’t be enough, I shifted gears: I began relying more on YouTube to strengthen weak areas. I used mock exams from GFG, which were really helpful in simulating exam conditions and tracking performance.
Results – A Mixed Bag
For our batch at PACE Thane, the results were average:
- A few made it to IITs.
- Some landed in NITs, BITS, or top-tier private colleges.
- Many, like me, got into good colleges in Mumbai through MHT-CET or other alternatives.
Reflection and Takeaways
Looking back, I’ve realized that:
- No institute can guarantee success. Even the best faculty can’t replace self-motivation, adaptability, and strategic planning.
- Coaching can guide you — but at the end of the day, you are your own coach, especially when things don't go as planned.
- If you’re preparing for JEE, don’t just follow your friends blindly. Do your research, reflect on your learning style, and be prepared to pivot when necessary.
A Word to Juniors
If you’re entering the world of JEE prep:
- Don’t panic if your journey isn’t perfect. Everyone has gaps, challenges, and unexpected turns. What matters most is how you respond to those moments.
- Be honest with yourself, seek help where needed, and don’t underestimate the power of self-study.
- Success isn't always about the college tag — it’s about the mindset you build and the skills you carry forward.
