“Hailing from NorthEast, India, it is a big challenge to prepare for competitive exams like IMO all by oneself. Thankfully I had BYJU’S, which offered me proper guidance to crack the IOQM and help me become the first one from my school to do so.”
That’s Jullian Ethan Kupar Lyngdoh Thabah from Shillong, Meghalaya. Since BYJU’S is expanding its reach in all cities in the country, students like Jullian are able to fulfil their dreams, regardless of where they are from.
Like Jullain, several students this year started off their IMO journey, with many clearing the first stage – the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) (both Pre-Regional Mathematical Olympiad and Regional Mathematical Olympiad are clubbed together this year due to the pandemic).
The Indian Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is a Mathematics-based competition, conducted each year by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). The selection process for IMO consists of a series of tests that are considered as one of the ‘toughest’ to crack, admitting fewer students with each progressing test. Out of thousands of applicants, only 4-6 students get selected to represent India at the International Mathematical Olympiad.
With BYJU’S, Jullain found hope and cracked the first stage of IMO this January. He is now all set to write INMO and JEE Mains as well as his 12th board exam with confidence, all thanks to the one e-learning app that changed his perspective and helped him realise his future dreams.
A three-hour long paper, two years of dedicated self preparation and a friendly app to help him with his doubts – hear what Jullian has to say about his IOQM preparation journey.
Excerpts from the interview with Julian
Jullian Thabah: Thank you! I still can’t believe I cracked the IOQM! The exam is mainly theorem-based, which makes the round very challenging to clear. Although I had worked really hard, I wasn’t sure that I would clear it. Finally, when the results were announced, I was in a daze as my friends rushed to congratulate me on clearing it. You know it feels good to crack a difficult competition like IOQM, but it feels great to be the ‘first’ one from my school to crack it!
JT: Hailing from Shillong, the facilities are very seldom when it comes to preparing for such tough competitions. Usually students who want to crack The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) begin their preparation from class six onwards. Unfortunately, I learnt about this competition only two years ago (while in class 10). Hence, I had to double my study time, be consistent with my preparation, and keep myself motivated. Thankfully I had BYJU’S to help me out!
For Jullain, balancing studies with his passion for basketball as become easy with BYJU’S. The animated videos, multiple sample papers and rigorous revisions in the app act as an added bonus for him, helping him clear concepts as well as improve his problem-solving skills.
JT: I learnt about BYJU’S App when I was in class 10. What intrigued me most was that the app uses videos to demonstrate mathematical theorems. Each video is very self-explanatory and is backed by numerous exercises to help us clear basic concepts. I found this a perfect solution for my Math doubts and quickly opted for it.
In fact, I was completely dependent on BYJU’S right before my class 10 board exams as well as now, while I am preparing for class 12 boards, IOQM and other competitive exams. I would watch and re-watch the videos, connect with my mentors for my doubts and get them clarified immediately.
Also Read: How BYJU’S is helping this swimmer stay afloat during board exams
JT: My next goal is to clear The Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) as well as JEE Advanced after my Class 12 board exams in May.
JT: I have spent a majority of my childhood staring at the clear night sky from the hilltop, trying to understand how space works. Gradually, as I grew up, I developed a special interest in Cosmology, Astrophysics and Maths. Edward Witten soon became my idol, and I found my career interest in Theoretical Physics.
After my class 12 board exams, I want to pursue my higher studies from The Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore and move into the field of research.
JT: Just one thing – never give up on your dreams or get deviated from your goals. If you feel distracted, pause, and look for alternate ways to keep yourself motivated. And don’t forget, this is just another exam in your life, so don’t stress or overwork.
On this note, Julien signs off. Team StoryWeavers wishes him all the best for his future endeavours.
Books are Tanaya Goswami’s first love and cheesecakes come a close second. Talking about movies, music, calligraphy, politics, and Elon Musk will get you listed under the friends’ section of her diary. Ever since moving on from her job as an English lecturer, she spends her time at BYJU’S crafting stories filled with emotion and sprinkled with sarcasm. Outside of work, she’s either learning something new (French, most recently!) or is curled up with a book and a cup of coffee. She firmly believes that discovering what you don’t know is the key to knowledge and is constantly working towards improving herself. Drop in a line at storyweavers@byjus.com if you liked her stories, have something nice to say, or if you have compelling ideas to share!
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