Some journeys begin with talent. Others begin with the right guidance at the right time.
Rajit Gupta first joined my NSEJS batch as a young student in 9th grade with curiosity, sincerity, and a willingness to learn deeply. Over the years, that curiosity evolved into extraordinary achievement — culminating in an exceptional academic journey that includes AIR 1 in Joint Entrance Examination – Advanced, 100 percentile in JEE Mains, selection in multiple prestigious Olympiad camps, qualification for International Physics Olympiad, and selection for APhO twice.
What makes Rajit’s journey especially meaningful to me is not only the scale of his achievements, but the depth of understanding and intellectual maturity he developed along the way. His testimonial beautifully reflects the philosophy I have always believed in — that true Physics education is not about memorization, but about intuition, clarity, imagination, and genuine curiosity.
I am deeply proud of Rajit and grateful to have witnessed his remarkable journey from a young Olympiad student to one of the finest performers in the country.
Respected Devansh Sir,
I am Rajit Gupta. I was your student in NSEJS batch in 9th grade. This year I appeared in JEE and I have got Rank 1 in JEE Advanced, 100 Percentile in JEE Mains, and very good scores in NSEP and NSEA.
I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the immense impact you have had on my journey.
When I started learning physics in your classes, it was completely new to me. But instead of just making me memorize concepts, you motivated me to truly understand them. Your guidance not only helped me build strong intuition but also sparked a genuine interest in the subject.
What sets you apart is the effort and dedication you put into each of your students. Your well-thought-out resources, insightful suggestions, and constant encouragement played a crucial role in my growth. Thanks to your support, I was selected for the Junior Science OCSC, Astronomy OCSC and later for the Physics OCSC twice. I qualified for IPhO this year and also got selected for APhO two times (although I wasn’t able to attend the event this year due to my JEE).
Looking back, I realize that without the strong foundation you gave me, none of this would have been possible. You gave me the perfect kickstart, and for that, I will always be grateful.
There are moments in a teacher’s journey that become deeply meaningful — not merely because of praise, but because of the source from which that appreciation comes.
Receiving a heartfelt testimonial from Prof. Saif Khan Mohammed of Indian Institute of Technology Delhi was one such moment for me.
Prof. Saif is not only a distinguished academician from the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi, but also someone who himself secured an under-100 rank in IIT-JEE during his student years. His deep understanding of Physics, analytical thinking, and exposure to high-level technical education make his words especially valuable and humbling.
What touched me most was not simply his appreciation of my lectures, but his recognition of the philosophy behind my teaching — beginning from first principles, developing intuition step by step, and helping students gradually build the confidence to solve highly challenging problems, including advanced problems from the legendary book by I. E. Irodov.
As educators, we often strive not merely to teach formulas, but to cultivate curiosity, clarity of thought, and genuine understanding. To know that these efforts resonated with a respected IIT Delhi professor and benefited his daughter deeply is something I will always cherish.
I am sharing his words below with immense gratitude and humility.
Dear Shri Devansh
I am Prof. Saif Khan Mohammed, Dept. Electrical Engineering l.I.T. Delhi. My daughter is enrolled in your online course. I have been personally viewing your physics video lectures and I must say that I have not seen such high quality lectures before. My daughter has seen other online lectures, but none of them are as good as yours. After seeing your lectures she was able to solve difficult problems in Mechanics from the book by I. E. Irodov. The way you start any topic from basics and gradually increase complexity is what makes it easy for students to learn physics with so much ease. I thank you for your great contribution to education and I am sure you will make even greater contribution in the years to come.
Prof. Saif
IIT Delhi
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Prof. Saif is a learned professor at IIT Delhi. He himself had under 100 Rank in IIT-JEE when he appeared into it.
Rudra Pethani is one of the most exceptional young students I have had the privilege to teach. His remarkable journey reflects not only extraordinary intelligence and hard work, but also deep curiosity, discipline, and a genuine passion for learning.
Rudra represented India at the 20th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) held in Thailand and brought immense pride to the nation by winning a Gold Medal. Over the years, he has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic excellence and an exceptional ability to think deeply and intuitively about science and problem solving.
Today, his achievements have earned him acceptance into some of the finest universities in the world — including MIT, Stanford University, Oxford University, and Imperial College London — an accomplishment that very few students across the globe achieve.
What makes Rudra truly special is not only his brilliance, but also his humility, sincerity, and relentless desire to understand concepts at their deepest level.
Below is a heartfelt testimonial written by Rudra about his learning journey and experience with my physics mentorship.
My name is Rudra Pethani, and I am studying in Allen Career Institute.
I came in contact with Devansh Sir in January 2024 for the INJSO Online Workshop, and I have been his student ever since. He has a completely different and unique approach to physics that I had never seen before. His clear and concise manner of speaking makes each and every student understand what he is trying to convey to us. Moreover, his systematic and methodical approach towards problem solving and concept building has really helped me get a strong grasp on the entirety of physics. The emphasis given to intuitive learning of all the various topics has helped me gain confidence and given me the ability to solve even the toughest of problems.
I would like to thank Devansh Sir for imparting his vast knowledge to me. Without his guidance, I do not think I would have been able to get this wonderful achievement.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of students dream of securing a top rank in JEE Advanced. Yet only one becomes All India Rank 1. What truly sets that student apart? Is it exceptional intelligence, relentless hard work, or a fundamentally different way of thinking?
In this exclusive interview, I speak with Rajit Gupta (AIR 1, JEE Advanced 2025), one of my former students, to explore the complete journey behind his remarkable achievement. Through 23 carefully curated questions, Rajit shares the study strategies, mindset, discipline, decision-making process, and lessons that helped him reach the pinnacle of one of the world’s most challenging entrance examinations.
This is more than the story of an extraordinary rank. It is a practical blueprint for every serious JEE aspirant who wants to study smarter, avoid common mistakes, build lasting conceptual understanding, and take meaningful steps toward achieving their own IIT dream.
The Conversation
PHASE 1: THE GENESIS & THE “WHY”
Q1. The Result Moment: Walk us through the exact moment you (and your parents) saw that you secured a top All India Rank. What was that feeling like?
A: It was an incredibly special moment. The feeling of seeing All India Rank 1 on the screen is hard to describe—it was pure excitement and relief. I was with my parents when the results were declared, and we saw it together. They were absolutely thrilled, and sharing that immediate happiness with them meant everything to me. Shortly after, the news spread and the congratulations started rolling in, but that initial private moment with my parents is what I will cherish most.
Q2. The Catalyst: When did you officially start your JEE preparation? Was getting into an IIT always your ultimate dream, or did the realization happen later?
A: I officially started my JEE preparation at the beginning of Class 10. Getting into an IIT wasn’t actually a lifelong dream; rather, it was a decision that took shape later. After finishing my Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) preparation, I was at a crossroads trying to decide between the medical and engineering streams. After consulting with my father, we decided that the engineering pathway and preparing for JEE was the right fit for my academic interests.
Q3. Identifying the Path: How did you figure out your true academic interest? At what point did you decide to pursue engineering over medical or commerce?
A: My exposure during the IJSO preparation gave me a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB), but I didn’t have much exposure to other fields like commerce. At the beginning of Class 10, I had a lot of doubts about whether to pursue medicine or engineering. My father suggested engineering because it involves Mathematics at a much higher and more conceptual level, which appealed to me. Additionally, we realized that switching from engineering to medical fields later is generally much harder than transitioning within technical sciences, so engineering felt like a more logical and flexible choice.
Q4. The Olympiad Edge: You have represented India in international Olympiads. How important are these exams (like IJSO, NSEP) in building the foundation for JEE?
A: Interestingly, I never specifically prepared for the senior Olympiads. While many believe Olympiad prep helps JEE, my experience was the reverse—preparing rigorously for JEE is what actually helped me succeed in the Olympiads, particularly in Physics. I never studied for the Olympiads in isolation. Once my JEE core syllabus was strong, transitioning to IPhO (International Physics Olympiad) requirements was straightforward. So, a solid JEE Advanced foundation is incredibly powerful and naturally opens doors to success in these prestigious international exams.
PHASE 2: ACADEMIC ARCHITECTURE & BLUEPRINT
Q5. The Daily Routine: What did your daily routine look like? Did you follow a rigid timetable (by the hour) or a flexible, target-based approach?
A: I did not follow a rigid, hour-by-hour timetable. Instead, I maintained a very normal and flexible routine centered around day-to-day goals. My approach was target-based: I made sure to complete my scheduled studies, attend coaching classes, and revise notes, but I also left ample time for meals, relaxation, and play. If I felt productive, I would study more; if I felt tired, I would adjust. Maintaining this balance and flexibility helped me stay consistent without burning out.
Q6. Sleep & Cycles: How many hours of sleep did you prioritize? Did you prefer studying late at night or early in the morning?
A: I prioritized sleep and never compromised on it. There is a common misconception that toppers sleep very little, but in my case, I made sure to get around 7 hours of sleep daily to maintain my efficiency. If I slept less—for instance, only 4 hours—I would inevitably feel exhausted, lose concentration in class, and become irritable. Getting the right amount of sleep is crucial for your brain to process information and perform at its best during long study hours.
Q7. Subject Allocation: How did you balance Physics, Chemistry, and Math? Did you allocate equal time to all, or base it entirely on your weak points?
A: My baseline strategy was to divide my daily study time equally among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, primarily guided by the coaching homework. However, I kept this allocation dynamic. If I was struggling with a particular topic—such as coordinate geometry in Math—I would dedicate an extra hour or two specifically for revision and practice assignments. Giving equal initial weight to all subjects is important, but you must dynamically allocate extra time to strengthen your weaker areas until they match the level of the rest.
Q8. The Material Trap: Did you rely strictly on your coaching modules, or did you use multiple reference books (like H.C. Verma)? Is it better to solve one book three times or three books once?
A: I strongly believe in finding a trusted teacher and completely following their guidance rather than jumping between multiple sources. The same philosophy applies to study materials. It is far better to solve a single high-quality book or module three times than to solve three different books once. When you solve a book only once, you miss the deeper conceptual connections. Reviewing the same questions twice or three times helps solidify the problem-solving patterns in your mind so that the concept becomes permanently ingrained.
Q9. Material: Which material did you use for IJSO and what material did you use for IIT?
A: My preparation was heavily centered around my class notes and coaching materials, which I revised repeatedly.
• For Physics: I relied on the Allen modules, Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, and selected problems from Irodov. I also found Ashish Arora Sir’s lectures extremely helpful. Occasionally, I solved selected problems from Pathfinder. • For Chemistry: Class notes were my primary resource for all three branches (Physical, Organic, Inorganic). For Physical Chemistry, I used Neeraj Kumar Sir’s book for select topics. For Inorganic Chemistry, I read specific chapters of J.D. Lee Concise alongside NCERT and the Allen modules. • For Mathematics: I stuck strictly to the Allen modules, test series, and assignments. • For IJSO (Biology & Science): I was entirely dependent on my biology class notes, which I revised upwards of 20 times by covering the page and recalling the content from memory.
Q10. Biology and IJSO: Being an IIT aspirant, how was your attitude towards Biology during IJSO preparation?
A: Since I hadn’t decided on engineering until the start of Class 10, my mindset during IJSO preparation was simply that of a dedicated Science Olympiad student, not an IIT aspirant. I took Biology very seriously, and that commitment was reflected in my performance across the selection stages. I believe every IJSO aspirant should study Biology diligently. It is a core part of the exam, and skipping it or treating it lightly simply because your future goal might be IIT is not a wise approach.
Q11. IOQM and IMO: Should students focus on IOQM if their future goal is IIT?
A: While appearing for IOQM is fine, preparing heavily for it is risky if your primary goal is JEE Advanced. The Mathematics Olympiad syllabus is vast and requires an immense amount of time and dedicated effort. A student with solid JEE preparation can easily achieve a decent score in IOQM in Class 12 without separate prep. If you dive too deep into Olympiad-level Math, you risk compromising your core JEE preparation in Physics and Chemistry, which could hurt your final rank.
Q12. School and Coaching: How did you manage the time with both school and coaching?
A: I didn’t actually attend regular school. I secured attendance relaxation and enrolled in a non-attending (dummy) school format. This is a common arrangement for serious JEE aspirants, as it allowed me to bypass daily school obligations and focus my energy entirely on coaching and self-study.
Q13. Sports: Did you only study during those preparation years or you also spent time in sports, workouts and other recreational activities?
A: I absolutely made sports and recreation a priority. I didn’t spend all my time studying; I loved playing cricket and badminton to unwind. In fact, even the day before the JEE Advanced exam, I went out to play. Engaging in sports was my preferred way to refresh my mind, maintain my energy, and prevent burnout.
PHASE 3: PSYCHOLOGY, ADVERSITIES, & THE MINDSET
Q14. Tackling Failure: What were your best and worst scores in mock tests? How did you mentally recover from a disastrous test score?
A: Fluctuations in mock test scores are completely normal; everyone experiences low scores at some point. When I got a poor score, I trained myself to look at it rationally rather than emotionally. Instead of feeling down or judging myself harshly, I treated the score as feedback. I would analyze the paper to find out why I lost marks, identify the weak areas, and write down a clear plan of action to fix them. Whether it was a conceptual gap or a simple calculation error, I viewed mistakes as valuable lessons to learn from.
Q15. The “Silly Mistakes” Protocol: Almost every student loses ranks to silly mistakes. Did you maintain a “mistake notebook,” and how did you actively minimize these errors?
A: I used to make a lot of silly mistakes because I would rush through the paper to save time for review. However, I realized that once your mind is set on a certain way of solving a question, you will likely read right past your own mistakes during review. Reviewing was not helping me catch errors, and rushing was causing them.
My parents and teachers suggested that I stop trying to save time for a final review. Instead, I focused on reading the question carefully, noting the data accurately, and solving it correctly the first time. Slowing down and ensuring accuracy on the first pass significantly reduced my silly mistakes.
Q16. Conquering Fear: Was there a specific topic (like Thermodynamics or Fluids) that terrified you? How did you overcome it?
A: If you are afraid of a topic, the only way to overcome it is through consistent practice, repeated revision of class notes, and clearing all doubts with your teachers.
However, it’s also important to distinguish between ‘fear’ and ‘preference.’ Fear is a weakness that you must overcome with effort. Preference is a strategic choice. For example, if there is a highly complex chapter that you find low-yielding, you might choose to prioritize other topics in the exam to maximize your score. But if a topic genuinely terrifies you, face it head-on by asking questions and practicing until the fear disappears.
Q17. Digital Distractions: How did you handle smartphones and social media? Did you cut them off completely, or use them in moderation?
A: I avoided major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram entirely during my preparation years. My digital usage was restricted to WhatsApp and YouTube. YouTube was used strictly for light entertainment and relaxation during my breaks. WhatsApp was my primary communication tool, which I used in moderation to stay in touch with friends and participate in group discussions to solve study doubts.
Q18. The “Burnout” Days: What did you do on days when you were completely exhausted and absolutely did not want to study?
A: On days when I felt completely exhausted and had no motivation to study, I simply took a break and left my books alone. I would watch TV, play sports, or just relax. I knew that taking a break meant I would have to put in double the effort the next day to catch up, but I was mentally prepared for that. Forcing yourself to study during a state of burnout is counterproductive, so it is far better to rest and recharge.
PHASE 4: THE ECOSYSTEM (FAMILY, MENTORS, & PEERS)
Q19. The Peer Group: How important is a highly competitive friend circle in cracking JEE? Did you do group studies or doubt-solving with friends?
A: A highly competitive peer group is extremely beneficial. It fosters healthy competition and provides the positive peer pressure needed to keep your motivation high. Moreover, since every student has a unique thinking process, discussing problems with friends exposes you to multiple different ways of solving the same question. It refines your conceptual clarity and expands your problem-solving toolkit.
Q20. The Mentors: Were you ever hesitant to ask doubts in a class full of brilliant students? How did your bond with your teachers help you beyond academics?
A: I never hesitated to ask doubts, and I believe no student should. Your relationship with your teachers should be built on deep respect and trust. If you trust their guidance and communicate openly, you will not only clear your academic doubts but also receive invaluable mentorship. Teachers have years of experience guiding students through this high-pressure journey, and their support is essential for maintaining your confidence.
PHASE 5: THE D-DAY & THE AFTERMATH
Q21. The Exam Strategy: Did you have a pre-decided sequence for attempting the paper (e.g., Chemistry, then Physics, then Math), or did you adapt based on the paper’s difficulty?
A: I recommend that students never stop experimenting with different sequences during mock tests to find what suits them best. My personal preference was to attempt the paper in the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) order. My primary strategy was to focus on scanning the paper for easy questions and solving them first. Remember, the goal of the exam is to maximize your marks, not to feed your ego by getting stuck on a tough question. If a question is too difficult or time-consuming, be flexible and move on.
Q22. Exam Temperament: Were you nervous on the actual day of the exam, or did giving continuous mock tests eliminate the “exam fear”?
A: I didn’t feel nervous on the day of the actual exam. Giving consistent mock tests throughout my preparation years essentially eliminated any exam fear. I treated mock tests as a practice playground where I could make mistakes and learn. By the time D-Day arrived, the actual JEE Advanced exam felt just like another mock test. I was able to stay calm and focus purely on solving the questions.
PHASE 6: UNPLUGGED & RAPID FIRE (HUMANIZING THE SCHOLAR)
Q23. The Ultimate Advice: What is your final, defining piece of advice for the millions of juniors who want to be in your shoes next year?
A: My most crucial advice is to learn how to control your temperament under pressure. While studying will make your concepts strong, delivering that knowledge in the exam hall requires emotional control. Do not get emotional or panicked if a strong topic turns out to be difficult in the exam—act like a machine, make rational choices, and move on. Secondly, follow your teachers’ guidance strictly; they are far more experienced than you. Finally, establish a consistent study schedule, and keep your parents supportive without letting them micromanage your preparation.
Devansh Sir’s 10 Insights
What Every JEE Aspirant Should Take Away from This Interview
1. You Don’t Need to Study 16 Hours a Day
Rajit followed a flexible, target-based routine — not a rigid hourly timetable. He prioritized 7 hours of sleep every single night and never compromised on it. He played cricket and badminton regularly, including the day before his JEE Advanced exam. The lesson is clear: consistency and efficiency beat raw hours. If you are sleeping 4 hours and grinding 16, you are hurting yourself, not helping.
2. One Book Three Times > Three Books Once
This is perhaps the most important insight in the entire interview. Rajit strictly followed his coaching modules and his teachers’ recommendations. He did not chase multiple reference books. He solved the same high-quality material repeatedly until the concepts were permanently ingrained. Stop hoarding books. Pick one trusted source, master it, and move on.
3. Trust Your Teacher Completely — Or Find One You Can
Rajit’s philosophy was simple: find a teacher you trust and follow their guidance without question. He never hesitated to ask doubts — whether they were basic or advanced. Your teacher has guided hundreds of students through this journey before you. Their experience is your shortcut. Use it.
4. Silly Mistakes Are Not Random — They Are a System Failure
Rajit discovered that rushing through problems to save time for review was actually causing his mistakes, not preventing them. His fix was counterintuitive: stop saving time for review entirely. Instead, read the question carefully, note the data accurately, and solve it correctly the first time. Accuracy on the first pass is worth more than a rushed review at the end.
5. Distinguish Between Fear and Preference
Rajit made an important distinction that most students miss. If a topic terrifies you, that is fear — and you must conquer it through practice and doubt-clearing. But if a topic is simply low-yielding and complex, you can strategically deprioritize it in the exam. Know the difference. Don’t waste energy fighting a preference when you should be conquering a fear.
6. Mock Tests Are Not Practice — They Are the Actual Training
Mock tests eliminated Rajit’s exam fear entirely. By the time JEE Advanced arrived, it felt like just another mock. Use mocks to experiment with your attempting sequence (PCM, CPM, MPC — find what works for you). Use mocks to normalize the pressure. Use mocks to learn that score fluctuations are normal. The student who has written 50 mocks will always outperform the student who has written 5.
7. JEE Preparation Naturally Opens Olympiad Doors
Rajit never prepared separately for senior Olympiads like NSEP or INPhO. His rigorous JEE preparation was sufficient to clear multiple Olympiad stages. If your JEE foundation is rock-solid, Olympiad success becomes a natural byproduct. However, do not dive deep into IOQM if your primary goal is JEE — it requires a vastly different skillset and can compromise your Physics and Chemistry preparation.
8. Burnout Is Real — Respect It
On days when Rajit had zero motivation, he simply stopped studying. He watched TV, played sports, or relaxed — knowing he would compensate the next day. Forcing yourself to study during burnout is counterproductive. Your brain needs rest to consolidate what it has learned. Take the break. Come back stronger.
9. Cut Social Media — But Don’t Cut Communication
Rajit completely avoided Facebook and Instagram. But he kept WhatsApp for academic discussions and YouTube for light entertainment during breaks. The key is not total digital isolation — it is ruthless elimination of time-wasting platforms while keeping the channels that serve your preparation.
10. On Exam Day, Be a Machine — Not a Student
Rajit’s ultimate advice is about emotional control. If your strongest subject turns out to be unexpectedly difficult in the exam, do not panic. Do not get emotional. Act like a machine: make rational choices, skip what you cannot solve, and maximize the marks available to you. The exam rewards composure, not ego.
Every JEE aspirant dreams of securing a single-digit rank, but very few truly understand what separates the best from the rest.
In this exclusive interview, I speak with Arnav Gautam, one of my former students, who achieved the remarkable feat of securing AIR 7 in JEE Advanced 2026 and AIR 5 in JEE Main 2026. Beyond JEE, Arnav has built an extraordinary academic profile through his success in multiple national Olympiads, including Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, and the Junior Science Olympiad, reaching the prestigious OCSC stage.
Through 23 carefully curated questions, Arnav shares the strategies, habits, decision-making processes, and mindset that shaped his journey. From Olympiad preparation and study planning to exam temperament, mistake analysis, digital discipline, and the role of mentors, this interview offers practical lessons that every serious JEE aspirant can immediately apply.
Whether you are beginning your preparation or aiming to improve your rank, this conversation provides a rare opportunity to learn directly from one of India’s finest young minds.
The Conversation
PHASE 1: THE GENESIS & THE “WHY”
Q1. The Result Moment: Walk us through the exact moment you (and your parents) saw that you secured a top All India Rank. What was that feeling like?
A: When the results were announced, I knew my rank would be good, but I was not entirely sure whether I would make it into the top 10. Realizing that I had secured All India Rank (AIR) 7 was a moment of immense happiness and relief. Since my mother and father were right there with me, we celebrated the moment together. The very first person I called to share the news with was my grandfather.
Q2. The Catalyst: When did you officially start your JEE preparation? Was getting into an IIT always your ultimate dream, or did the realization happen later?
A: My interest in Mathematics was strong from the very beginning. However, my official journey toward IIT JEE preparation started at the end of Class 9. It was during this time that I realized that pursuing an engineering degree at an IIT was the best academic path for my interests, and I aligned my focus entirely toward it.
Q3. Identifying the Path: How did you figure out your true academic interest? At what point did you decide to pursue engineering over medical or commerce?
A: My choice of engineering over other fields like medical or commerce was driven entirely by my passion for Mathematics. Math was always my favorite subject, and since engineering is heavily centered around mathematics and problem-solving, choosing the IIT pathway was a natural and clear choice for me.
Q4. The Olympiad Edge: You have represented India in international Olympiads. How important are these exams (like IJSO, NSEP) in building the foundation for JEE?
A: Preparing for junior Olympiads like the IJSO builds an excellent foundation for JEE. Because I had already covered many basic and intermediate topics during my Olympiad preparation, I was able to save significant time during my core JEE years. This freed up time to tackle more challenging questions and address my weak areas. Additionally, Olympiads provide valuable early exposure to competitive exam environments.
I highly recommend that aspirants participate in IJSO, NSEP, and NSEC. Regarding the alignment of senior Olympiads with JEE:
• Chemistry (NSEC/INChO): If you prepare in Class 10 or 11, the second stage requires studying a significant amount of extra advanced theory. However, by Class 12, the entire curriculum is fully aligned with the JEE Advanced syllabus. • Astronomy (NSEA/INAO): Excluding the astronomy-specific topics (like celestial mechanics or observation theory), the rest of the syllabus is entirely relevant to JEE. • Physics (NSEP/INPhO): The syllabus is almost entirely relevant to JEE Advanced, with the exception of specific topics like theory of relativity taught at the OCSC and international stages.
PHASE 2: ACADEMIC ARCHITECTURE & BLUEPRINT
Q5. The Daily Routine: What did your daily routine look like? Did you follow a rigid timetable (by the hour) or a flexible, target-based approach?
A: I did not follow a rigid, hour-by-hour timetable where I scheduled specific subjects for exact times. Instead, I preferred a flexible, target-based routine. I had fixed wake-up and sleep times to maintain a healthy body clock, but my day-to-day study schedule was flexible. My daily goals were centered around attending classes, completing the homework assigned by my teachers, spending a little time playing in the evening to refresh myself, and dedicating the remaining hours to revision.
Q6. Sleep & Cycles: How many hours of sleep did you prioritize? Did you prefer studying late at night or early in the morning?
A: I prioritized getting eight hours of sleep every night and never compromised on it. My routine was to sleep by 11:00 PM and wake up at 7:00 AM. I believe that every student needs a healthy amount of rest to keep their brain active and maintain high concentration levels during classes and self-study sessions. Rest is essential for mental efficiency.
Q7. Subject Allocation: How did you balance Physics, Chemistry, and Math? Did you allocate equal time to all, or base it entirely on your weak points?
A: My study time was allocated dynamically based on the demands of each subject. I dedicated the most time to Mathematics because the homework volume was high, and Math requires extensive practice to master. Conversely, I allocated the least time to Physics. Having already cleared NSEP and NSEA (Astronomy Stage 1) in Class 10, my conceptual foundation in Physics was very strong, so it required less day-to-day effort. For Chemistry, which requires frequent revision to retain facts and reactions, I shifted my focus heavily during the final 5 to 6 months of preparation, dedicating the majority of my time to revising it.
Q8. The Material Trap: Did you rely strictly on your coaching modules, or did you use multiple reference books (like H.C. Verma)? Is it better to solve one book three times or three books once?
A: I strictly followed the coaching modules and my teachers’ advice, and I did not feel the need to chase multiple extra materials. Many of my peers secured top ranks using this exact same focused approach. For JEE preparation, there is absolutely no need to study from dozens of different reference books. Focusing on completing and revising the prescribed coaching materials and following the guidelines of your teachers is more than enough to secure a top rank.
Q9. Material: Which material did you use for IJSO and what material did you use for IIT?
A: While my core preparation revolved around the coaching modules and assignments, I also used a select few reference books recommended by my teachers:
• Physics: Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, Pathfinder for Olympiad and JEE (Advanced), and Problems in General Physics by I.E. Irodov. • Mathematics: Pathfinder, Higher Algebra by Hall & Knight, and Coordinate Geometry by S.L. Loney. • Chemistry: Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee, along with the Kota Question Bank. • IJSO Preparation: For my Junior Science Olympiad prep (specifically Biology), I relied heavily on my class notes and revised them thoroughly to build a strong foundation.
Q10. Biology and IJSO: Being an IIT aspirant, how was your attitude towards Biology during IJSO preparation?
A: Initially, as an engineering aspirant, I did not enjoy Biology very much. However, I kept an open mind and approached it as an opportunity to learn something new. My perspective shifted completely during the Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC), where I realized that Biology can be highly logical. The OCSC biology exam questions were designed around logical deduction rather than rote memorization, which made it far more interesting than I had expected.
Q11. IOQM and IMO: Should students focus on IOQM if their future goal is IIT?
A: I consider the IOQM/IMO track and the IIT JEE track to be completely different pathways. The type of mathematics asked in IOQM is non-routine and highly specialized compared to the structured, routine mathematics of the JEE Advanced syllabus. For standard JEE aspirants, I would advise against diverting focus toward IOQM, as it requires a separate time commitment. However, if a student has been preparing for math Olympiads since childhood and has a strong foundation, they can certainly give it a try.
Q12. School and Coaching: How did you manage the time with both school and coaching?
A: I managed my preparation by enrolling in a dummy school, which provided me with relaxation in attendance and allowed me to focus my time and energy on coaching and self-study. For students who do not have the option of attendance relaxation and must manage regular school along with coaching, my advice is to prioritize coaching. If you find yourself in a position where you have to compromise due to time constraints, choose to compromise on schoolwork rather than coaching preparation.
Q13. Sports: Did you only study during those preparation years or you also spent time in sports, workouts and other recreational activities?
A: I did not spend all my time studying; I made it a point to play cricket for half an hour every evening. Engaging in sports has numerous benefits: it helps maintain physical fitness, improves posture after long hours of sitting, and breaks the monotony of study. It is a highly effective way to refresh your mind.
PHASE 3: PSYCHOLOGY, ADVERSITIES, & THE MINDSET
Q14. Tackling Failure: What were your best and worst scores in mock tests? How did you mentally recover from a disastrous test score?
A: Whenever I received a low score on a mock test, the first thing I did was discuss the paper with my friends to understand how they had performed. This helped me gauge the relative difficulty of the test. If everyone scored lower than usual, it indicated that the paper itself was challenging, which took away the individual pressure. However, if my score was low relative to the peer group, I immediately consulted my teachers to analyze the errors, discuss how to minimize silly mistakes, and seek advice on improving concentration during exams.
Q15. The “Silly Mistakes” Protocol: Almost every student loses ranks to silly mistakes. Did you maintain a “mistake notebook,” and how did you actively minimize these errors?
A: Minimizing silly mistakes requires consistent practice through mock tests and regular homework. I also used a structured analysis approach: after every test, I compiled a detailed list of my mistakes and classified them into categories, such as calculation errors or reading errors. Through this classification, I discovered that I made far more reading errors (misreading questions or data), so I focused heavily on increasing my concentration while reading.
Additionally, I followed a unique strategy suggested by my teachers to combat calculation fatigue:
• If a question was long and complex—taking about six minutes to solve—I split the process. I would solve the first half (about three minutes), move on to another question, and then return later to finish the remaining calculations. • When you work continuously on a single long question for five or six minutes, your mind gets fatigued and is highly prone to making errors in the final steps. Splitting the problem-solving time keeps the mind fresh and helps prevent these late-stage errors.
Q16. Conquering Fear: Was there a specific topic (like Thermodynamics or Fluids) that terrified you? How did you overcome it?
A: When I was in Class 9, I was terrified of Rotational Mechanics. However, as I transitioned to higher classes and practiced consistently, my fear gradually dissipated. I realized that rotation is simply a combination of linear force and angular torque. The questions might look longer and more complex, but the underlying concepts are not inherently harder. Demystifying the topic and practicing consistently is the key to overcoming any academic fear.
Q17. Digital Distractions: How did you handle smartphones and social media? Did you cut them off completely, or use them in moderation?
A: I did not maintain an Instagram or other major social media accounts during my preparation, which naturally eliminated a lot of digital distractions. I only used WhatsApp for essential communication and study groups, along with Google and YouTube for academic search and light learning. Because my digital footprint was so limited, I never had to struggle with controlling my screen time.
Q18. The “Burnout” Days: What did you do on days when you were completely exhausted and absolutely did not want to study?
A: I was fortunate not to experience major burnout or prolonged phases of feeling unmotivated during my preparation. However, if a student finds themselves completely exhausted and unable to focus, I suggest taking a short, one-hour nap to refresh the mind before trying to study again. Alternatively, taking a break to talk to parents is a wonderful way to relieve stress and regain motivation.
PHASE 4: THE ECOSYSTEM (FAMILY, MENTORS, & PEERS)
Q19. The Peer Group: How important is a highly competitive friend circle in cracking JEE? Did you do group studies or doubt-solving with friends?
A: A competitive peer group is extremely important during JEE preparation. I regularly discussed questions with my friends, which benefited me in two ways:
• For very challenging problems, we shared our individual methods, exposing each other to different logical pathways and shorter tricks. • For concepts already discussed in class that needed clarification, I preferred discussing them with friends first before approaching teachers.
Having meaningful, academic discussions with peers is highly beneficial as it expands your conceptual understanding and speed.
Q20. The Mentors: Were you ever hesitant to ask doubts in a class full of brilliant students? How did your bond with your teachers help you beyond academics?
A: I never hesitated to ask questions in class, regardless of how basic or advanced they were. I asked my teachers both silly, fundamental doubts and complex, high-level queries. Developing a strong, open relationship with mentors is essential. It ensures that you clear every conceptual bottleneck immediately and gives you the confidence that your teachers are always there to support you through the ups and downs of preparation.
PHASE 5: THE D-DAY & THE AFTERMATH
Q21. The Exam Strategy: Did you have a pre-decided sequence for attempting the paper (e.g., Chemistry, then Physics, then Math), or did you adapt based on the paper’s difficulty?
A: An exam strategy is highly individual and depends heavily on the student and the paper. Throughout Class 11 and 12, I tried attempting Chemistry first, followed by Physics, and then Mathematics (CPM). However, toward the end of Class 12, I experimented and found that starting with Mathematics, followed by Chemistry, and then Physics (MCP) worked best for me. I stuck to this MCP sequence in the actual JEE Advanced exam, and it benefited me significantly. Within Mathematics, I also prioritized column-matching questions first because they were faster to solve.
I advise students to use mock tests to experiment with different sequences and find what suits them. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy: some students build confidence by starting with their strongest subject, while others might get overexcited or bogged down. Mock tests are the best playground to figure out your own optimal strategy.
Q22. Exam Temperament: Were you nervous on the actual day of the exam, or did giving continuous mock tests eliminate the “exam fear”?
A: It is natural to feel some minor nervousness on the day of the exam, and I did as well. However, because I had written regular mock tests throughout my preparation, I was highly confident in my capabilities. Continuous mock tests normalize the examination hall environment, giving you the confidence to manage nervous energy and focus entirely on the questions in front of you.
PHASE 6: UNPLUGGED & RAPID FIRE (HUMANIZING THE SCHOLAR)
Q23. The Ultimate Advice: What is your final, defining piece of advice for the millions of juniors who want to be in your shoes next year?
A: My ultimate advice for juniors is to maintain consistent and open communication with your teachers. Discuss your mistakes and weaknesses with them frankly so they can guide you on how to improve. Secondly, stay away from digital and social distractions, as they disrupt your focus. Finally, consistency is key—keep working hard and stay dedicated to your goal every single day.
Devansh Sir’s 10 Insights on the Conversation with Arnav
1. Start Early, Win Bigger.
Arnav’s journey toward IIT did not begin in Class 11—it began years earlier through Olympiads. Early conceptual learning creates an enormous competitive advantage that compounds over time.
2. Olympiads Don’t Distract You from JEE—They Accelerate Your Success.
Many students believe Olympiads waste valuable JEE preparation time. Arnav’s experience proves the opposite. Olympiads build deep conceptual understanding, allowing students to learn JEE topics faster and solve tougher problems with greater confidence.
3. Success Comes from Following One System Exceptionally Well.
Arnav did not chase dozens of books or online resources. He trusted his teachers, completed his coaching material thoroughly, revised it repeatedly, and resisted the temptation to constantly search for “better” resources.
4. Sleep Is a Competitive Advantage.
Eight hours of quality sleep was never negotiable. While many students sacrifice sleep to study longer, Arnav protected it because peak concentration, memory, and decision-making depend on a well-rested brain.
5. Don’t Measure Yourself by Mock Test Scores—Measure Yourself by What You Learn Afterwards.
A mock test is not a judgment of your ability. It is a diagnostic tool. Arnav carefully analyzed every mistake, identified recurring error patterns, and systematically eliminated them. Improvement—not marks—became the real objective.
6. The Biggest Enemy Is Not a Difficult Question—It Is a Distracted Mind.
Instead of trying to control social media usage, Arnav largely removed it from his life. By protecting his attention, he protected his future. In today’s world, focus has become one of the rarest and most valuable skills.
7. Top Performers Don’t Study Every Minute—They Recover Intelligently.
Playing cricket every evening, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, and taking short breaks kept Arnav mentally fresh throughout his preparation. Sustainable excellence always beats unsustainable intensity.
8. Great Teachers Can Save You Years of Trial and Error.
One of Arnav’s strongest messages is simple: ask questions fearlessly. A close relationship with mentors allows students to identify weaknesses early, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and continuously improve with expert guidance.
9. Your Examination Strategy Can Change Your Rank.
The smartest students do not simply solve questions—they optimize how they solve them. Arnav experimented with multiple subject sequences, refined his approach through mock tests, and entered the actual examination with a strategy already validated by experience.
10. Consistency Always Defeats Motivation.
Motivation comes and goes. Consistency remains. Fixed sleep timings, daily targets, disciplined revision, regular mock tests, and continuous communication with teachers created a system that produced extraordinary results. Success was not the outcome of occasional brilliance—it was the result of disciplined habits repeated every single day.
Final Thought
Perhaps the greatest lesson from Arnav’s journey is this:
Extraordinary ranks are rarely achieved by students who simply study the hardest. They are achieved by students who build the smartest systems, seek the best guidance, eliminate distractions, analyze every mistake, and remain relentlessly consistent over several years.
AIR 7 was not created on the day of the examination. It was built through thousands of disciplined decisions made long before the final paper.
Every year, millions of students begin their journey toward IIT, but only a handful reach the very top. What separates them from everyone else? Is it intelligence, hard work, discipline, strategy, or something deeper?
In this exclusive interview, I speak with Mahroof (AIR 32) and Masroor (AIR 169)—two of my former students who secured outstanding ranks in JEE Advanced 2026 after an exceptional journey through Olympiads and rigorous preparation. Over the course of 23 carefully curated questions, they share the principles, habits, struggles, and decisions that shaped their success.
This conversation goes far beyond study schedules and book recommendations. It explores how top performers think, learn, recover from setbacks, manage pressure, build relationships with mentors, and maintain consistency over several years. Whether you are just beginning your preparation or are already deep into your JEE journey, the insights in this interview can help you study more intelligently, avoid common mistakes, and develop the mindset required to perform at the highest level.
If you aspire to see your name among the top ranks one day, this interview is worth reading from beginning to end.
The Conversation:
PHASE 1: THE GENESIS & THE “WHY”
Q1. The Result Moment: Walk us through the exact moment you (and your parents) saw that you secured a top All India Rank. What was that feeling like?
A: When the results were announced, the first person we shared the news with was our mother. She was incredibly emotional and happy because she had made significant sacrifices for us, including leaving her job to support our education. Seeing our hard work bear fruit was an amazing feeling, and it brought immense joy to both of us as twin brothers. Our father was also extremely proud and encouraged us to continue pushing ourselves further.
Q2. The Catalyst: When did you officially start your JEE preparation? Was getting into an IIT always your ultimate dream, or did the realization happen later?
A: We officially started our preparation in Class 8 and 9. We built a strong conceptual foundation by preparing for the Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). After that, we shifted to Kota in Class 10 and dedicated three years (Classes 10, 11, and 12) to rigorous JEE preparation, which ultimately helped us secure top ranks.
Q3. Identifying the Path: How did you figure out your true academic interest? At what point did you decide to pursue engineering over medical or commerce?
A: We figured out our interest in Class 8 and 9 when we participated in Maths Olympiads in school. We realized we were naturally drawn to problem-solving and conceptual questions rather than rote memorization. Since Biology required a lot of memorization, which we didn’t enjoy as much, we decided to pursue the engineering stream because of our deep love for Mathematics.
Q4. The Olympiad Edge: You have represented India in international Olympiads. How important are these exams (like IJSO, NSEP) in building the foundation for JEE?
A: Preparing for Olympiads is highly beneficial. IJSO is particularly important because the Physics and Chemistry syllabus builds strong conceptual clarity at an early stage. Senior Olympiads, like the Physics Olympiad (NSEP), are closely aligned with the JEE Advanced syllabus. Participating in them acts as a diagnostic tool, providing a realistic test-like experience before the actual JEE and helping you identify and rectify your strong and weak areas.
PHASE 2: ACADEMIC ARCHITECTURE & BLUEPRINT
Q5. The Daily Routine: What did your daily routine look like? Did you follow a rigid timetable (by the hour) or a flexible, target-based approach?
A: Our routine was target-based and flexible. A typical day started at 6:00 AM. We did coaching homework from 8:15 AM to 2:00 PM, took a lunch break and rested until 3:00 PM, and studied again from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. We dedicated 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM to playing badminton. We then studied from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, had dinner, and did a final study session until 11:00 PM. We didn’t keep a rigid, hour-by-hour schedule; instead, we adjusted the hours dynamically based on our daily homework and targets.
Q6. Sleep & Cycles: How many hours of sleep did you prioritize? Did you prefer studying late at night or early in the morning?
A: We prioritized sleep and never compromised on it, keeping a consistent schedule of 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily. Compromising on sleep is highly counterproductive; if you cut down on rest one day, your focus and efficiency will drop the next day. A rested mind is essential for high-quality self-study and class attentiveness.
Q7. Subject Allocation: How did you balance Physics, Chemistry, and Math? Did you allocate equal time to all, or base it entirely on your weak points?
A: We initially divided our study time equally among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics based on our daily coaching homework. However, if we felt weak in a particular topic, we would allocate an extra hour daily for revision and extra practice assignments. It is crucial to give equal priority to all subjects while dynamically dedicating extra time to strengthen your weaker areas.
Q8. The Material Trap: Did you rely strictly on your coaching modules, or did you use multiple reference books (like H.C. Verma)? Is it better to solve one book three times or three books once?
A: You do not need to solve dozens of reference books to secure a top rank. It is far better to solve a limited set of high-quality materials multiple times than to solve many different books once. Doing a module repeatedly builds deep conceptual clarity and helps you understand different angles of the same problem. Trust the resources prescribed by your teachers and focus on perfection rather than quantity.
Q9. Material: Which material did you use for IJSO and what material did you use for IIT?
A: Our core materials were our coaching modules and the specific books recommended by our teachers:
• Physics: Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma, selected problems from Irodov, and coaching sheets. • Chemistry: Neeraj Kumar Sir’s book for Physical Chemistry, Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee (primarily the theory and exercises) for Inorganic Chemistry, and Sonal Rajoria’s question banks for Organic Chemistry. • Mathematics: Pathfinder for Olympiad Mathematics for advanced practice, alongside our coaching modules and assignments. • IJSO Biology: We relied entirely on our biology class notes, revising them multiple times to ensure memorization.
Q10. Biology and IJSO: Being an IIT aspirant, how was your attitude towards Biology during IJSO preparation?
A: Although our long-term goal was IIT, our immediate priority during IJSO prep was to qualify and represent the Indian team. Since Biology is a highly scoring subject in IJSO if memorized well, we dedicated substantial time to it. At the same time, we made sure to stay in touch with Mathematics by solving problems side-by-side so our core math skills remained sharp.
Q11. IOQM and IMO: Should students focus on IOQM if their future goal is IIT?
A: Preparing for the initial stages of the Mathematics Olympiad (IOQM and RMO) is highly beneficial for JEE, as it teaches you to tackle tough questions with patience and avoid panic. However, pursuing the advanced stages of the Olympiad requires a high level of non-routine mathematics, which is not required for JEE and can end up hampering or compromising your core JEE preparation. We recommend attempting the initial stages but keeping your main focus on the JEE syllabus unless you have an exceptional interest in pure math.
Q12. School and Coaching: How did you manage the time with both school and coaching?
A: We managed our time by being extremely attentive during coaching classes, which covered 90% of our learning. To balance school, we completed our school homework as quickly as possible. When the workload became heavy, we prioritized coaching materials and self-study, and even took leaves from school. A school environment should provide relaxation; if it becomes a burden, you must prioritize your coaching preparation to achieve your final goals.
Q13. Sports: Did you only study during those preparation years or you also spent time in sports, workouts and other recreational activities?
A: We firmly believe in balancing studies with physical activity. We dedicated an hour every evening (from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM) to playing badminton. It was a crucial part of our routine that helped relieve stress, refresh our minds, and keep us physically fit during those intensive preparation years.
PHASE 3: PSYCHOLOGY, ADVERSITIES, & THE MINDSET
Q14. Tackling Failure: What were your best and worst scores in mock tests? How did you mentally recover from a disastrous test score?
A: Getting low marks in mock tests was initially frustrating. To cope, we would play sports or talk to friends to relieve the immediate stress. Once calm, we did a thorough test analysis and discussed our mistakes with our teachers to understand where we could improve. We realized there was no point in worrying about low marks; the key was to treat the mock test as a diagnostic tool and focus on performing better in the next one.
Q15. The “Silly Mistakes” Protocol: Almost every student loses ranks to silly mistakes. Did you maintain a “mistake notebook,” and how did you actively minimize these errors?
A: We used to make silly mistakes due to reading the questions too fast or having disorganized rough work. To minimize calculation errors, we adopted a strategy suggested by our teachers: we folded our rough sheet into two columns and did each question’s calculations strictly in its own section to prevent overlapping scribbles. Additionally, we allocated a few extra seconds to read each question carefully—especially checking for terms like ‘incorrect’ or ‘correct’—which drastically reduced reading errors.
Q16. Conquering Fear: Was there a specific topic (like Thermodynamics or Fluids) that terrified you? How did you overcome it?
A: If you are afraid of a specific topic, the solution is continuous practice and constant revision of your class notes. Discussing your difficulties with your teachers is also essential, as their guidance and reassurance can help break down complex topics. With time, patience, and persistent practice, any weak topic can eventually become a strength.
Q17. Digital Distractions: How did you handle smartphones and social media? Did you cut them off completely, or use them in moderation?
A: We kept our mobile and tablet usage to the bare minimum. We used our devices for about half an hour daily, solely to communicate with our teachers and share doubts in study groups. We stayed completely away from social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, as these are major distractions that eat up hours of study time and disrupt focus.
Q18. The “Burnout” Days: What did you do on days when you were completely exhausted and absolutely did not want to study?
A: When we felt completely exhausted, we kept our schedule flexible and took a break to play or rest. Forcing yourself to study in a state of exhaustion is counterproductive—you won’t absorb any information and it only leads to frustration and low efficiency. Instead, rest on your off days, and compensate by studying harder and clearing backlogs when your energy and mood are high.
PHASE 4: THE ECOSYSTEM (FAMILY, MENTORS, & PEERS)
Q19. The Peer Group: How important is a highly competitive friend circle in cracking JEE? Did you do group studies or doubt-solving with friends?
A: A competitive and supportive peer group is extremely beneficial. It creates a healthy environment of competition that motivates everyone to score higher. Additionally, since everyone has a different thinking process, discussing doubts in a peer group exposes you to multiple, alternative solutions to the same problem, which significantly refines your conceptual understanding and speed.
Q20. The Mentors: Were you ever hesitant to ask doubts in a class full of brilliant students? How did your bond with your teachers help you beyond academics?
A: We had some initial hesitation, but as doubts started to pile up, we realized it would hurt our test scores if we didn’t ask. Over time, as we interacted more, our teachers became like friends. Having open, normal conversations with them made it easy to ask doubts and seek guidance. Building a strong bond with your mentors accelerates your learning and gives you emotional support.
PHASE 5: THE D-DAY & THE AFTERMATH
Q21. The Exam Strategy: Did you have a pre-decided sequence for attempting the paper (e.g., Chemistry, then Physics, then Math), or did you adapt based on the paper’s difficulty?
A: Our initial strategy was to attempt Chemistry first, followed by Physics and then Mathematics. However, we kept this flexible. If Physics was exceptionally difficult, we would jump to Math or Chemistry. We strictly followed a round-wise approach: in the first round, we solved the easiest questions across all three subjects; in the second round, we tackled the medium ones; and we saved the toughest questions for the final round. It is not necessary to attempt the entire paper—prioritize accuracy and easy marks first.
Q22. Exam Temperament: Were you nervous on the actual day of the exam, or did giving continuous mock tests eliminate the “exam fear”?
A: While we felt a little nervous on the morning of the exam, the anxiety completely vanished the moment we sat at our computers. Because we had given so many mock tests in the exact same Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, the actual JEE Advanced felt just like another practice test. Giving continuous mock tests helps normalize the exam environment, allowing you to stay calm and focus purely on problem-solving.
PHASE 6: UNPLUGGED & RAPID FIRE (HUMANIZING THE SCHOLAR)
Q23. The Ultimate Advice: What is your final, defining piece of advice for the millions of juniors who want to be in your shoes next year?
A: Our ultimate advice is to build a strong bond with your teachers and never hesitate to clear your doubts. Stay consistent in your preparation, communicate openly with your parents and friends for support, and avoid taking unnecessary stress. If you stay motivated, maintain a balanced routine, and follow your mentors’ guidance strictly, you will easily achieve your goals.
10 Lessons Every JEE Aspirant Should Learn from AIR 32 & AIR 169
1. Top ranks are built over years—not months.
Mahroof and Masroor did not begin preparing in Class 11. Their journey started in middle school through Olympiads, where they developed deep conceptual understanding long before JEE became their primary goal. Great results are the outcome of long-term compounding.
2. Intelligence matters far less than consistency.
Their success was not based on marathon study sessions or extraordinary talent. They consistently met daily targets, revised regularly, and trusted the process. Small improvements repeated every day eventually produced extraordinary results.
3. Solve fewer books—but solve them exceptionally well.
One of the biggest myths in JEE preparation is that solving dozens of books guarantees success. The twins emphasized mastering a limited set of high-quality coaching material and revisiting it multiple times until every concept became second nature.
4. Sleep is a performance enhancer—not a luxury.
Many students proudly sacrifice sleep, believing it increases productivity. Mahroof and Masroor did exactly the opposite. They consistently slept 7–8 hours because they understood that memory, concentration, and problem-solving all depend on proper recovery.
5. Mock tests are meant to expose weaknesses—not measure your worth.
Low scores never discouraged them. Instead, every mock test became a diagnostic report that revealed what needed improvement. The students who improve the fastest are not those who score the highest initially, but those who analyze their mistakes most honestly.
6. A strong relationship with your teachers is one of the greatest competitive advantages.
They repeatedly emphasized that asking doubts without hesitation, seeking guidance regularly, and building trust with mentors accelerated their learning far more than studying in isolation ever could.
7. Balance creates sustainability.
Contrary to popular belief, they did not study every waking hour. They played badminton daily, took breaks when mentally exhausted, and understood that long-term consistency is impossible without physical activity and mental recovery.
8. Eliminate distractions before they eliminate your dreams.
Their use of smartphones was limited almost entirely to academic purposes. By staying away from social media during preparation, they protected their attention—the most valuable resource any serious student possesses.
9. Examination success depends as much on strategy as on knowledge.
They approached JEE Advanced systematically: solving easier questions first, adapting to the paper’s difficulty, minimizing silly mistakes, and maintaining accuracy instead of chasing every question. Smart decision-making during the exam can improve rank dramatically.
10. Success is never achieved alone.
Behind every top rank lies the combined support of dedicated parents, inspiring teachers, disciplined peers, and the student’s own perseverance. Academic excellence is rarely an individual achievement—it is the result of an entire ecosystem working together toward a common goal.
Final Thought
The greatest lesson from this interview is that top ranks are not produced by shortcuts, secret books, or extraordinary intelligence. They are earned through clarity of purpose, disciplined execution, continuous learning, humility, and unwavering consistency. If you cultivate these qualities, your rank will eventually become a natural consequence of your preparation—not a matter of luck.
Every year, thousands of students dream of securing a top rank in JEE Advanced, but only a select few discover what truly separates exceptional performers from the rest.
In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Aksh Gogi, one of my former students, who secured an outstanding All India Rank 23 in JEE Advanced 2025. Beginning his competitive journey through the Junior Science Olympiad and later excelling in JEE Advanced, Aksh built his success on disciplined preparation, intelligent planning, and relentless consistency rather than shortcuts or excessive study hours.
Through 23 carefully curated questions, Aksh shares the strategies, habits, mistakes, examination techniques, and mindset that shaped his remarkable journey. From choosing the right study material and managing coaching to overcoming failures, handling distractions, optimizing mock tests, and developing an effective exam strategy, this interview provides practical guidance that every serious JEE aspirant can immediately implement.
If your goal is not merely to study harder but to prepare smarter, this interview will serve as a practical roadmap toward achieving your own IIT dream.
The Conversation
PHASE 1: THE GENESIS & THE “WHY”
Q1. The Result Moment: Walk us through the exact moment you (and your parents) saw that you secured a top All India Rank. What was that feeling like?
A: When the JEE Advanced results were declared, my parents actually checked the website and found my result before I did. Since we had already checked our answers against the official answer keys and calculated our marks, I had a gradual idea of where my score would stand, so the rank was not entirely a surprise. Nonetheless, officially seeing All India Rank (AIR) 23 was a wonderful feeling, and it was a moment of great joy and celebration for my family.
Q2. The Catalyst: When did you officially start your JEE preparation? Was getting into an IIT always your ultimate dream, or did the realization happen later?
A: I officially started my JEE preparation in Class 10. Prior to that, in Class 9, I prepared for the Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO). The goal of getting into an IIT took concrete shape during these years as I transitioned from Olympiad preparation to the core JEE syllabus.
Q3. Identifying the Path: How did you figure out your true academic interest? At what point did you decide to pursue engineering over medical or commerce?
A: My academic path became clear through my early exposure to competitive sciences. During Class 9, my preparation for the Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) helped me build a very strong foundation in Physics and Chemistry. Although I temporarily set Mathematics aside to focus on the IJSO syllabus, returning to Math in Class 10 made me realize my interest in the engineering stream. My natural inclination toward problem-solving, particularly in Physics—which became my strongest subject—solidified my decision to pursue the IIT engineering track rather than other streams.
Q4. The Olympiad Edge: You have represented India in international Olympiads. How important are these exams (like IJSO, NSEP) in building the foundation for JEE?
A: Preparing for junior Olympiads like the IJSO helps build a solid foundation, especially in Physics and Chemistry. In my case, it made my base in Physics very strong. However, I believe that preparing for the Mathematics Olympiad (IOQM) offers even greater benefits for developing problem-solving skills, even though I did not prepare for it myself.
Regarding senior Olympiads like the Physics Olympiad (NSEP):
• Up to the first stage (NSEP), the syllabus coincides heavily with the JEE Advanced syllabus, so they can be prepared for concurrently. I did not prepare separately for NSEP; I prepared for JEE and took NSEP as a practice exam. • Beyond the first stage, the Olympiad syllabus begins to diverge from JEE. My recommendation for JEE aspirants is to focus primarily on their IIT prep and treat NSEP as a diagnostic practice exam, unless their specific, ultimate goal is to represent India at the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO).
PHASE 2: ACADEMIC ARCHITECTURE & BLUEPRINT
Q5. The Daily Routine: What did your daily routine look like? Did you follow a rigid timetable (by the hour) or a flexible, target-based approach?
A: My daily routine was flexible and adjusted based on whether I had scheduled classes or not. On days with coaching classes, I studied for a maximum of 8 effective hours. On self-study days without classes, my goal was to study for 10 hours, although achieving that target perfectly could sometimes be challenging due to natural variations in day-to-day efficiency. Rather than sticking to a rigid hourly timetable, I preferred planning my day around completing specific tasks and managing my workload adaptively.
Q6. Sleep & Cycles: How many hours of sleep did you prioritize? Did you prefer studying late at night or early in the morning?
A: I prioritized sleep and made sure never to compromise on it, generally sleeping for 6 to 7 hours every night. While there were rare days when I slept as little as 3 hours due to preparation demands, I strongly advise students not to keep their sleep cycles variable. If you want to sustain high performance over a two-year preparation journey, a consistent sleep schedule is essential for maintaining daily concentration and health.
Q7. Subject Allocation: How did you balance Physics, Chemistry, and Math? Did you allocate equal time to all, or base it entirely on your weak points?
A: I did not allocate equal time to all subjects. Instead, my balance was dynamic and based entirely on what topics were currently being taught, my relative strength in each subject, and where my weak areas lay. I believe the best approach is to work hard across all subjects, but to allocate extra time and effort dynamically to address your weak points and reinforce the subjects that require more attention.
Q8. The Material Trap: Did you rely strictly on your coaching modules, or did you use multiple reference books (like H.C. Verma)? Is it better to solve one book three times or three books once?
A: I relied primarily on my coaching modules and the specific resources recommended by my teachers. In Class 11, I strictly followed this path. In Physics, I did solve Pathfinder later on, but that was strictly for extra practice rather than trying to chase multiple competitive sources. If you ever feel that your study material is insufficient, it is far better to ask your teachers for additional targeted assignments than to go out and buy multiple reference books. Strictly adhering to your coaching materials and teacher recommendations is more than sufficient to secure a top-100 rank.
Q9. Material: Which material did you use for IJSO and what material did you use for IIT?
A: The specific materials I used during my preparation were:
**For IJSO Preparation**: • Physics: Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma. • Physical Chemistry: Neeraj Kumar. • Organic Chemistry: Coaching modules. • Biology: Class notes, MCQs, and past year papers.
**For IIT JEE Preparation**: • Physics: Coaching modules, class notes, and Pathfinder. • Chemistry: Coaching modules, class notes, and Concise Inorganic Chemistry by J.D. Lee (which was highly recommended by my teachers). • Mathematics: Coaching modules, class notes, and specific books recommended by my teachers containing advanced problem sets.
Q10. Biology and IJSO: Being an IIT aspirant, how was your attitude towards Biology during IJSO preparation?
A: During my IJSO preparation in Class 9, I took Biology very seriously and studied it thoroughly using class notes, MCQs, and past year papers. Since my immediate goal was to clear the Olympiad, I even completely paused my Mathematics studies to accommodate the Biology syllabus. While this temporary pause in Math did affect my mathematical momentum when transitioning to JEE in Class 10, it was a trade-off I chose to make in order to perform well in the Olympiad.
Q11. IOQM and IMO: Should students focus on IOQM if their future goal is IIT?
A: I did not prepare for IOQM, but looking back, I believe I should have participated. The problem-solving skills and mathematical depth developed through Olympiad mathematics are highly beneficial for JEE Advanced. While there may be some trade-offs or disadvantages that I am not aware of, I feel that attempting IOQM is a valuable experience for students whose future goal is IIT.
Q12. School and Coaching: How did you manage the time with both school and coaching?
A: Managing time between school and coaching evolved across different phases:
• Classes 9 and 10: In Class 9, during the COVID-19 pandemic, my classes were online, which naturally saved commuting time. In Class 10, I obtained permission from my school to leave after half a day. This provided me with crucial extra hours for self-study. • Classes 11 and 12: I moved to Kota and enrolled in a dummy school. This eliminated daily school attendance requirements, allowing me to focus entirely on my coaching and self-study routine.
Q13. Sports: Did you only study during those preparation years or you also spent time in sports, workouts and other recreational activities?
A: I definitely did not spend all my time studying, and the idea that toppers do nothing else is a misconception. In Class 9 and 10, sports were a regular part of my school schedule. In Class 11 and 12 in Kota, I played table tennis or played the guitar during my study breaks. Engaging in these recreational activities served as a perfect mental break and helped keep my mind fresh.
PHASE 3: PSYCHOLOGY, ADVERSITIES, & THE MINDSET
Q14. Tackling Failure: What were your best and worst scores in mock tests? How did you mentally recover from a disastrous test score?
A: Initially, scoring poorly on a mock test would put me in a bad mood. However, as I wrote more computer-based mock tests, I realized that score fluctuations are a completely normal part of the process. I got used to these fluctuations, stopped taking low scores personally, and focused on analyzing the mistakes. The best way to recover from a disappointing score is to analyze why it happened, learn from the errors, and move forward.
Q15. The “Silly Mistakes” Protocol: Almost every student loses ranks to silly mistakes. Did you maintain a “mistake notebook,” and how did you actively minimize these errors?
A: I did not maintain a physical notebook for silly mistakes; instead, I mentally noted the exact nature of each error and made a conscious effort to remain aware of them during exams to avoid repeating them.
More importantly, I realized that many errors labeled as ‘silly mistakes’ are actually caused by a poor exam strategy. If your strategy is flawed, you will find yourself under immense time pressure toward the end of the exam, which inevitably leads to rushed calculations and errors. To minimize these mistakes, do not dismiss them as simple slips. Analyze the underlying cause—whether it was time pressure, stress, or a tactical error—and refine your overall exam strategy to address it.
Q16. Conquering Fear: Was there a specific topic (like Thermodynamics or Fluids) that terrified you? How did you overcome it?
A: I made sure never to avoid any topic, because to secure a rank in the top 100, you cannot afford to leave gaps in your preparation. Naturally, some topics are more challenging than others. Whenever I encountered a difficult topic, I dedicated extra time and focused practice to it. With patience and persistent effort, the difficulty slowly resolves, and the fear associated with the topic melts away.
Q17. Digital Distractions: How did you handle smartphones and social media? Did you cut them off completely, or use them in moderation?
A: I had a smartphone during my preparation, and it was a very useful tool because I used WhatsApp groups for academic discussions and doubt-solving. However, I did experience minor distractions. To handle this, I deleted the YouTube app when I realized it was taking up too much time, and I placed restrictions on my phone and application usage. Setting boundaries and maintaining self-discipline with your devices is crucial to keeping them as productive tools rather than distractions.
Q18. The “Burnout” Days: What did you do on days when you were completely exhausted and absolutely did not want to study?
A: On days when I felt completely exhausted and lacked the motivation to study, my productivity and efficiency naturally dropped. In such situations, I would sometimes force myself to study despite the lower efficiency. However, when that became counterproductive, I would take a break to change my mindset and refresh, and then resume my studies once I felt recharged.
PHASE 4: THE ECOSYSTEM (FAMILY, MENTORS, & PEERS)
Q19. The Peer Group: How important is a highly competitive friend circle in cracking JEE? Did you do group studies or doubt-solving with friends?
A: A competitive and supportive peer group is extremely valuable. I found online WhatsApp groups specifically dedicated to academic discussions to be highly useful. Discussing challenging problems with peers exposes you to different viewpoints and alternative methods, which refines your understanding and helps you learn faster.
Q20. The Mentors: Were you ever hesitant to ask doubts in a class full of brilliant students? How did your bond with your teachers help you beyond academics?
A: I maintained a close and proactive relationship with my teachers. In Class 11, I strictly followed their guidance. Whenever I needed additional practice material, I did not hesitate to ask them, and they always provided me with targeted resources. Having a strong bond with mentors gives you the confidence to ask questions and ensures you receive the right academic guidance throughout the high-pressure JEE journey.
PHASE 5: THE D-DAY & THE AFTERMATH
Q21. The Exam Strategy: Did you have a pre-decided sequence for attempting the paper (e.g., Chemistry, then Physics, then Math), or did you adapt based on the paper’s difficulty?
A: My exam strategy was based on allocating time rather than strictly attempting subjects in a fixed sequence, and it was designed to prevent getting stuck on any one subject.
Initially, I would allocate a set time block—such as 50 minutes for Physics—and then switch subjects. I typically started with Physics since it was my strongest subject. I would attempt to go through all the questions in that time block to identify what was solvable. If I ran into a block where I couldn’t solve any of the first six questions, I would immediately switch to Chemistry. I preferred keeping Chemistry between the other two subjects to allow time for the inorganic questions where I might need to spend more time thinking.
Rather than scanning the entire paper first to do easy questions in rounds, I preferred working through a subject comprehensively within its allocated time block, tackling both easy and medium questions as I went. However, flexibility is key. If a paper is highly unusual or one subject is exceptionally difficult, you must adapt your strategy dynamically and avoid over-investing time in a section that will yield fewer marks.
Q22. Exam Temperament: Were you nervous on the actual day of the exam, or did giving continuous mock tests eliminate the “exam fear”?
A: I felt a little nervous on the morning of the exam. However, the moment the test started, my anxiety vanished. Because I had written so many mock tests during my preparation, the actual JEE Advanced felt exactly like just another mock test. Writing continuous mock tests normalizes the exam environment and enables you to focus completely on problem-solving.
PHASE 6: UNPLUGGED & RAPID FIRE (HUMANIZING THE SCHOLAR)
Q23. The Ultimate Advice: What is your final, defining piece of advice for the millions of juniors who want to be in your shoes next year?
A: My defining advice for juniors is to prioritize sleep and maintain a consistent schedule. Since JEE is a long, two-year journey, keeping your sleep cycle variable will drain your energy and drop your daily efficiency. Secondly, plan your study targets daily and ensure that you follow through to achieve them. If you stay consistent, maintain self-discipline, and execute your daily plans, success will naturally follow.
Devansh Sir gives 10 Powerful Lessons Every JEE Aspirant Should Learn from AIR 23 Aksh Gogi
1. Success Is Built Through Thousands of Small Disciplined Decisions.
Top ranks are not produced by one brilliant study session. They are created by consistently making the right decisions every single day—sleeping on time, completing daily targets, revising regularly, and trusting the process.
2. Don’t Chase Resources. Master the Ones You Already Have.
Many students believe success requires collecting dozens of books. Aksh’s preparation proves otherwise. Coaching modules, teacher guidance, and repeated revision are more than sufficient to secure a top rank when studied thoroughly.
3. Your Teachers Know What You Need Better Than the Internet Does.
Whenever Aksh required additional practice, he did not search online for new books. He simply approached his teachers, who provided targeted assignments suited to his weaknesses. Personalized guidance always outperforms random resource collection.
4. Mock Tests Don’t Reveal Your Intelligence—They Reveal Your Strategy.
Poor mock test scores should never damage your confidence. Instead, they expose weaknesses in preparation, time management, and examination strategy. Students who analyze every mock test improve far faster than students who merely attempt more tests.
5. Most “Silly Mistakes” Aren’t Silly at All.
According to Aksh, calculation errors often originate from poor examination strategy rather than carelessness. When you feel rushed during the final minutes of the paper, mistakes become inevitable. Improve your strategy, and many so-called silly mistakes disappear automatically.
6. Flexibility Is More Powerful Than a Perfect Timetable.
Aksh never followed a rigid hour-by-hour schedule. Instead, he worked with daily targets and adjusted his study plan according to coaching classes, self-study requirements, and weaker subjects. Effective preparation adapts to reality instead of forcing unrealistic routines.
7. Consistent Sleep Is One of the Highest-Return Investments You Can Make.
Students often believe sacrificing sleep demonstrates dedication. Aksh believes exactly the opposite. A stable sleep schedule protects concentration, memory, decision-making, and long-term productivity throughout the demanding two-year preparation journey.
8. Eliminate Digital Distractions Before They Eliminate Your Rank.
Rather than relying on willpower alone, Aksh simply removed unnecessary temptations. He deleted distracting applications, restricted screen time, and transformed his smartphone into a productive academic tool instead of an endless source of entertainment.
9. Even Top Rankers Need Recreation.
Contrary to popular belief, Aksh did not spend every waking hour studying. Playing table tennis, practicing guitar, and taking meaningful breaks helped him maintain mental freshness and prevented burnout. Sustainable preparation always outperforms constant exhaustion.
10. Success Belongs to Students Who Execute, Not Those Who Merely Plan.
Knowledge alone never secures a top rank. What matters is daily execution—completing today’s targets, learning from today’s mistakes, asking today’s doubts, and improving a little every single day. Consistency transforms ordinary students into extraordinary achievers.
Final Thought
Perhaps the greatest lesson from Aksh Gogi’s journey is this:
Top ranks are rarely achieved by students who know the most. They are achieved by students who execute the fundamentals better than everyone else.
Every year, thousands of talented students dream of studying at universities like Stanford, MIT, Harvard, and Cambridge. Yet only a small number receive that life-changing acceptance. What truly distinguishes these students? Is it perfect grades, extraordinary test scores, or something much deeper?
In this exclusive interview, I speak with Vanya Gupta, who recently earned admission to Stanford University (Class of 2030). Beyond her Stanford acceptance, Vanya has built an exceptional profile through award-winning scientific research, international recognition at Regeneron ISEF 2025, innovative patents, community impact, leadership initiatives, and years of sustained intellectual curiosity. Her journey demonstrates that admission to the world’s best universities is not about checking boxes—it is about becoming a person capable of creating meaningful impact.
Across 21 carefully curated questions, Vanya shares the complete roadmap behind her journey: how she discovered her interests, built an authentic profile, pursued original research, wrote compelling essays, balanced academics with extracurricular activities, handled setbacks, and ultimately earned admission to one of the world’s most selective universities.
Whether your dream is Stanford, MIT, Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, or any other leading global institution, this interview offers invaluable lessons on building not just a successful application, but a meaningful life.
The Conversation:
Q1: Congratulations for your admission — so take us back to the moment you found out about your Stanford acceptance, how did that feel like, and who was the first person you share it with?
A: Honestly, it didn’t feel real at all at first. I had replayed that moment in my head so many times that when I finally opened the decision letter, I just froze. I stared at the screen for a few seconds because I couldn’t process it. The first thing I saw was just the confetti, and then five minutes later, after it sank in, I read the acceptance letter. The first people I told were my parents and my brother because they had been part of every late night, every competition rejection, and every crazy idea. At that moment, it felt less like ‘I got in’ and more like ‘we got here together’ because they had been such an integral part of the journey. The entire feeling was a mix of excitement and gratitude. Reflecting on it, I realized how many people had believed in me before I fully believed in myself, and that this wasn’t an individual journey but a very collective one.
Q2: When did you first truly decide, that a place like Stanford is your goal?
A: My goal to study in the US became pretty clear around Grade 9. As for Stanford specifically, it had actually been my dream school since the 5th or 6th grade because I was obsessed with the campus and its environment. But in Grade 9, I started learning about its culture, values, and how much the university values engineering, entrepreneurship, research, design, and interdisciplinary decisions. What attracted me the most was that Stanford is an environment where building something new and scaling it is encouraged rather than being treated as unusual.
Q3: Could you share your entire journey with me? I would love to understand everything you did—from the time you first dreamed of getting into Stanford until the day you were admitted. Specifically, I’d like to know: Which exams you appeared for, what activities, projects, or achievements you pursued, which decisions and efforts had the greatest impact on your admission, which things, in hindsight, were not particularly impactful, and any lessons you learned or things you wish you had done differently. A chronological account of your journey would be incredibly helpful.
A: My journey started around Grade 6 or 7. Initially, it was nothing specific or dedicated like ‘I want to go to university, that’s why I’m doing this.’ At that point, I had no clue. It just started off with curiosity. I explored everything from programming to robotics, mathematics, physics, and chemistry.
In Grade 9, I committed to long-term work. I spent several years pursuing robotics, trying to understand it—though it’s a huge field, so I probably only know 30% to 40% of it. I also continued practicing Mallakhamb, an Indian traditional yoga sport that I’ve been doing since I was 10 years old. It is just a genuine passion and hobby for me. Around the same time, I started teaching STEM to underserved students at local NGOs and schools. Instead of simply absorbing existing knowledge, I began asking research questions.
The biggest turning point was in Grade 10 and 11, when I started conducting original research, presenting my projects internationally, winning medals, founding a STEM initiative, and working with professors. More than thinking about competitions, I switched my focus to solving real problems because I enjoyed it, rather than just collecting awards and certificates.
Grade 12 was not about adding new activities, projects, or awards. It was about improving what was already built, strengthening my essays, publishing my research, and compiling my application. The application phase is about presenting a cohesive story—finding the link between my five or six years of work and putting it into one small application.
In terms of exams, I took my school’s IGCSE and A-level exams, prepared for and appeared in basic Olympiads, and took the SAT and IELTS.
For activities and projects, I had four or five main ones. One was a cognitive science project trying to measure the cognitive ability of underserved students without depending on literacy or factors acquired by more privileged students. Another project mapped the skills of factory and shop floor workers to appropriate jobs to boost their wages and empower their livelihoods. I also patented a seizure identification wristwatch for toddlers that records vitals and alerts guardians before a seizure occurs. Additionally, I developed a gamified, sensory-adaptive cognitive impairment screening tool for geriatrics, which won grand and special awards at Regeneron ISEF 2025.
As for what had the greatest impact versus what didn’t: random competitions done just to look good on the application were not impactful, and I didn’t even list them. The biggest contributors were my research publications, leadership demonstrated through my activities, long-term community impact, essays (common app and supplements), and recommendations. If I could do one thing differently, I would have started writing essays and reflecting earlier. Curating a meaningful story isn’t something you can do in three or four months; it’s something collected over the years.
Q4: What specific habits and study strategies you followed to achieve this goal?
A: Consistency was key for me. I didn’t set a goal of working a specific number of hours, but I made sure that whenever I studied, I was completely focused. Multitasking and distractions were avoided. Even if I sat at my desk for only 20 minutes on some days and 8 hours on others, showing up consistently made a huge impact. Reflection was also crucial. I regularly sat down and asked myself: ‘Am I actually enjoying this, or am I doing it just for the sake of it? What is genuinely exciting me, and what have I learned?’ These questions saved me from wasting hours on things I wasn’t passionate about. Focus comes with passion; if you enjoy something, you naturally stay focused.
Q5: Which exams, Olympiads, research projects or extracurricular activities had the greatest impact?
A: In order of importance, the things that had the greatest impact on my goal were independent research projects, long-term community impact initiatives, leadership roles, school academic records (IGCSE/A-levels), and standardized test scores like the SAT.
Q6: Rank the following by importance and explain why: Academics, Olympiads, SAT/AP, Research, Essays, Leadership, Recommendation Letters, Interviews, extracurricular activities.
A: Here is my ranking and explanation of the various components, ordered from the most fundamental baseline requirements to the differentiating elements:
1. Academics (5/5) & SAT (5/5) [The Non-Negotiable Foundation]: These are threshold requirements. You need top-tier school grades and a strong SAT score to get your application reviewed. Top universities receive applications from top students worldwide, so academic excellence is the basic entry requirement. Standardized test scores have been reinstated by almost all Ivy League and top US universities, making the SAT extremely important.
2. Essays (5/5) [The Differentiator]: Essays are the most critical part of the application because they showcase your personality, voice, and authenticity. Your grades and activities list show what you have done, but your essays demonstrate who you are as a person.
3. Research Papers (5/5) [Intellectual Depth]: Independent research is highly impactful because it demonstrates deep passion, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to solve complex, real-world problems. It shows you want to go beyond classroom boundaries.
4. Extracurricular Activities (4/5) & Leadership (4/5) [Personality & Impact]: Extracurricular activities show who you are outside of coursework, while leadership roles demonstrate social and people skills. You cannot just sit and study all day; you need to show how you engage with others and create impact.
5. Recommendation Letters (4/5) [Credibility]: LORs are very important because they provide third-party credibility. They verify your claims and hours of work, adding depth to your file from the perspective of trusted teachers and mentors.
6. AP Exams & Subject Olympiads [Additional Tracks]: AP exams are useful if you use them to explore subjects outside your school stream (e.g., taking a psychology AP if you are a science student) to show breadth. Taking them in the same subjects you study in school (like physics/chemistry in A-levels) is redundant. International Olympiads (representing Team India) are extremely important (5/5) but represent just one path; you can achieve the same impact through research.
7. Interviews [Complementary]: Interviews complement the application by providing a personal dimension to verify your interest and communication skills.
*My top five most impactful components (excluding the non-negotiable academics/SAT baseline) are: Essays, Leadership, Extracurricular activities, Research, and Recommendation Letters.*
Q7: What story did your application tell?
A: My application told a story of breaking barriers and pursuing niche, unique things. It showed that I identify overlooked problems, understand them deeply, and build human-centered solutions that connect with people in real life. It connected my technical research skills with my community leadership and service, showing that my work is driven by empathy and curiosity rather than a desire to collect credentials.
Q8: What role did essays, recommendations and interviews play?
A: These three components provide the human dimension and credibility to your application:
– **Essays** are the voice of the application. They explain the ‘why’ behind everything you do and demonstrate your authenticity, self-reflection, and character.
– **Recommendations** provide third-party validation and credibility. They assure admission officers that your achievements and community hours are genuine and that your mentors have high trust in your abilities.
– **Interviews** serve as a conversational verification, helping universities see your personality, communication style, and genuine fit for the campus culture beyond written words.
Q9: What misconceptions about admissions should students stop believing?
A: The biggest misconception is that admissions are about perfection. It’s not about being the most perfect student; it’s about being the most authentic one. Another common myth is that you need a checklist of trendy achievements—like starting 10 companies or launching multiple startups—to get in. You should focus on doing a few very meaningful, deep, and consistent things over several years rather than trying to do everything for the sake of your resume.
Q10: What was the toughest phase of your journey?
A: The toughest phase was definitely during Grade 11 and 12, when I had to balance school exams, SAT preparation, research deadlines, and college applications simultaneously. There’s a saying that ‘nothing can happen in 10 years, but 10 years can happen in a week.’ That was very true for me during weeks when everything hit priority status at the same time, and I had to learn how to manage competing deadlines.
Q11: How did you handle pressure, setbacks and self-doubt?
A: I had two main ways of handling setbacks and pressure. First, I separated the outcome from the effort. Rejections and redirections hurt, but that doesn’t mean the work you’ve done is meaningless; one setback cannot change the value of your entire journey. Second, I leaned heavily on my support system—my parents, my brother, my teachers, and my friends. I would go to them, admit that I couldn’t handle everything at the moment, and talk things through. Sometimes they gave me solutions, and other times I found the solutions myself just by talking to them.
Q12: What role did your family, mentors and friends play?
A: Each group played an equally important role in keeping me balanced and supported:
– **My family** gave me the freedom to explore. My parents never restricted me; they always supported my ideas and encouraged me to study and think to my heart’s content.
– **My mentors** provided resources and academic support, but more importantly, they challenged me. They didn’t just hand me the answers—they asked questions until I figured out the solutions myself, which completely shaped my thinking.
– **My friends** kept me sane. They reminded me that there is a life outside of awards and applications, and they were always there when I needed a mental break.
Q13: What should students focus on from grade 8 – 12 for this goal?
A: Based on my journey, here is a structured roadmap for students preparing for top global universities:
– **Grade 8 & 9 [Exploration & Core Habits]**: Focus on exploration and curiosity. Learn programming, robotics, math, or whatever science subjects excite you. This is also the time to establish a solid physical or creative hobby (like my Mallakhamb practice) and begin volunteering at local NGOs. Establish consistency in your study habits.
– **Grade 10 & 11 [Committed Focus & Independent Projects]**: Narrow down your interest areas and commit to long-term projects. Instead of just studying, start asking research questions and conducting independent research. Seek out mentors or professors in your field. Shift your focus from winning random competitions to solving real, human-centered problems.
– **Grade 12 [Refining & Storytelling]**: Focus on executing and finishing your projects, writing and publishing your research papers, and preparing your college applications. Dedicate ample time to reflecting on your journey and writing your common app and supplemental essays. Your main task here is finding the thread that connects your five years of work into a cohesive story.
Q14: What books, websites, YouTube channels and mentors would you recommend?
A: I recommend the following resources based on what helped me:
– **Websites**: Khan Academy for academic learning, MIT OpenCourseWare for advanced science concepts, and arXiv for reading scientific research papers.
– **YouTube Channels**: Veritasium and 3Blue1Brown for intuitive physics and math concepts, along with self-help videos on time management, productivity, and prioritization.
– **Books**: *Atomic Habits* (one of my favorites for building systems), *Deep Work* for focused study habits, *Mindset* by Carol Dweck, and books addressing the global impact of AI.
Q15: How should students balance school, extracurricular activities, Olympiads, JEE (if applicable) with international admissions?
A: The key is focus and prioritization: do not try to excel at five completely unrelated things. In my opinion, you should structure your time around a clear framework: have one deep academic focus, one major extracurricular/community initiative, one physical activity, and one creative hobby. Not everything has to be done for the sake of applications. Most importantly, build a reliable support system and lean on them whenever the pressure becomes too high.
Q16: One habit every successful student should develop.
A: Reflection. You must regularly sit down with yourself and honestly think about whether you enjoy what you are doing, what you are learning, and what genuinely excites you, rather than just executing tasks blindly.
Q17: One mistake every student should avoid.
A: Doing things just for the sake of doing them. Don’t build a resume or join clubs just because you think you have to; focus on building your actual skills and personal growth.
Q18: One opportunity students should pursue early.
A: Research. Pursuing independent research early is incredibly valuable—not because it looks impressive, but because it teaches you the vital skill of how to ask meaningful questions.
Q19: One myth about Ivy League admissions.
A: That there is a secret formula or a specific template of an admitted student. There isn’t. Every admitted student looks completely different. What they all share is authenticity, sustained impact, and long-term consistency.
Q20: One piece of advice for parents.
A: Support your child’s exploration instead of trying to direct, restrict, or force a particular academic decision. The strongest college applications are born from genuine curiosity and passion, which can only thrive under support rather than pressure.
Q21: Your message for students dreaming of studying at the world’s best universities.
A: Don’t spend your middle and high school years trying to become the student you think universities want to accept. Instead, spend those years trying to become someone you value and respect. The ultimate goal is not to receive an acceptance letter; the goal is to become the kind of person who will thrive at a place like Stanford regardless of whether you get accepted or not. If you focus on that growth, your application will naturally become a genuine reflection of your journey rather than a curated performance.
Devansh Sir’s 10 Key Takeaways For Future Ivy League Aspirants:
1. Stanford Doesn’t Admit Perfect Students — It Admits Authentic Ones.
The biggest misconception in Ivy League admissions is that you need a flawless, ‘tick-every-box’ profile. Vanya shatters this myth with a single insight: “It’s not about being the most perfect student; it’s about being the most authentic one.” Admissions committees are not looking for the student who did the most things; they are looking for the student who meant what they did. Stop curating a performance and start living a story worth telling. Authenticity is not a soft skill — it is the single hardest thing to fake and the single most powerful thing to possess.
2. Your Application Is Not a Résumé — It Is a Narrative.
Most students treat college applications like a list of accomplishments. Vanya treated hers like a story. Her application told the narrative of someone who ‘identifies overlooked problems, understands them deeply, and builds human-centred solutions.’ Every activity, every research project, and every essay pointed back to one coherent thread. If your activities cannot be connected by a single sentence that explains who you are, you don’t have an application — you have a spreadsheet. Start with the story you want to tell, not the awards you want to list.
3. Essays Are the Admission — Everything Else Is the Screening.
Vanya rates essays 5 out of 5 — the single most critical differentiator. “Your grades and activities list show what you have done, but your essays demonstrate who you are as a person.” Grades and test scores get your file reviewed; essays get you admitted. Yet most students spend 80% of their time on test preparation and 20% on essays — exactly backwards. The best essays are not written in three months during application season; they are reflections collected over years. Start journaling, reflecting, and understanding yourself today.
4. The ‘Resume-Padding’ Strategy Is Dead — Depth Wins, Not Breadth.
Vanya explicitly states that random competitions done ‘just to look good on the application’ were not impactful — and she did not even list them. Instead, she committed to four or five deep, multi-year projects that solved real problems: a patented wristwatch for seizure detection in toddlers, a cognitive screening tool for the elderly, and a skills-mapping project for factory workers. The era of joining 15 clubs and winning 30 certificates is over. One transformative project that changes someone’s life will always outweigh a hundred participation certificates that changed nothing.
5. Research Is Not About Looking Impressive — It’s About Learning to Ask Questions.
When asked what opportunity students should pursue early, Vanya’s answer was immediate: research. But her reason is counterintuitive. She does not recommend research because it looks good on an application — she recommends it because “it teaches you the vital skill of how to ask meaningful questions.” Most students are trained to answer questions. The ones who get into Stanford are the ones who learn to ask them. The ability to identify problems that nobody else sees is more valuable than the ability to solve problems that everyone already knows about.
6. Grade 12 Is Too Late to Start Building — It’s Only for Storytelling.
Vanya’s most strategic insight is her timeline. Grade 12 was not about adding new activities or winning more awards. It was entirely dedicated to ‘improving what was already built, strengthening essays, publishing research, and compiling the application.’ If you are starting your extracurriculars in Grade 11 or 12, you have already lost the long game. The students who win Stanford admissions in Grade 12 are the ones who started building in Grade 8. By the time you write your Common App essay, you should be curating five years of work — not scrambling to create it.
7. There Is No Secret Formula — and That’s the Best News You’ll Ever Hear.
“There is no secret formula or a specific template of an admitted student. There isn’t. Every admitted student looks completely different.” This is both the most terrifying and the most liberating truth about Ivy League admissions. There is no template to copy, no formula to hack, and no consultant who holds the ‘secret code.’ What every admitted student shares is authenticity, sustained impact, and long-term consistency. The implication is profound: the most strategic thing you can do is stop being strategic and start being genuine.
Vanya didn’t set a goal of working a specific number of hours. Instead, she made sure that whenever she studied, she was completely focused. ‘Even if I sat at my desk for only 20 minutes on some days and 8 hours on others, showing up consistently made a huge impact.’ The cult of ‘hours studied’ is misleading. What matters is the quality of attention, not the quantity of time. Build a system of showing up every single day — even if it’s just for twenty minutes — and you will outperform every student who brags about pulling all-nighters but checks their phone every five minutes.
9. Parents: Support Exploration, Don’t Direct It — The Best Applications Are Born from Freedom.
Vanya’s advice for parents is blunt and transformative: “Support your child’s exploration instead of trying to direct, restrict, or force a particular academic decision.” The strongest applications come from students who were given the freedom to follow their curiosity — not students who were handed a checklist of activities by anxious parents. Vanya’s own family gave her the space to explore everything from robotics to Mallakhamb to cognitive science, trusting that depth would emerge from exploration. The paradox of Ivy League admissions is this: the more you try to engineer your child’s application, the less authentic — and therefore less competitive — it becomes.
10. Don’t Become the Student Universities Want — Become Someone You Respect.
Vanya’s final message is the most powerful sentence in this entire interview: “Don’t spend your middle and high school years trying to become the student you think universities want to accept. Instead, spend those years trying to become someone you value and respect.” This single idea, if truly internalized, would render every ‘how to get into Stanford’ guide obsolete. The goal is not an acceptance letter. The goal is to become the kind of person who will thrive at a place like Stanford — regardless of whether you get accepted. If you focus on that growth, your application will naturally become a genuine reflection of your journey rather than a curated performance. That is not just admissions advice. That is life advice.
This testimonial comes from two extraordinary brothers, Mahroof and Masroor, whose journeys reflect the power of deep conceptual learning and disciplined thinking. Under my mentorship, Mahroof went on to win a Gold Medal at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) and secure AIR 32 in JEE Advanced 2026 and AIR 44 in JEE Main 2026, while Masroor achieved AIR 169 in JEE Advanced 2026 and AIR 58 in JEE Main 2026 after qualifying for the IJSO OCSC. In this heartfelt message, they share how intuition, imagination, and conceptual clarity shaped their success and express their sincere gratitude for the role my teaching played in their academic journey.
Respected Devansh Sir,
We are Mahroof and Masroor, your former students, and we are writing this to express our deepest gratitude for the invaluable role you have played in our academic and personal journeys.
Looking back at our milestones, we realize that the foundation of our success was laid entirely under your mentorship.
With your guidance, we were privileged to achieve milestones we once thought were distant dreams:
Representing India and winning a Gold Medal for the nation at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)
AIR 32 & AIR 169 in JEE Advanced 2026
AIR 44 & AIR 58 in JEE Main 2026
While these ranks and medals are a testament to hard work, the true catalyst was the way you taught us to think.
What set your classes apart was a relentless emphasis on INTUITION OVER ROTE MEMORIZATION.
You constantly pushed us to seek the deeper meaning behind every concept, urging us to ask WHY a physical phenomenon occurs before figuring out how to calculate it.
YOUR UNIQUE APPROACH
You taught us the power of imagination. You trained us to visualize complex physical setups and build mental models before touching a pen to paper.
This gift of visualization became our ultimate strength, giving us the confidence to break down completely unfamiliar problems, whether we were competing on an international Olympiad stage or tackling the toughest questions in JEE Advanced.
THE POWER OF CONCEPTUAL CLARITY
In a competitive landscape where many rely on pattern recognition and formula shortcuts, your focus on absolute conceptual clarity became our greatest competitive advantage.
By ensuring our fundamentals were unshakeable, you stripped away the fear of the unknown. When faced with highly complex, multi-concept problems in JEE Advanced and the Olympiads—questions designed to break standard formulas—our strong conceptual foundation allowed us to derive solutions from first principles.
You didn’t just teach us Physics; you gave us the ultimate toolkit to conquer any high-stakes examination.
A MESSAGE TO OUR JUNIORS
To our juniors who are currently learning under Devansh Sir, our biggest advice is to trust his process completely.
In the beginning, focusing deeply on concepts and visualization might feel slower than just memorizing a formula to get a quick answer. But commit to it anyway.
The intuition Sir builds in you is a superpower that compounds over time. When the syllabus expands and the problems get tougher, it is this conceptual depth—not shortcuts—that will carry you through.
Listen to his insights, ask the “WHYS”, and embrace the way he teaches you to think.
SHAPING OUR ACADEMIC FUTURE
Your impact on us goes far beyond these examinations.
You didn’t just prepare us for a test; you genuinely transformed the way we approach learning itself. By instilling a rigorous scientific temperament and a passion for deep inquiry, you have permanently shaped our future academic paths.
The analytical mindset and problem-solving resilience we developed in your classroom are the very tools we will carry forward into our higher education and future careers in science and technology.
A NOTE OF DEEP APPRECIATION
Sir, we feel incredibly fortunate to have been mentored by an educator of your caliber.
Your boundless passion for Physics, your patience, and your genuine investment in our growth have left an indelible mark on our lives. You made a notoriously difficult subject beautiful and enjoyable.
Thank you for your tireless guidance, your unwavering belief in our potential, and for helping us bring pride to the country.
WE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN PROFOUNDLY GRATEFUL TO YOU.
WITH SINCERE RESPECT AND GRATITUDE,
MAHROOF Gold Medalist, IJSO AIR 32, JEE Advanced 2026 | AIR 44, JEE Main 2026
MASROOR IJSO OCSC AIR 169, JEE Advanced 2026 | AIR 58, JEE Main 2026
Every JEE aspirant wants a top rank, but very few understand the principles that consistently produce one.
In this exclusive interview, I speak with Vasu Vijay, one of my former students, who secured an outstanding AIR 56 in JEE Advanced 2025. Beyond his remarkable JEE performance, Vasu is also an International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) Gold Medalist, reflecting years of exceptional scientific aptitude and disciplined preparation. His journey demonstrates how a strong conceptual foundation built through Olympiads can become a powerful advantage for succeeding in one of the world’s toughest entrance examinations.
Through 23 thoughtfully designed questions, Vasu shares the strategies, habits, and mindset that guided his preparation—from Olympiads and concept-building to study planning, mock-test analysis, exam strategy, stress management, and the importance of mentors. More than a discussion about cracking JEE, this interview explores how top performers learn, think, and continuously improve.
Whether you are just beginning your preparation or striving for a top rank, the lessons in this conversation will help you study with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
The Conversation
Phase 1: The Journey Begins
Question 1: The Result Moment
Walk us through the exact moment you (and your parents) saw that you secured a top All India Rank. What was that feeling like?
Response 1:
It was early in the morning, around 6 A.M., when I checked the result. Seeing my rank was an incredibly happy and satisfying moment. When I shared the news with my family, they were overjoyed. It was a moment of celebration and relief for all of us after years of hard work.
Question 2: The Catalyst
When did you officially start your JEE preparation? Was getting into an IIT always your ultimate dream, or did the realization happen later?
Response 2:
I started preparing seriously for JEE during Classes 10 to 12. The idea of getting into an IIT had been in my mind for a few years before that, so it was a goal I had been working towards for quite some time.
Question 3: Identifying the Path
How did you figure out your true academic interest? At what point did you decide to pursue engineering over medical or commerce?
Response 3:
The decision developed gradually. I was always interested in building things, solving problems, and understanding how systems work. Engineering felt like the natural path because it combined creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
Question 4: The Olympiad Edge
You have represented India in international Olympiads. How important are these exams (like IJSO, NSEP) in building the foundation for JEE?
Response 4:
Preparing seriously for Olympiads like IJSO helps build strong fundamentals, develops problem-solving skills, and teaches you how to learn effectively. These skills become extremely valuable later during JEE preparation.
Preparing for NSEP is a good idea if you are preparing for IIT, because the syllabus for both is very similar.
However, as you move on to the higher stages beyond NSEP towards IPhO, the Olympiad syllabus starts deviating from the IIT path. I would recommend my juniors to take NSEP very seriously, but not necessarily the higher stages of the Physics Olympiad if they do not wish to compromise their IIT preparation.
If they believe they can manage both the Olympiad and IIT, then they can continue with all the stages of IPhO.
Similar are my views towards the Chemistry Olympiad.
Phase 2: Academic Architecture & Blueprint
Question 5: The Daily Routine
What did your daily routine look like? Did you follow a rigid timetable (by the hour) or a flexible, target-based approach?
Response 5:
I mainly focused on completing my daily goals. Rather than following a rigid timetable, I preferred a target-based approach where the priority was getting important work done consistently. I always tried to study 6-8 hours daily, apart from my classes which used to consume around 5-6 hours of time. On a holiday, I used to study a minimum of 10 hours.
Question 6: Sleep & Cycles
How many hours of sleep did you prioritize? Did you prefer studying late at night or early in the morning?
Response 6:
I generally preferred studying a little later at night, but I always tried to get at least 6–7 hours of sleep. Adequate sleep was important for maintaining concentration and productivity.
Question 7: Subject Allocation
How did you balance Physics, Chemistry, and Math? Did you allocate equal time to all, or base it entirely on your weak points?
Response 7:
In the beginning, I gave roughly equal attention to all three subjects. During revision, however, I adjusted my time according to my needs, spending more time on weaker subjects or topics that required additional work.
Question 8: The Material Trap
Did you rely strictly on your coaching modules, or did you use multiple reference books (like H.C. Verma)? Is it better to solve one book three times or three books once?
Response 8:
For concept-building, solving the same high-quality material multiple times is usually sufficient. It also saves time because you can focus on strengthening weak areas rather than repeatedly solving questions you are already comfortable with.
In my opinion, you should follow the material provided in your coaching institute and the material which your teachers recommend. That is generally sufficient.
However, if you feel bored or want additional practice, exploring new books can provide fresh problem formulations based on similar concepts. But more is not always better, hunting for new books all the time is also not a good idea.
Question 9: Study Material
Which material did you use for IJSO and what material did you use for IIT?
Response 9:
For Physics during IJSO preparation, I mainly used H.C. Verma and Past Year Questions. In other subjects I primarily used class notes and Past Year Questions of NSEJS and INJSO.
For IIT-JEE, I relied primarily on coaching material. In physics, in addition I used H.C. Verma and selected topics from I.E. Irodov. In the other subjects, my primary focus remained on coaching material. If at all I followed any other resources, they were only the ones suggested by my teachers to me. My recommendation is, just follow your coaching material and your teachers.
Question 10: Biology and IJSO
Being an IIT aspirant, how was your attitude towards Biology during IJSO preparation?
Response 10:
One thing I enjoyed about IJSO Biology was that it was highly application-oriented and logical. Because of that, I found it interesting and engaging rather than something that had to be memorized. Since I was in Class 9 at the time, I also had sufficient time to balance it with future JEE preparation.
Question 11: IOQM and IMO
Should students focus on IOQM if their future goal is IIT?
Response 11:
I think this depends largely on personal interest. Attempting IOQM can be a good way to stay connected with mathematical thinking. However, the skills and syllabus required for higher-level Olympiad mathematics are quite different from JEE, so it is not necessary for every IIT aspirant.
Question 12: School and Coaching
How did you manage the time with both school and coaching?
Response 12:
I was enrolled in a dummy school, so managing regular school commitments was not a challenge for me.
Question 13: Sports and Recreation
Did you only study during those preparation years or did you also spend time in sports, workouts, and other recreational activities?
Response 13:
I practiced yoga in the mornings during my JEE preparation. Apart from that, I occasionally watched television, but most of my time was focused on academics.
Phase 3: Psychology, Adversities & Mindset
Question 14: Tackling Failure
What were your best and worst scores in mock tests? How did you mentally recover from a disastrous test score?
Response 14:
My best score was around 330 out of 360, while my lowest was around 190. Whenever I performed poorly, I carefully analysed where I had lost marks and why. I also discussed both the academic and psychological aspects of the situation with my teachers. At the end of the day, a mock test is only a tool for improvement, not a final judgment.
Question 15: The “Silly Mistakes” Protocol
Almost every student loses ranks to silly mistakes. Did you maintain a “mistake notebook,” and how did you actively minimize these errors?
Response 15:
Instead of maintaining a separate notebook, I marked questions directly in my hard copies and categorised them according to the type of mistake and its underlying cause. I would carefully review these questions the day after the exam and focus on preventing similar errors in the future.
Question 16: Conquering Fear
Was there a specific topic (like Thermodynamics or Fluids) that terrified you? How did you overcome it?
Response 16:
Topics such as parts of Rigid Body Dynamics and Fluid Dynamics were initially difficult because building intuition for them took time. Some concepts were also quite dense. Rather than fearing them, I accepted that they would require more effort and invested additional time in understanding them properly.
Question 17: Digital Distractions
How did you handle smartphones and social media? Did you cut them off completely, or use them in moderation?
Response 17:
I used my phone normally, but primarily for communication through WhatsApp. I did not spend significant time on social media platforms, which helped me stay focused without feeling completely disconnected.
Question 18: The “Burnout” Days
What did you do on days when you were completely exhausted and absolutely did not want to study?
Response 18:
If I felt genuinely tired, I would take a short nap or play a game for a while before returning to work. Since I lived at home, burnout was not a major issue for me, but I always tried to listen to my body when I needed a break.
Phase 4: The Ecosystem (Family, Mentors & Peers)
Question 19: The Peer Group
How important is a highly competitive friend circle in cracking JEE? Did you do group studies or doubt-solving with friends?
Response 19:
Discussing doubts and brainstorming with friends helped me develop a much deeper understanding of concepts. It also provided a useful reality check regarding my preparation. At the same time, it is important not to feel intimidated by what others are doing. What matters most is how effectively you are using your own time and opportunities.
Question 20: The Mentors
Were you ever hesitant to ask doubts in a class full of brilliant students? How did your bond with your teachers help you beyond academics?
Response 20:
Yes, I did feel hesitant in some classes initially. However, overcoming that hesitation and asking doubts is extremely valuable. Building a strong relationship with teachers helps not only academically but also in developing confidence, perspective, and better decision-making throughout the preparation journey.
Phase 5: The Exam Day & The Aftermath
Question 21: The Exam Strategy
Did you have a pre-decided sequence for attempting the paper (e.g., Chemistry, then Physics, then Math), or did you adapt based on the paper’s difficulty?
Response 21:
I always adapted my strategy according to the paper. My priority was to identify and solve the easier questions first, secure those marks, and then return to the more challenging questions later.
Question 22: Exam Temperament
Were you nervous on the actual day of the exam, or did giving continuous mock tests eliminate the “exam fear”?
Response 22:
By the time the actual exam arrived, I had very little exam anxiety. Regular mock tests had helped me build familiarity with the exam environment and develop the confidence needed to perform calmly under pressure.
Once I started attempting my actual IIT exam, it felt like a regular mock test only to me.
Phase 6: Unplugged & Rapid Fire
Question 23: The Ultimate Advice
What is your final, defining piece of advice for the millions of juniors who want to be in your shoes next year?
Response 23:
Build strong relationships with your teachers, focus deeply on conceptual understanding, surround yourself with a positive and motivated peer group, and make sure you have a healthy way to manage stress. These factors may seem simple, but over time they can make a tremendous difference in both your preparation and your final outcome.
Devansh Sir’s 10 Insights
1. Build Concepts Before You Chase Ranks.
Vasu’s greatest strength was never memorization—it was understanding. A deep conceptual foundation built through Olympiads made advanced JEE problems feel logical instead of intimidating. Students who truly understand concepts rarely fear difficult questions.
2. Learn Once, Revise Many Times.
The temptation to keep buying new books is one of the biggest mistakes aspirants make. Vasu recommends mastering one excellent resource repeatedly rather than collecting dozens of unfinished books. Depth always beats variety.
3. Olympiads Can Give You a Multi-Year Advantage.
Preparing for Olympiads such as IJSO and NSEP develops analytical thinking, scientific curiosity, and advanced problem-solving skills long before JEE preparation becomes intensive. Students who start early often spend less time struggling later.
4. Hard Work Without Reflection Is Incomplete.
Every mock test should answer one question: “Why did I lose marks?” Instead of worrying about scores, Vasu analyzed mistakes, discussed them with teachers, and transformed every failure into a lesson for the next examination.
5. Great Students Don’t Fear Difficult Topics—They Invest More Time in Them.
Instead of avoiding challenging chapters like Fluid Mechanics or Rotational Dynamics, Vasu simply accepted that some concepts demand additional effort. Fear disappears when understanding increases.
6. Your Teachers Can Accelerate Your Journey More Than Any Book.
One of Vasu’s strongest messages is to build meaningful relationships with your teachers. Asking doubts without hesitation, seeking guidance regularly, and discussing both academic and psychological challenges dramatically shortens the learning curve.
7. Study Targets Matter More Than Study Timetables.
Rather than following a rigid hourly schedule, Vasu focused on completing meaningful daily goals. Flexible, target-based planning allowed him to remain productive without becoming trapped by unrealistic timetables.
8. Examination Strategy Is a Skill That Must Be Practiced.
On the actual exam day, Vasu did not blindly follow a fixed subject order. He adapted intelligently, solved easier questions first, secured guaranteed marks, and returned later to tougher problems. Smart decisions inside the examination hall can significantly improve your final rank.
9. Success Doesn’t Require Isolation.
Contrary to popular belief, Vasu maintained a healthy routine that included yoga, meaningful discussions with friends, and balanced use of technology. Sustainable success comes from managing your energy—not from studying every waking minute.
10. The Best Students Never Stop Improving.
Perhaps the most inspiring lesson from Vasu’s journey is his growth mindset. Every difficult topic became an opportunity to learn. Every mock test became feedback. Every conversation with teachers became a chance to improve. This relentless commitment to continuous learning ultimately separated him from thousands of equally hardworking aspirants.
Final Thought
The defining lesson from Vasu Vijay’s journey is simple:
Extraordinary ranks are not achieved by students who merely solve the maximum number of questions. They are achieved by students who understand concepts deeply, revise intelligently, trust great mentors, analyze every mistake, and keep improving every single day.
When learning becomes deeper than memorization, preparation becomes more enjoyable, confidence grows naturally, and success becomes the logical outcome rather than a matter of chance.
Among the many students I have had the privilege of teaching, Arnav Gautam stands out as one of the most accomplished. In 2026, he secured AIR 7 in JEE Advanced and AIR 5 in JEE Main, achievements that place him among the very top students in the country. His journey, however, extends far beyond JEE. Over the years, he qualified prestigious examinations including NSEJS, INJSO, NSEP, INPhO, INChO, and INAO, and attended the OCSC camps for both Junior Science and Physics Olympiads.
What makes Arnav’s testimonial especially meaningful to me is not merely the extraordinary list of achievements, but his reflection on the deeper aspects of learning. In the words that follow, he shares how an emphasis on conceptual understanding, intuition, visualization, and independent thinking helped shape his approach to Physics and problem-solving. He also speaks about the role that mentorship, personal guidance, and scientific thinking played throughout his academic journey.
I am delighted to share Arnav’s thoughts and experiences in his own words. His journey is a powerful reminder that lasting success is built not only on hard work, but also on a strong foundation of understanding and a genuine love for learning.
Respected Devansh Sir,
I am Arnav Gautam. I was your student in the IJSO batches earlier.
This year, I secured AIR 7 in JEE Advanced 2026 and AIR 5 in JEE Main 2026. Along the way, I also qualified NSEJS, INJSO, NSEP, INPhO, INChO, and INAO multiple times, and attended the OCSC camps for both Junior Science and Physics Olympiads.
I would like to sincerely thank you for the role you played in this journey.
One thing that always made your classes different was your emphasis on understanding rather than memorization. You never encouraged us to blindly apply formulas. Instead, you taught us to think deeply about concepts, build intuition, and visualize physical phenomena. This approach completely changed the way I looked at Physics.
Your classes not only strengthened my problem-solving abilities but also developed the confidence to tackle unfamiliar and challenging questions. Whether it was preparing for Olympiads or JEE, the strong conceptual foundation built in your classes helped me immensely.
I am also grateful for the effort and personal attention you invested in your students. Your guidance, suggestions, and constant encouragement motivated me throughout my preparation. The problem-solving mindset and scientific way of thinking that I learned from you have benefited me far beyond examinations.
Looking back, I realize that many of my achievements would not have been possible without the foundation you helped me build. Thank you for inspiring me to genuinely enjoy Physics and for always pushing me to think independently.
I will always remain grateful for your mentorship and support.
Best regards,
Arnav Gautam AIR 7, JEE Advanced 2026 AIR 5, JEE Main 2026
Have you ever looked at electric wires on the roadside and wondered:
“How can birds sit on high-voltage wires without getting electrocuted?”
After all, we humans are warned constantly about the dangers of electricity. Touching a live wire can be deadly.
Yet tiny birds sit peacefully on electric lines every single day.
Are birds somehow immune to electricity?
Not at all.
The real answer reveals one of the most important ideas in electricity — electric current flows only when there is a difference in electric potential.
And once you understand this idea deeply, many electrical phenomena suddenly become intuitive.
Electricity Does Not Flow Just Because a Wire is “Live”
This is the biggest misconception students usually have.
Many people think:
“If a wire contains electricity, touching it automatically gives a shock.”
But that is not how electricity works.
Electric current flows only when there is:
A conducting path, and
A potential difference between two points.
Without both conditions, current does not flow through the body.
A bird sitting on a single wire usually touches only one point of the electrical system.
That changes everything.
The Real Reason Birds Stay Safe
When a bird sits on one wire:
Both of its feet are almost at the same electric potential.
Therefore, there is almost no potential difference across its body.
Since current depends on potential difference, almost no current flows through the bird.
And without significant current through the body, there is no electric shock.
The bird is simply becoming part of the wire at the same voltage.
An Easy Water Analogy
Imagine water flowing through pipes.
Water flows only when there is a pressure difference.
If both ends of a pipe section are at the same pressure, water does not move through that section.
Electric current behaves similarly.
Here:
I = current
V = potential difference
R = resistance
If the voltage difference across the bird is nearly zero, the current is also nearly zero.
This is the key idea.
Then Why Do Humans Get Shocked?
Suppose a person touches a live wire while standing on the ground.
Now two parts of the body are at very different potentials:
The wire may be at thousands of volts.
The ground is approximately zero volts.
This creates a large potential difference across the body.
Electric current now finds a path:
Wire → Body → Ground
And dangerous current flows through the person.
That is an electric shock.
Why Birds Must Be Careful Too
Birds are safe only under specific conditions.
They can still get electrocuted if they simultaneously touch:
Two wires at different voltages, or
One wire and a grounded object like a metal pole.
Now there is a voltage difference across the bird’s body.
Current flows through the bird.
And the result can be fatal.
This is why large birds with wide wingspans are more vulnerable near power lines.
A Powerful Real-World Example
Electricians working on high-voltage transmission lines sometimes use helicopters and special suits.
Surprisingly, they can safely touch wires carrying hundreds of thousands of volts.
How?
Because their entire body is brought to the same electric potential as the wire before contact.
Again, the secret is not “low voltage.”
The secret is:
No significant potential difference across the body.
This is exactly the same principle that protects birds.
The Deep Physics Idea
Students often memorize formulas in electricity without understanding the physical meaning.
But this example teaches a profound lesson:
Voltage itself is not what harms living beings.
Current through the body is what becomes dangerous.
And current appears only when there is a voltage difference that drives charges through the body.
That is why:
Birds survive on wires,
Electricians use insulation and grounding carefully,
And electrical safety rules focus on preventing current paths.
A Common Misconception
People often say:
“The bird is too small, so electricity ignores it.”
This is incorrect.
Electricity does not “choose” to avoid the bird.
The real reason is that the bird does not provide a useful path between different potentials.
Physics is governed by electric fields, resistance, and potential differences — not by intention.
The One-Line Answer
Birds sitting on electric wires do not get electric shock because both of their feet are at nearly the same electric potential, so almost no current flows through their bodies.
Final Thought
The next time you see birds resting calmly on power lines, remember:
They are demonstrating one of the deepest principles of electricity in nature.
Electric current is not about merely touching electricity.
It is about completing a path across a difference in electric potential.
And that simple idea powers everything from mobile chargers to giant electrical grids.
Most of us grow up believing that time is universal. A second is a second, a minute is a minute, and a clock in your room, a clock on a mountain, and a clock in space should all tick at exactly the same rate. It feels obvious. In fact, it feels difficult to imagine reality behaving any other way.
Yet one of the most astonishing discoveries in the history of science revealed something deeply counterintuitive: gravity can slow down time itself. Not just in science fiction, not just near black holes, and not just somewhere far away in the universe. This phenomenon is happening right now, all around us on Earth, and modern technology depends on it every day.
The Experiment That Changes Everything
Imagine that you have two perfectly accurate clocks. You leave one on Earth and place the other aboard a spacecraft. After some time, the spacecraft returns and you compare the clocks. Common sense suggests that they should agree perfectly. After all, time is time.
But nature has a surprise waiting. The clocks show different times. One clock has actually experienced more time than the other. This is not because one of the clocks malfunctioned or lost accuracy. It is because time itself flowed differently for them. What sounds like science fiction is actually a real and experimentally verified consequence of modern physics.
Why This Sounds Impossible
Our everyday experience teaches us that time is constant. Whether you are drinking tea, riding a bicycle, studying physics, or watching a movie, time appears to move forward at the same steady pace. Gravity, meanwhile, seems completely unrelated. Gravity makes apples fall, keeps planets in orbit, and pulls us toward the ground. Why should it have anything to do with clocks? Why should it affect the passage of time?
This is where our intuition begins to fail. The universe is under no obligation to behave according to our everyday expectations.
Einstein’s Revolutionary Insight
In 1915, Albert Einstein introduced the theory of General Relativity, forever changing our understanding of gravity. Before Einstein, gravity was viewed as a force acting between objects. Einstein proposed something far more profound: massive objects such as planets, stars, and galaxies change the very structure of spacetime itself.
A useful analogy is to imagine placing a heavy bowling ball on a stretched rubber sheet. The sheet bends around the ball. If a smaller ball is placed nearby, it rolls toward the bowling ball because the surface is curved. Although spacetime is not literally a rubber sheet, the analogy captures the essential idea: mass tells spacetime how to curve, and curved spacetime tells matter how to move.
What makes this idea truly extraordinary is that the curvature affects not only space but also time.
The Deeper You Are in Gravity, the Slower Time Flows
According to General Relativity, a clock located closer to a massive object ticks more slowly than a clock farther away. The stronger the gravitational field, the greater this effect becomes. Physicists call this phenomenon gravitational time dilation.
Consider two identical twins. One spends their life at sea level while the other lives on a high mountain. Because gravity is slightly weaker at higher altitudes, the mountain twin’s clock ticks a little faster. Over a lifetime, the twin on the mountain will age slightly more than the twin at sea level. The difference is extremely small, but it is real and measurable with modern instruments.
You Are Already Living in Different Time Zones of Gravity
Gravitational time dilation is not limited to exotic objects such as neutron stars or black holes. It exists everywhere. Time passes very slightly more slowly on the ground floor of a skyscraper than on the top floor. People living at high altitudes experience slightly faster time than people at sea level. Astronauts aboard satellites and spacecraft experience different rates of time compared with people on Earth.
The differences are tiny, but they reveal something profound: the universe does not provide a single universal clock. Every location experiences its own flow of time.
The Technology in Your Pocket Depends on This
Perhaps the most surprising part of the story is that gravitational time dilation is not merely a theoretical curiosity. The GPS system in your smartphone depends on it.
GPS satellites orbit thousands of kilometers above Earth, where gravity is weaker than it is on the surface. As a result, the clocks aboard those satellites tick slightly faster than clocks on the ground. If scientists and engineers ignored this effect, GPS errors would accumulate rapidly, causing navigation systems to drift by several kilometers each day.
Every time you navigate to a destination, track a package, locate a nearby restaurant, or call a ride-sharing service, you are relying on technology that corrects for the fact that gravity changes the rate at which time passes. Einstein’s century-old theory is quietly working inside your smartphone every moment.
The Universe’s Most Extreme Clocks
The effect becomes dramatically larger near extremely massive objects. A neutron star, for example, packs more mass than the Sun into an object roughly the size of a city. Its gravitational field is so intense that time noticeably slows near its surface.
Black holes take this phenomenon to the extreme. Near a black hole, gravity becomes so powerful that time can slow enormously compared with distant observers. Someone far away watching a clock near a black hole would see it ticking more and more slowly. To that observer, time itself could appear to be almost frozen.
At this point, the universe begins to feel less like a collection of objects moving through space and more like a vast landscape where time itself flows at different speeds in different places.
A New Way to Think About Time
We often imagine time as a universal river flowing uniformly throughout the cosmos. Modern physics paints a far stranger and more beautiful picture. Time is woven into the fabric of spacetime, and its flow depends on gravity and motion. Different observers can genuinely experience different amounts of time, not because of faulty measurements or optical illusions, but because reality itself is structured that way.
This realization forces us to rethink one of our deepest assumptions about the universe.
The Most Beautiful Lesson
Perhaps the most beautiful lesson is not simply that gravity slows time. It is that the universe is far deeper, stranger, and more elegant than our everyday intuition suggests. The same force that keeps your feet on the ground also influences the passage of time. The same theory that explains black holes helps your phone determine its location. And the same universe that appears ordinary during a morning walk hides profound mysteries beneath every step.
The next time you glance at a clock, remember that time is not as universal as it seems. The stronger the gravity around you, the more slowly time flows. Right now, at this very moment, gravity is quietly shaping the passage of time itself.
The Intuitive Physicist 