Introduction

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.

Introduction

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.

Simple routines. Smart strategies. Trusted mentors. Disciplined habits. Consistent effort.

When these principles are followed relentlessly over two years, exceptional ranks become the natural outcome—not a matter of luck.