Introduction

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.