Introduction

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.

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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, 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.

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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.

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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.