Monthly Archives: September 2026

Sep9

From NSEJS & INJSO to the Indian IJSO Team: Manan Mishra, Pranshu Tayal & Arnav Khandelwal on Their Journey with Devansh Mittal

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Introduction

The true measure of a teacher’s impact is often best expressed through the words of the students themselves. These three testimonials come from Manan Mishra, Pranshu Tayal, and Arnav Khandelwal, each of whom achieved significant success in the Junior Science Olympiad journey under my mentorship. Manan, Arnav and Pranshu were selected for the six-member Indian National Team for IJSO 2026, after clearing NSEJS, INJSO.

What makes their words especially meaningful to me is the consistency in what they experienced: learning Physics through intuition rather than memorization, developing the ability to visualize physical phenomena, connecting concepts across different areas, and gaining the confidence to tackle unfamiliar problems. Their testimonials are, ultimately, a reflection of a teaching philosophy centred not merely on preparing students for examinations, but on teaching them how to think.

Testimonial: Manan Mishra (Online Batch)

1. Title: From a “Wall of Formulas” to the Indian IJSO Team: Manan Mishra’s Journey of Intuitive Physics

2. Student’s Name: Manan Mishra (Online Batch)

3. Achievements:

  • Selected for the 6-Member Indian National Team for IJSO 2026 (Stage 3 HBCSE OCSC Qualifier)
  • Qualified HBCSE Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) 2026 for Junior Science
  • Cleared National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) & Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO)
  • Mentored by Devansh Sir through the Intensive Online Physics Course

Context & Background: Manan Mishra joined Devansh Sir’s online physics course at a time when physics felt like an intimidating “wall of formulas.” Through Devansh Sir’s focus on first-principles intuition, predictive qualitative reasoning (“what do you expect to happen?”), and interdisciplinary synthesis across mechanics, heat, and optics, Manan transformed his analytical thinking to conquer unfamiliar multi-concept problems, ultimately securing his selection for the Indian National Team for IJSO 2026.

4. What They Said About Devansh Sir:

“When I started, physics problems felt like a wall of formulas. Your course completely changed that. You focused on building intuition first — you made sure we understood WHY something happens before jumping to equations. That shift helped me tackle unfamiliar problems in the selection rounds with confidence instead of panic. You didn’t just teach physics — you taught us how to approach it.”
Respected Devansh Sir,

I am Manan. I was your student in the physics course, and I’m writing to thank you for the role you played in helping me get selected for the Indian team for IJSO 2026.

When I started, physics problems felt like a wall of formulas. Your course completely changed that. You focused on building intuition first — you made sure we understood why something happens before jumping to equations. That shift helped me tackle unfamiliar problems in the selection rounds with confidence instead of panic.

I really liked how the course went beyond textbooks. The problem sets were designed to make us think, not just plug-and-chug, and the way you linked concepts across mechanics, heat, and optics gave me a connected picture of physics. The regular doubt discussions meant I never had to leave a question half-understood.

Your mentorship was the best part. You didn’t just teach physics — you taught us how to approach it. Your habit of asking “what do you expect to happen here?” before solving trained me to trust my reasoning. That mindset was crucial during the IJSO selection camps.

The final IJSO exam is in December, and I feel ready because of the foundation you gave me. I’m genuinely grateful for your guidance, Sir.

Thank you very much!
Best regards,
Manan Mishra
Selected for Indian National Team, IJSO 2026 | HBCSE OCSC Qualifier

Key Methodological Insights & Takeaways:

  • Intuition Before Equations: Prioritizing physical reality and understanding the qualitative “why” before algebraic formulation eliminated examination panic and unlocked spontaneous problem solving.
  • Cross-Domain Concept Synthesis: Linking fundamental concepts across mechanics, thermal physics, and optics replaced isolated formulas with a coherent, unified picture of physics.
  • Predictive Reasoning Pedagogy: Devansh Sir’s signature habit of asking “what do you expect to happen here?” trained students to trust their scientific instincts during high-stakes national camps.

Testimonial: Pranshu Tayal (Allen Kota Offline)

1. Title: Learning to Think Like a Physicist: Pranshu Tayal’s Path to OCSC Selection & Representing India at IJSO 2026

2. Student’s Name: Pranshu Tayal (Allen Kota Offline)

3. Achievements:

  • Selected for the 6-Member Indian National Team for IJSO 2026 (Stage 3 HBCSE OCSC Qualifier)
  • Qualified HBCSE Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) 2026 for Junior Science
  • Cleared National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) & Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO)
  • Classroom Physics Student at Allen Career Institute, Kota under Devansh Sir

Context & Background: Studying physics under Devansh Sir’s direct offline mentorship at Allen Kota, Pranshu Tayal developed the rare and transformative ability to “truly think like a physicist.” Devansh Sir’s uncompromising emphasis on conceptual depth and intuitive reasoning provided the exact bedrock Pranshu needed to master challenging Olympiad concepts, conquer NSEJS and INJSO, and earn selection to represent India on the international stage at IJSO 2026.

4. What They Said About Devansh Sir:

“Your teaching has gone far beyond helping me solve problems. Through your emphasis on conceptual clarity and intuitive understanding, you taught me how to truly think like a physicist. Many of the important and challenging concepts that I learned from you played a crucial role… ultimately leading to my selection for OCSC and the opportunity to represent India at the International Junior Science Olympiad.”
Respected Sir,

I am Pranshu Tayal, a student of Allen Kota, and I have had the privilege of learning Physics under your guidance.

Your teaching has gone far beyond helping me solve problems. Through your emphasis on conceptual clarity and intuitive understanding, you taught me how to truly think like a physicist. Many of the important and challenging concepts that I learned from you played a crucial role in my preparation for NSEJS and INJSO, ultimately leading to my selection for OCSC and the opportunity to represent India at the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO).

This achievement would not have been possible without your guidance, mentorship, and the strong foundation that you helped me build. The ability to understand Physics deeply and intuitively has been one of the most valuable lessons I have gained from being your student.

I sincerely thank you for your dedication, encouragement, and the knowledge you have shared with me. I hope that many more students who learn from you achieve great success and continue to benefit from your exceptional teaching and mentorship.

Thank you so much, Sir.
Pranshu Tayal
Selected for Indian National Team, IJSO 2026 | Allen Kota | HBCSE OCSC Qualifier

Key Methodological Insights & Takeaways:

  • Thinking Like a Physicist: Moving beyond formulaic problem solving into profound physical inquiry, enabling effortless navigation of non-standard Olympiad challenges.
  • Bedrock Conceptual Grounding: Solidifying foundational laws in mechanics and modern physics early on eliminated the need for rote memorization across multi-stage national examinations.
  • High-Touch Kota Classroom Culture: Direct offline mentorship, personalized conceptual rigor, and continuous encouragement created an environment where ambitious goals translated into national selection.

Testimonial: Arnav Khandelwal (Offline Batch)

1. Title: Developing Scientific Persistence & Deep Reasoning: Arnav Khandelwal on Reaching the OCSC 2026 Selection Camp

2. Student’s Name: Arnav Khandelwal (Offline Batch)

3. Achievements:

  • Selected for HBCSE Orientation-Cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) 2026 for Junior Science (Stage 3 IJSO)
  • Cleared National Standard Examination in Junior Science (NSEJS) & Indian National Junior Science Olympiad (INJSO)
  • Rapid 3-Month Conceptual Evolution from Class 9 Foundation to National Olympiad Finalist
  • Offline Mentee under Devansh Sir

Context & Background: Joining Devansh Sir’s specialized INJSO and OCSC intensive preparation in Class 9, Arnav Khandelwal experienced a rapid and profound shift in his scientific approach. Devansh Sir’s emphasis on tackling challenging, non-routine problems through persistence and physical intuition rather than pure calculation propelled Arnav to the third and final national stage of IJSO.

4. What They Said About Devansh Sir:

“The two to three months I spent in this course completely changed the way I approached physics. What I appreciated most was that the course focused not only on theory but also on challenging problems that required deep thinking and persistence… Sir also encouraged us to understand the intuition behind physical concepts rather than relying only on mathematical calculations.”
Respected Devansh Sir,

My name is Arnav Khandelwal, and I was in Class 9 when I joined this course to prepare for INJSO and later for OCSC. The two to three months I spent in this course completely changed the way I approached physics.

What I appreciated most was that the course focused not only on theory but also on challenging problems that required deep thinking and persistence. Through these problems, I developed better reasoning and problem-solving skills. Sir also encouraged us to understand the intuition behind physical concepts rather than relying only on mathematical calculations, which proved extremely useful during competitive examinations.

Overall, this course was much more than exam preparation. It helped me develop a genuine interest in physics and played an important role in kickstarting my journey toward the final stage of IJSO preparation. I will always remain grateful to Devansh Sir for his guidance, support, and inspiring way of teaching.

With regards,
Arnav Khandelwal
HBCSE OCSC 2026 Qualifier (Stage 3 IJSO) | INJSO & NSEJS Qualifier

Key Methodological Insights & Takeaways:

  • Rapid Conceptual Rewiring: Demonstrating that 2–3 months of intuition-first instruction can fundamentally transform a student’s problem-solving paradigm from calculation-heavy to insight-driven.
  • Intellectual Persistence with Challenging Problems: Cultivating cognitive stamina and deductive reasoning by grappling with multifaceted Olympiad problems without premature solution lookups.
  • Igniting Lifelong Scientific Curiosity: Transforming competitive examination preparation into a captivating intellectual journey that inspires long-term academic excellence.
Sep7

More Than Physics: What My Students Taught Me This Teacher’s Day

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The Greatest Lesson Was Never in the Textbook

A Teacher’s Day Reflection Through the Words of My Students

There are moments in a teacher’s life that cannot be measured by marks, ranks, examination results, or academic achievements. Sometimes, it is a student finally understanding a difficult concept. Sometimes, it is the quiet confidence that appears on a student’s face after solving a problem independently. And sometimes, it is a message received years, months, or even days later that reminds a teacher that the lessons taught in a classroom reached much farther than the syllabus.

Teacher’s Day, 5 September 2026, was one such day for me.

Among the many wishes I received, several students took the time to write something personal. Their words made me pause and reflect on what teaching truly means. As a Physics teacher, I have always believed that Physics is much more than a collection of formulas and numerical problems. It is a way of looking at the world through concepts, logic, curiosity, observation, and reason. Yet the most beautiful lesson I have learned through teaching is that a subject can sometimes become the doorway to something much larger: confidence, curiosity, character, and transformation.

The following messages are from some of my students. I have preserved their original words because their authenticity is what makes them special.

“You have played one of the biggest roles in changing my life.”

Some messages stay with a teacher long after they have been read, and this was one of them.

Ishan Anand Wrote:

Happy Teacher’s Day to my dear Devansh Sir! 🙏

You have played one of the biggest roles in changing my life. From struggling and doubting myself to becoming more confident and excelling in my studies, your guidance and belief in me have been a huge part of this journey.

You have been much more than a teacher to me. You didn’t just teach me; you always tried to make me a better person and guided me beyond academics as well.

Thank you for all the support and guidance you provided me throughout the journey. I’m truly grateful for everything you have done for me.

I will always be grateful to you, Sir. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in my life.

Lots of love and respect,
Your student,
Ishan Anand🙏❤️

A teacher may enter a classroom intending to teach a subject, but sometimes the teacher leaves having contributed to something far more significant. There can be no greater privilege than knowing that a student who once struggled and doubted himself eventually became more confident, more capable, and more willing to believe in his own potential.

That is a responsibility far greater than any chapter in a textbook.

“You don’t just teach subjects—you build our confidence.”

Anmol Wrote:

Happy Teacher’s day Sir 📒✨
Thank you for your endless patience, dedication, and for always inspiring us to think deeper and reach higher. You don’t just teach subjects—you build our confidence and guide our growth every single day. I am truly grateful for everything you do for us! Wishing you all a wonderful and well-deserved day!

There is something profound in these words because confidence is one of the most valuable things a teacher can help a student develop. Knowledge gives a student the tools to solve a problem, but confidence gives that student the courage to attempt the problem in the first place.

A student who learns to face difficult questions without fear is learning something much bigger than a chapter in Physics. Such a student is learning how to approach challenges, how to recover from mistakes, and how to keep moving forward when the answer is not immediately visible.

“This made Physics my favourite subject.”

Diksha Wrote:

Happy Teachers day sir.
Thank you for teaching me so well . Your intuitive approach towards explaining every concept really strengthened my concepts and is helping me a lot this year. You not only taught me so well but also kept me motivated through. This made Physics my favourite subject. I still miss your class sometimes. Thank you for everything

For a Physics teacher, there may be few compliments more rewarding than hearing that Physics became a student’s favourite subject.

Physics can initially seem intimidating. Equations can look abstract, numerical problems can appear difficult, and unfamiliar concepts can make students wonder whether they are capable of understanding the subject. But when students begin to see the intuition behind the mathematics and the logic behind the concepts, something changes. The subject gradually stops being something to fear and becomes something to explore.

And when a student says, “I still miss your class sometimes,” it is a reminder that a classroom can become much more than a place where lessons are delivered. It can become a place where curiosity is nurtured, confidence grows, and memories are created.

“You make even challenging topics feel approachable.”

Yuvraj Wrote:

Dear Devansh Mittal Sir, thank you for making Physics so fascinating and helping us understand the world through concepts, logic, and curiosity. Your explanations and guidance have made even challenging topics feel approachable. I’m sincerely grateful for everything you teach us and the confidence you inspire. Happy Teachers’ Day, Sir!

Concepts, logic, and curiosity lie at the heart of Physics, and perhaps they also lie at the heart of meaningful education.

A good teacher does not simply make difficult subjects easier by removing their complexity. The greater achievement is to make students strong enough to approach complexity without fear. When a challenging topic begins to feel approachable, a student experiences something powerful: the realisation that difficulty does not necessarily mean impossibility.

That realisation extends far beyond Physics.

“Your guidance, patience, and encouragement…”

Evyavan Wrote:

Happy Teachers’ Day, Sir! ⚡

Thank you for making Physics so interesting and easy to understand. Your guidance, patience, and encouragement have helped me become more confident in solving problems and understanding concepts. I am truly grateful for everything you teach me. Wishing you a wonderful Teachers’ Day! 🌷

There is a beautiful relationship between understanding and confidence. When a student begins to understand a concept, confidence grows. When confidence grows, the student becomes willing to attempt harder problems. When harder problems are attempted, deeper understanding follows.

That cycle is one of the most satisfying things a teacher gets to witness. The real joy is not simply seeing a correct answer on a page; it is seeing the change in the student who once believed the answer was beyond reach and now approaches the same challenge with determination.

“I am forever grateful for your guidance and support.”

Ruhan Wrote:

Happy teachers day sir
I am forever grateful for your guidance and support. Your dedication always inspires me to reach new heights. Thank you for being my guiding light.
Regards- Ruhan Mohanty

A teacher does not always know which moment will matter most to a student. Sometimes it is a brilliant explanation. Sometimes it is encouragement after a disappointing result. Sometimes it is a reminder to keep going when the student is ready to give up.

We often underestimate the power of these seemingly small moments because we rarely know what they mean to the person receiving them. A few encouraging words at the right time can remain in someone’s memory far longer than the lesson itself.

“I’ll always be grateful for your guidance.”

Anshul Wrote:

Happy Teachers Day sir🙏💐I’ll always be grateful for your guidance 🙏

Few words, but sometimes gratitude does not need many words. A simple sentence can carry an entire journey behind it, with experiences, struggles, lessons, and memories that only the student and teacher truly understand.

What These Messages Mean to Me

Reading all of these messages together, I see something much bigger than compliments. I see different stages of the same journey.

A student comes into a classroom to learn a subject. The student learns concepts, develops understanding, and gradually gains confidence. That confidence changes the way the student approaches difficult questions and unfamiliar situations. Somewhere along the way, the relationship between teacher and student becomes more than the transfer of information. It becomes guidance, encouragement, mentorship, trust, and sometimes a lasting influence on the person that student eventually becomes.

This is why I have always felt that teaching is both a privilege and a responsibility. A teacher never truly knows how far a lesson will travel. A concept explained today may help a student years later. A question asked today may spark curiosity that continues for a lifetime. A few words of encouragement may remain in a student’s mind long after the teacher has forgotten saying them.

That is the extraordinary thing about teaching: the teacher may never see the full impact of the lesson.

The Greatest Reward of Teaching

Teachers are often measured by visible outcomes such as marks, ranks, selections, and achievements. Those outcomes certainly matter, and every teacher takes pride in seeing students succeed academically. But there are deeper outcomes that are much harder to quantify.

A student who becomes less afraid of failure. A student who begins asking better questions. A student who learns to think independently. A student who starts believing in his or her own ability. A student who discovers a genuine love for a subject. These victories rarely appear on a report card, yet they may be among the most meaningful achievements a teacher can ever witness.

So, on Teacher’s Day 2026, I am not merely celebrating being a teacher. I am celebrating the privilege of being a small part of my students’ journeys. Their words reminded me that when we teach with sincerity, the lesson does not always end when the class ends. Sometimes it continues in the way a student thinks, in the way a student approaches a challenge, in the confidence with which a student enters an examination hall, or simply in the belief that a difficult problem can eventually be solved.

And sometimes, years later, that lesson returns to the teacher in the form of a message that says, “Thank you for making a meaningful difference in my life.”

For a teacher, there are few rewards more powerful than that.

Epilogue: The Equation That Matters Most

Physics has taught me that every effect has a cause, that forces produce acceleration, that systems evolve according to laws, and that even the most complicated phenomena can often be understood when we look deeply enough.

But teaching has taught me something even more beautiful: not every effect can be measured.

A formula can be written. A force can be calculated. A trajectory can be predicted. But the impact of a teacher on a student’s life cannot be reduced to an equation.

Perhaps the most meaningful equation of teaching is this:

Knowledge + Curiosity + Confidence + Encouragement = Transformation

And perhaps the most rewarding part is that the teacher may never see the complete result. We teach today, but students carry those lessons into tomorrow. They grow, evolve, achieve, and eventually become capable of going far beyond anything their teachers once imagined.

That is the real legacy of a teacher.

Not that students remember every formula. Not that they remember every derivation. But that somewhere along the journey, they remember a teacher who made them believe that they could understand, solve, improve, and become better.

And perhaps, one day, they pass that confidence on to someone else.

Then the lesson continues.

Long after the class is over, long after the bell has rung, and long after the teacher has left the classroom.

That, to me, is what it truly means to teach.