JEE Main 2025 Result: Topper Atharva Kulkarni Aims for IIT Bombay, Eyes Computer & Aerospace Engineering

Atharva Kulkarni, a student of GD Goenka Public School, Delhi, has achieved an outstanding 99.71 percentile in the JEE Main January 2025 session. In this interview, he shares insights into his preparation strategy, challenges, and future aspirations.

Q: What was your reaction when you came to know about your rank?

Atharva: When I found out about my rank, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction because I had worked consistently toward this goal. At the same time, I was also grateful for the support I had throughout my journey, from my family to my teachers. I was happy to see my efforts reflected in the result, but I also knew there was still room for improvement. It fueled my determination to work even harder for the upcoming sessions, ensuring I could reach my full potential.

Q: When and how did you decide to pursue B.Tech?

Atharva: I decided to pursue B.Tech early on, as I’ve always had a strong interest in problem-solving and technology. When I was in 10th grade, I developed a keen fascination with subjects like Physics and Mathematics, which are at the core of engineering. After exploring various career options, I realized that B.Tech would allow me to channel my passion for innovation and contribute to solving real-world challenges. The idea of combining my interests with a practical, impactful career path solidified my decision to pursue B.Tech.

Q: When did you start preparing for JEE Main and what was your strategy?

Atharva: I started preparing for JEE Main in earnest after my 10th grade, as I wanted to build a strong foundation early on. My strategy was to first focus on mastering the basics, ensuring I had a solid grasp of key concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Math. I divided my study time into manageable blocks, working on one subject at a time to maintain concentration. I also made sure to take regular mock tests and solve previous years' papers, which helped me improve my speed and accuracy.

Q: What were your strong and weaker areas?

Atharva: My strongest area was definitely Mathematics. I’ve always had a natural inclination toward problem-solving and enjoyed the logical approach required in Math. As for my weaker areas, Physics, particularly topics like Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) and Optics, were initially challenging for me.

Q: Which books did you refer to for JEE?

Atharva: Physics: Disha 47 Years Chapter-wise PYQs along with coaching material.

Chemistry: N Awasthi for Physical Chemistry, M S Chouhan for Organic Chemistry, and V K Jaiswal for Inorganic Chemistry.

Mathematics: Disha 47 Years Chapter-wise PYQs and Sameer Bansal.

Q: How did you balance your JEE preparation along with your school and Board exams?

Atharva: I made sure to allocate around 4-6 hours each day for JEE preparation, ensuring this did not interfere with school assignments and tests. I broke my study time into focused blocks of 1-2 hours to avoid burnout. For school studies, I made sure to stay on top of assignments and revise the school syllabus parallelly, so I wouldn’t fall behind. Time management was key—I created a timetable that allowed me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.

Q: What was your exam-taking strategy?

Atharva: My exam-taking strategy was focused on time management and maximizing accuracy. I started by solving the simpler questions first, especially in Physics and Chemistry, to build momentum and ensure I wasn’t spending too much time on any one question. After completing the easier questions, I moved on to the more challenging ones in Physics and Chemistry, leaving Mathematics for last, as I felt most confident in it. My approach was to ensure I didn’t get stuck on tough questions and waste valuable time, so I saved the most difficult ones for the end, when I could approach them with a clearer mind.

Q: During your rigorous preparation journey, how did you unwind?

Atharva: During my preparation, I made sure to take regular breaks to avoid burnout and keep my mind fresh. I found that short breaks, such as a walk or listening to music, helped me recharge. Physical activity was also important—I made time for light exercise, like jogging or stretching. Additionally, I made sure to spend some time with friends and family to relax and talk about things other than studies. Balancing study and relaxation helped me stay focused during intense study sessions and ensured that I could maintain a sustainable pace over time.

Q: What is your dream college and course?

Atharva: My dream college is IIT Bombay. As for my dream course, I haven’t finalized it yet, but I am considering Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. I’ve always been fascinated by technology and problem-solving, and these fields offer the perfect combination of innovation and real-world application.

Q: What are your plans after completing B.Tech?

Atharva: After completing my B.Tech, I plan to pursue an M.Tech from abroad to gain a deeper understanding of my chosen field and expand my knowledge in a global context. Studying internationally will provide me with the opportunity to learn from leading experts, collaborate on innovative projects, and gain exposure to diverse perspectives in technology and engineering.

Q: Your suggestion for the next batch of JEE Main aspirants?

Atharva: My advice for students aiming for a high percentile in JEE Main is to stay consistent and focused. Mock tests played a crucial role in my preparation. They helped me simulate real exam conditions, improving my time management and boosting my confidence. Most importantly, stay positive and don’t let setbacks discourage you. Focus on steady progress, and remember that confidence, perseverance, and smart preparation are key to achieving a high percentile.

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