JEE Advanced 2023 Topper Interview: Ujwal L Shankar (AIR 11) - Utilise Regular Practice Exams

Introducing another exceptional achiever in JEE Advanced 2023: Ujwal L Shankar. Hailing from Hyderabad, Ujwal has accomplished a remarkable feat by securing a perfect 100 percentile in the JEE Advanced 2023 exam, attaining the prestigious all India rank of 11. Ujwal has not only emerged as the IIT Bombay zone topper but also the Karnataka State topper, with an impressive score of 322/360 and a flawless 120/120 in Physics. As a dedicated regular classroom student at Narayana Olympiad School, Sahakarnagar, Ujwal's unwavering commitment and relentless hard work have paid off splendidly. Moreover, Ujwal has successfully secured admission to pursue a BTech in Computer Science Engineering at IIT-Bombay, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey. Careers360 had the privilege of engaging in an insightful discussion with Ujwal, where they generously shared their JEE Advanced 2023 preparation tips, recommended books, and more. Prepare to be inspired as Ujwal unravels their success story and imparts valuable insights into their path to triumph.

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Q: Success mantra: how did you prepare for JEE advanced exam?

Ujwal: During the teaching weeks, I prioritised gaining a clear understanding of my concepts before moving on to solving the Narayana modules and previous year Narayana question papers. When it was time for revision, I began consulting reputable reference materials for theory and focused on solving previous year JEE Advanced questions Paper, as well as utilising standard question banks and assignments.

Q. What schedule did you follow while preparing for the exam?

Ujwal: I diligently followed the microschedule designed by Narayana, which entailed a rigorous study routine. In my first year, classes were conducted from 8 am to 8 pm, while in the second year, they commenced as early as 6:30 am. After the conclusion of classes, I dedicated one to two hours for self-study. Furthermore, after weekly exams, I set aside time to revise any difficult concepts within the extensive JEE Advanced syllabus.

Q. What challenges did you face as an aspirant?

Ujwal: Compared to my peers, I faced a time constraint as I began my preparation in 11th grade. Initially, I encountered significant challenges in mathematics and physical chemistry. However, with the guidance of my teachers, we identified my weak areas and focused on improving them. Inorganic chemistry posed a unique challenge as it was difficult to comprehend and retain for extended periods. Therefore, I made it a priority to review and revise inorganic chemistry multiple times throughout the two-year period.

Q. Why did you choose JEE Advanced over other examinations?

Ujwal: As an aspiring engineer, I set my sights on JEE Advanced, which grants eligibility for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Achieving a high rank in JEE Advanced is highly valued, making it the primary goal for my engineering ambitions.

Q. What's your suggestion to other aspirants preparing for JEE?

Ujwal: Utilise regular practice exams as a means to identify and improve upon specific topic areas, aiming to boost confidence rather than inviting unnecessary stress that could have a detrimental effect. While there is a prevalent belief that early preparation, starting as early as 6th or 8th grade, is advantageous, it is essential not to be discouraged if you commence your preparation in 11th grade, as I did. Success is still within reach, and it ultimately hinges on the mindset you adopt towards achieving your goal.

Q. How long have you been associated with the Narayana Group and how did their system help you to score such a good rank?

Ujwal: For the past two years, during my 11th and 12th grades, I have been affiliated with the Narayana Group. The Narayana Foundation places significant emphasis on conducting weekly and cumulative tests at regular intervals. These assessments are accompanied by thorough error identification and rectification through the use of an error list. The implementation of a well-structured microschedule ensures that students remain organised, and the syllabus is divided efficiently, optimising the learning process. Additionally, the study materials provided by Narayana are highly beneficial, as they expose students to a wide range of model problems across all three subjects.

Q. How much did you score in 10th & 12th?

Ujwal: In my 10th grade, I secured a remarkable score of 593 out of 600 in the ICSE examination, ranking as the school topper. Similarly, in my 12th grade, I achieved an exceptional score of 491 out of 500 in the CBSE examination, securing the position of college topper.

Q. Which IIT and program do you plan to pursue?

Ujwal: I was admitted to pursue a Computer Science program at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

Q. What's your larger purpose in pursuing engineering as a career?

Ujwal: I aspire to become an entrepreneur with a particular focus on leveraging computer science in various domains such as healthcare, environment, aeronautics, space, and electric vehicles. My goal is to explore innovative applications and solutions within these fields, utilising the power of computer science to drive positive impact and advancements.