JEE Main 2017 Topper Interview - Praagy Rastogi (AIR 44) - “Regular Practice, Skills and Motivation defined my success”

Nagpur boy, Praagy Rastogi woke up to an unexpected JEE Main rank on the morning of April 27. The JEE Main topper with an All India Rank of 44 says that his JEE Main rank just happened to him. The Rastogi family is proud of the boy and is appreciating his efforts with which he studied for the exam. Praagy, too, is grateful towards his family and teachers who supported him throughout the journey. He is happy with his efforts but he is also preparing himself to give his best shot in JEE Advanced - the next battleground. Praagy is following his father's footsteps and thinks that one needs the right motivation in life to do well. He talks exclusively to Careers360 and shares his JEE Main preparation strategy, exam experience, how he dealt with stress and more. Read to know.

We at Careers360 congratulate Praagy Rastogi for his efforts and hard work for JEE Main 2017. You also appreciate and Know JEE Main 2017 toppers here!

Careers360: Congratulations for your outstanding performance in JEE Main 2017! What was your reaction upon knowing your rank?

Praagy: My JEE Main rank just happened to me. I wasn't expecting it. I am happy but I am gearing up for the next step – JEE Advanced.

Careers360: Tell us something about yourself. Which board have you studied under? Which school have you studied in?

Praagy: I stay in Nagpur with my family. My father is a Mechanical Engineer in the textile industry and my mother is a housewife. I have studied in St. Paul Junior College which is affiliated to Maharashtra Board.

Careers360: What is your score in JEE Main 2017? What is your All India Rank?

Praagy: My JEE Main score is 327 out of 360. My All India Rank is 44.

Careers360: Did you appear for the offline JEE Main exam or the online one? What is the reason behind this choice of yours?

Praagy: I appeared in JEE Main in the offline mode as I like the feel of pen and paper exam. This method of examination is going on for years and I do not want to change it.

Careers360: Why do you want to study engineering? When did you decide to study engineering? Which branch would you be interested in? Any reason?

Praagy: As I told you my father is an engineer. I am following his footsteps hence my desire to study engineering. Honestly, I am not sure about which branch of engineering I will go for. Though, I am thinking of Computer Science engineering for now.

Careers360: When did you start your JEE Main preparation? Tell us something about your preparation strategy and daily routine for JEE Main?

Praagy:  I started taking coaching for JEE Main from class IX. I always made sure that I got a good sleep of 8 hours. During my preparation days, I didn't study for whole day. I usually dedicated 6 hours for studying.

Careers360: Was there a difference in the preparation strategy in the last months of JEE Main considering that the board exams also are during this period? How did you manage preparation for both?

Praagy: Actually JEE Main and board exams have somewhat the same difficulty level so preparation for both went on similar grounds.

Careers360: Did you take coaching for JEE Main and if yes from where? What are the benefits of coaching according to you?

Praagy: Yes, I took coaching from Resonance, Nagpur. I think coaching is important because when you go for coaching you see the competition around you and this way you can push yourself to perform better.

Careers360: Mock tests and sample papers – how extensively did you practise with the help of these? Do you think practising from the previous year papers help and how?

Praagy: I solved last four year's JEE Main question papers and practising them helped me in the exam.

Careers360: Are there any special books that you feel have helped with your JEE Main preparation? Are the school text books adequate for preparing for JEE Main and Class XII?

Praagy: I believe NCERT books are more than enough for JEE Main preparation. Apart from NCERT books, I studied from notes given by Resonance.

Careers360: Did you face any problem during the JEE Main examination?  Which subject was the easiest and which was the toughest in JEE Main? What do you think is a tough thing to manage during the JEE Main exam?

Praagy: Nothing in particular. In the JEE Main exam, I think Chemistry was difficult, though I was confident about Maths and Physics.

I believe time management and speed are important when you are appearing for the exam. However, one should be accurate also as there is negative marking in the exam.

Careers360: What do you think are the key factors behind your stupendous success in JEE Main?

Praagy: I think its confidence that helps you get through any exam and that confidence comes from regular practice, skills and motivation. All you need in life is motivation.

Careers360: How did you de-stress yourself during the preparation? What are your hobbies? How often could you pursue them?

Praagy: I used to go for walks in the morning and evening to de-stress myself. I like photography, playing badminton and reading novels.

Careers360: Who is your ideal or biggest inspiration in life and why?

Praagy: My father is my inspiration and I want to be like him.

Careers360: You know you are an inspiration to thousands of students across the country. Do you have any message for future aspirants on tackling the JEE Main exam?

Praagy: Practice regularly and be confident in yourself. Don't think about the result, just give your best shot.

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