Choosing the computer science branch for its creativity and promising career opportunities, Rishi started preparing seriously towards the end of class 10 and continued through class 11. Enrolled in Aakash BYJU's two-year classroom program, Rishi's focused approach to exam preparation, along with effectively managing both board and JEE Main syllabus, showcases his dedication to academic success and unwavering determination to reach his goals.
Q1: Congratulations on your performance in the JEE Main January 2024 exam! What was your reaction upon knowing your score?
Rishi Shekhar: I was initially thrilled to know and very happy and excited to know that I had achieved full marks. That is what made me feel happy in this thing.
Q2: Tell us something about yourself. Which board have you studied under? Which school have you studied in?
Rishi Shekhar: Yes, ma'am. I am Rishi Shekhar Shukla, a JEE aspirant currently studying in class 12. I have scored 300 by 300 in my JEE Main study 24 examinations as per the provisional answer key as of now. I stay in Hyderabad and Telangana. I have studied at Pallavi Model School, Alwar. The school follows CBSE board.
Q3: Why do you want to study engineering? When did you decide to study engineering? Which branch would you be interested in? Any reason?
Rishi Shekhar: I wanted to study engineering because I am naturally interested in maths and physics. That's my interest and also my talent. So, I decided to study engineering and choose it as a kind of my profession from class 8. And I was clear about my decision by then. And I decided to now choose computer science as my branch because there is a lot of creativity involved in this field. And it provides us with a lot of other opportunities to move on. Also, it provides great job opportunities particularly.
Q4: When did you start your JEE Main preparation? Tell us something about your preparation strategy and daily routine for JEE Main 2024?
Rishi Shekhar: No, ma'am. I started my preparation towards the end of class 10 and almost from the beginning of class 11. My daily routine was the first time I used to study maths. Then move on to physics and then finally study chemistry. I used to give 3 hours to each subject. Each subject.
Q5: Did you face any difficulties since the examination was conducted completely in computer-based mode?
Rishi Shekhar: I have already enrolled in Aakash BYJU's. And there they conduct regular CBT-based tests. So, I am already familiar with their pattern now.
Q6: Was there a difference in the preparation strategy in the last months of JEE Main considering that the board exams are also coming up? How did you manage preparation for Both?
Rishi Shekhar: Yes, ma'am. Actually, for the boards, I have been preparing throughout the year. It's not just one-time preparation. So, throughout the year I have been in touch with the subjects. And I have covered almost all of my syllabus by now. So, also 3 of the subjects that I studied are PCM and Physics, Chemistry and Maths. These are also common in my JEE syllabus. So, my JEE preparation here and the board preparation in these 3 subjects will almost be nearly the same.
Q7: Did you take coaching for JEE Main and if yes from where? What are the benefits of coaching according to you?
Rishi Shekhar: No, ma'am. I am enrolled at Aakash BYJU's Institute. For my 2 year classroom.
Q8: Mock tests and sample papers – how extensively did you practise with the help of these? Do you think practising from the previous year’s papers helps and how?
Rishi Shekhar: Yes, ma'am. Because Aakash BYJU's conducts mock tests regularly throughout the year. And these are based upon various chapters. And in the end we also have full syllabus mock tests. And so these have helped me a lot. And previous year questions, yes, they indeed helped me much more. Because previous year questions actually helped us to get an idea of the overall examination and what all questions are being asked. So we get to know about the pattern. So yes, I would indeed suggest following PYQs for the preparation of JEE Main.
Q9: Are there any special books that you feel have helped with your JEE Main preparation? Are the school textbooks adequate for preparing for JEE Main and Class XII?
Rishi Shekhar: School textbooks are enough and sufficient for the boards. However, they are important for JEE but not adequate. I would say they are adequate. And for JEE, apart from the school and science textbooks, I have used Aakash BYJU's Targets that they had given me. And a few other books from the market like Senge's publications for maths and physics. And I had used N. Avasthi for chemistry, for physical chemistry. And M. S. Chauhan for organic chemistry.
Q10: Did you face any problems 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?
Rishi Shekhar: No, ma'am. No, ma'am. The questions were asked for the syllabus that the examination had given. There were no questions from the deleted chapters. Yeah, it is tough. Yeah, it's simple. This was a bit easier compared to the previous year's pattern, especially 2023.
Q11: What do you think are the key factors behind your stupendous success in JEE Main?
Rishi Shekhar: I believe the key factors contributing to my success in JEE Main include early and consistent preparation. Enrolling in Aakash BYJU's two-year classroom program provided me with valuable coaching and regular practice through mock tests. Adapting to the exam pattern, maintaining a positive mindset, and setting clear goals played crucial roles in my achievement.
Q12: Will you be appearing for the April session of JEE Main 2024 too?
Rishi Shekhar: No, ma'am, because I don't think so I will be giving the April session because now I want to focus more on JEE advanced after.
Q13: How did you de-stress yourself during the preparation? What are your hobbies? How often could you pursue them?
Rishi Shekhar: De-stressing was crucial to maintain focus. I engaged in hobbies like reading and listening to music during short breaks. While the intensity of preparation limited the frequency, I made it a point to pursue these activities regularly, ensuring a balance between study and relaxation.
Q14: 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?
Rishi Shekhar: To future aspirants, I would say success in exams like JEE Main requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset. Set clear goals, follow a structured study plan, and believe in yourself. Challenges are part of the journey, but overcoming them is empowering. Stay focused, stay motivated, and remember that your unique journey holds immense potential for success.
