Pranav Goyal is one name that made its mark in the year 2018 by securing the top positions in both JEE Papers. He cleared JEE Main 2018 with an astonishing score of 350, AIR-4 and further proved his mettle by securing AIR I in JEE Advanced 2018 with a score of 317 out of 360. Currently a student of the prestigious IIT Bombay, Pranav shares his overall experience.
Question: Heartiest congratulations for your outstanding performance in JEE Advanced 2018. What was your reaction upon knowing your rank?
Pranav: I was very happy knowing my results and my rank. But honestly, it was unbelievable for me.
Question: From where did you complete your schooling?
Pranav: I completed my schooling from Bhavan Vidyalaya Panchkula. I secured 97.2% in board exams.
Question: From your school days, were you sure that you will do engineering?
Pranav: No, earlier till 8th I wanted to become a doctor and later realized that I am not very good in biology. So I changed my mind.
Question: How did you decide that you will study engineering? Which branch of engineering were you interested in?
Pranav: By the end of class 8th, I was sure that MBBS is not the right course for me. Since Physics and Mathematics were my favorite subjects, I decided to pursue engineering. I made up my mind when I was in class 9th that I would do engineering. I pursued Computer Science (CS) in IIT as I was more interested in programming.
Question: When did you start preparing for JEE Advanced?
Pranav: I started preparing for JEE when I was in Class XI. I also gave the National Talent Search Exam, which helped me a lot in preparing for the competitive exam like JEE Main. Maths was my favorite subject since school days itself, so I gave the Maths Olympiad exam as well.
Question: What was your preparation strategy and how many hours did you devote daily for the preparation of JEE Exams?
Pranav: My preparation strategy was quite simple, as my main focus was always to understand the concepts first. Rather than mugging things, I make sure that all the concepts are clear. Regarding memorizing formulae and short tricks, I prefer to do that at the end. My main focus was on Chemistry.
Question: What is the difference between your preparation for JEE Advanced and JEE Main?
Pranav: While preparing for JEE Advanced, my main focus was on conceptual understanding instead of memorizing, which worked in JEE Main. Since I gave Maths Olympiad as well, it helped me a lot while preparing for JEE Main.
Question: You have almost completed 2 years of your studies at IIT Bombay, what next?
Pranav: Post completing my course, I am planning to do a job rather than going for higher studies. I would do a job for 2-3 years and after that have plans to either start my own business or enhance my father’s business. I am quite clear about my plans. The job prospects at IIT Bombay are good.
Question: What were your baby steps for JEE Advanced Preparation?
Pranav: Pranav Goyal is one name that made its mark in the year 2018 by securing the top positions in both JEE Papers. He cleared JEE Main 2018 with an astonishing score of 350, AIR-4 and further proved his mettle by securing AIR I in JEE Advanced 2018 with a score of 317 out of 360. Currently a student of the prestigious IIT Bombay, Pranav shares his overall experience, exam strategies and insights on his life at IIT Bombay in an exclusive interview with Collegedunia.
Question: Heartiest congratulations for your outstanding performance in JEE Advanced 2018. What was your reaction upon knowing your rank?
Pranav:I was very happy knowing my results and my rank. But honestly, it was unbelievable for me.
Question: From where did you complete your schooling?
Pranav: I completed my schooling from Bhavan Vidyalaya Panchkula. I secured 97.2% in board exams.
Question: From your school days, were you sure that you will do engineering?
Pranav: No, earlier till 8th I wanted to become a doctor and later realized that I am not very good in biology. So I changed my mind.
Question: How did you decide that you will study engineering? Which branch of engineering were you interested in?
Pranav: By the end of class 8th, I was sure that MBBS is not the right course for me. Since Physics and Mathematics were my favorite subjects, I decided to pursue engineering. I made up my mind when I was in class 9th that I would do engineering. I pursued Computer Science (CS) in IIT as I was more interested in programming.
Question: When did you start preparing for JEE Advanced?
Pranav: I started preparing for JEE when I was in Class XI. I also gave the National Talent Search Exam, which helped me a lot in preparing for the competitive exam like JEE Main. Maths was my favorite subject since school days itself, so I gave the Maths Olympiad exam as well.
Question: What was your preparation strategy and how many hours did you devote daily for the preparation of JEE Exams?
Pranav: My preparation strategy was quite simple, as my main focus was always to understand the concepts first. Rather than mugging things, I make sure that all the concepts are clear. Regarding memorizing formulae and short tricks, I prefer to do that at the end. My main focus was on Chemistry.
Question: What is the difference between your preparation for JEE Advanced and JEE Main?
Pranav: While preparing for JEE Advanced, my main focus was on conceptual understanding instead of memorizing, which worked in JEE Main. Since I gave Maths Olympiad as well, it helped me a lot while preparing for JEE Main.
Question: You have almost completed 2 years of your studies at IIT Bombay, what next?
Pranav: Post completing my course, I am planning to do a job rather than going for higher studies. I would do a job for 2-3 years and after that have plans to either start my own business or enhance my father’s business. I am quite clear about my plans. The job prospects at IIT Bombay are good.
Question: What were your baby steps for JEE Advanced Preparation?
Pranav: When I was in school, I was keener to crack NTSE. While preparing for the same, many of the concepts of class 11 and 12 science also become clear. Once I cracked that exam, I gained confidence that I can crack JEE Main as well. Actually, I believe that the more you start early, the better it is for you.
Question: How much do you think college faculty matters?
Pranav: I believe that along with faculty, the peer group also matters a lot. Teachers no doubt lay a strong foundation, but the students with whom you are preparing also matter a lot.
Question: From where did you take coaching for JEE and according to you what are the benefits of coaching?
Pranav: I joined Sri Chaitanya Institute, Chandigarh and I believe that choosing the right coaching center matters a lot for all the JEE aspirants. The institute helps in offering the right kind of study material and books to the students. Moreover, I got the right kind of studying atmosphere that is a must for any aspirant.
Question: What role did your coaching center play while helping you with your studies?
Pranav: According to me, coaching center played an important role in preparing for JEE Advanced. They helped me a lot. Schools don’t prepare for one for JEE Advanced but might be enough for JEE Main. By joining the correct coaching center, students can get the right exposure, get aware of the recent trends, etc.
Question: Do you think that mock tests and sample papers helped you during preparations?
Pranav: Yes, they do help a lot. During the last few weeks of my preparations, I took many JEE Advanced mock tests and previous year sample papers, which helped a lot in understanding the latest exam pattern. I would suggest that all eth JEE Main aspirants must try solving at least past 10 years of previous years question papers. Practice more previous years’ question papers as it will broaden your understanding and will help in effective time management as well.
Question: Which books helped you with your JEE preparation?
Pranav: For Physics
Question: Do you think NCERT books are enough to study?
Pranav: NCERT books are good, but some concepts need to be understood in detail, so I referred to the books recommended by my teachers. Also, I don’t strictly follow a book for preparation, I referred to my teachers’ suggestions as well.
Question: How can someone memorize chemistry?
Pranav: While preparing for Chemistry, you need to keep your speed high and memorize the same concepts again and again. You must keep revising them from time to time. I use to spend at least one hour daily studying NCERT, especially for chemistry.
Question: Do you think timely revision is important in inorganic chemistry?
Pranav: Yes, the main purpose of revision is to understand the concepts. Each of the concepts, you studied can be applied individually. While preparing for inorganic chemistry, revising the concepts on times is important. Clear the structure in your mind, as you might observe different patterns each time.
Question: How to ace in the exam? Any important strategy for Maths?
Pranav: For maths, try to solve more questions. For studying Maths, I took graphic calculator, drew that figure to visually understand the stuff. I even gave FIITJEE test which was quite difficult.
Question: Have you ever got the feeling of left out while preparing for the exams?
Pranav: Yes, I remember the case when I was in class 11, till 10 I was good. In my 11th class, my class fellows beat me in every question (even in 12th as well) which was quite shocking for me. But things keep on changing. I studied difficult questions, prepared well, changed my steps, and within a few months’ time, I was able to perform well.
Question: According to you, optimization and smart studying are important?
Pranav: I started studying smartly, my main focus was to clear the concepts. In class 11, students have ample time to prepare for the subjects. So studying smartly is important.
Question: How to manage writing the exam, as many students have nervous breakdown and fail just because they can’t keep a calm on nerves?
Pranav: We all feel nervous, and it’s quite natural. It’s okay to be nervous in an exam, but at the same time you must stay focused on your exam. Try to do familiar and easy questions first, rather than sticking to a particular question. If I get stuck in any question, rather than wasting my time, I move to the next question. Another way of doing the paper is to start from the back. Forget difficult and move to the next one.
Question: How do you de-stress yourself during the preparation?
Pranav: I like watching television as it acts as a stress buster for me, and sometimes check YouTube as well. I like reading mythological books. However, while preparing extensively for my exams, I was not able to pursue some of my hobbies.
Question: Important piece of unusual advice? Any important tips for aspirants taking the exam in future?
Pranav: First there is no alternative for hard work. There is a popular saying that “Hard work beats talent”
Question: How much do you think college faculty matters?
Pranav: I believe that along with faculty, the peer group also matters a lot. Teachers no doubt lay a strong foundation, but the students with whom you are preparing also matter a lot.
Question: From where did you take coaching for JEE and according to you what are the benefits of coaching?
Pranav: I joined Sri Chaitanya Institute, Chandigarh and I believe that choosing the right coaching center matters a lot for all the JEE aspirants. The institute helps in offering the right kind of study material and books to the students. Moreover, I got the right kind of studying atmosphere that is a must for any aspirant.
Question: What role did your coaching center play while helping you with your studies?
Pranav: According to me, coaching center played an important role in preparing for JEE Advanced. They helped me a lot. Schools don’t prepare for one for JEE Advanced but might be enough for JEE Main. By joining the correct coaching center, students can get the right exposure, get aware of the recent trends, etc.
Question: Do you think that mock tests and sample papers helped you during preparations?
Pranav: Yes, they do help a lot. During the last few weeks of my preparations, I took many JEE Advanced mock tests and previous year sample papers, which helped a lot in understanding the latest exam pattern. I would suggest that all eth JEE Main aspirants must try solving at least past 10 years of previous years question papers. Practice more previous years’ question papers as it will broaden your understanding and will help in effective time management as well.
Question: Which books helped you with your JEE preparation?
Pranav: For Physics
Question: Do you think NCERT books are enough to study?
Pranav: NCERT books are good, but some concepts need to be understood in detail, so I referred to the books recommended by my teachers. Also, I don’t strictly follow a book for preparation, I referred to my teachers’ suggestions as well.
Question: How can someone memorize chemistry?
Pranav: While preparing for Chemistry, you need to keep your speed high and memorize the same concepts again and again. You must keep revising them from time to time. I use to spend at least one hour daily studying NCERT, especially for chemistry.
Question: Do you think timely revision is important in inorganic chemistry?
Pranav: Yes, the main purpose of revision is to understand the concepts. Each of the concepts, you studied can be applied individually. While preparing for inorganic chemistry, revising the concepts on times is important. Clear the structure in your mind, as you might observe different patterns each time.
Question: How to ace in the exam? Any important strategy for Maths?
Pranav: For maths, try to solve more questions. For studying Maths, I took graphic calculator, drew that figure to visually understand the stuff. I even gave FIITJEE test which was quite difficult.
Question: Have you ever got the feeling of left out while preparing for the exams?
Pranav: Yes, I remember the case when I was in class 11, till 10 I was good. In my 11th class, my class fellows beat me in every question (even in 12th as well) which was quite shocking for me. But things keep on changing. I studied difficult questions, prepared well, changed my steps, and within a few months’ time, I was able to perform well.
Question: According to you, optimization and smart studying are important?
Pranav: I started studying smartly, my main focus was to clear the concepts. In class 11, students have ample time to prepare for the subjects. So studying smartly is important.
Question: How to manage writing the exam, as many students have nervous breakdown and fail just because they can’t keep a calm on nerves?
Pranav: We all feel nervous, and it’s quite natural. It’s okay to be nervous in an exam, but at the same time you must stay focused on your exam. Try to do familiar and easy questions first, rather than sticking to a particular question. If I get stuck in any question, rather than wasting my time, I move to the next question. Another way of doing the paper is to start from the back. Forget difficult and move to the next one.
Question: How do you de-stress yourself during the preparation?
Pranav: I like watching television as it acts as a stress buster for me, and sometimes check YouTube as well. I like reading mythological books. However, while preparing extensively for my exams, I was not able to pursue some of my hobbies.
Question: Important piece of unusual advice? Any important tips for aspirants taking the exam in future?
Pranav: First there is no alternative for hard work. There is a popular saying that “Hard work beats talent”
