How does one blend the precision of artificial intelligence with the passion of sport? Ask Prabhav Gupta, a second-year student pursuing B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics from IIT Madras. Among India’s top five student-athletes, Prabhav earned his place through a unique Sports Excellence Admission that combines JEE Advanced success with national-level sporting achievements. In this chat, he opens up about life on campus, lessons from the JEE grind, and why honesty is his guiding star. Read edited excerpts:
Champ! What drew you to such a niche and emerging field like Artificial Intelligence?
AI is everywhere today—it’s transforming the way we live, work, and interact. I see it as the next big thing, and I wanted to be at the forefront of this change. It’s a fascinating field that blends logic, innovation, and future possibilities.
You’re one of five student-athletes in India admitted through the Sports Excellence route. Tell us about that.
To qualify, you need to clear JEE Advanced and win a national medal within the past four years. Out of 32 SEA seats at IIT Madras, only five of us across India met both criteria. So yes, I’m proud to be among that top five.
And you’re still pursuing table tennis at IIT Madras?
Absolutely. I practise for two to three hours daily. It’s tough—the academic workload is intense, and being 2,000 km from home doesn’t make it easier. But I’m pushing through. The competition here is fierce, but so is my love for the game.
Let’s circle back to your JEE journey. What helped you crack both JEE Mains and Advanced?
JEE is a marathon. You need consistent effort every day, and you can’t let small setbacks shake you. The key is to stay focused, avoid distractions, and keep faith in yourself. Those two years require complete dedication.
Any subject-wise advice for JEE aspirants?
Focus on chemistry. It’s more scoring and comparatively less time-consuming than maths or physics. A good score in chemistry can really boost your rank.
What values from Apeejay Pitampura have stayed with you?
Discipline, hard work, and above all—honesty. As a Dr. Stya Paul Human Values Awardee, I believe honesty is rare but essential. If teenagers hold on to it, along with dedication and discipline, success will surely follow.