Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park students shine in JEE Advanced 2026

Success in JEE Advanced is not merely a measure of academic ability;
it is a reflection of resilience, consistency and the determination to
keep improving despite challenges. Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park,
proudly celebrates the achievements of Aviral Shukla (AIR 1076) and
Shaurya Gautam (AIR 3155), whose exceptional performances have earned
them places among the country’s top engineering aspirants.

In a conversation with Apeejay Newsroom, both students shared insights
into their preparation journey, the challenges they overcame and the
lessons they learned along the way.

What do these achievements mean to you?

Aviral Shukla

Securing AIR 1076 is a rewarding outcome of two years of consistent
effort. While I was confident that I could perform well, I knew that
success would depend on sustained hard work and regular improvement.
My confidence grew gradually as my mock test scores became more
consistent and my understanding of concepts deepened. The result
reinforced my belief in staying focused on the process rather than
worrying excessively about the outcome.

Shaurya Gautam

I was quite surprised when I saw my result and learned that I had
secured AIR 3155. Although I had been expecting a somewhat higher
rank, the achievement still represented the culmination of years of
preparation and hard work. Seeing my parents happy with the result
helped me appreciate the accomplishment and view it as an important
milestone in my academic journey.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your
preparation, and how did you overcome them?

Aviral Shukla

One of the challenges I consciously worked on was preparing myself to
perform effectively under different conditions. I wanted to ensure
that my focus and performance would not depend on a perfectly
comfortable environment. This experience taught me the importance of
adaptability and mental resilience. Over time, I learned to stay
focused on my goals regardless of external circumstances.

Shaurya Gautam

One of my biggest challenges was dealing with burnout after long study
sessions. At times, the lack of social interaction also made
preparation difficult, and I found myself turning to my phone out of
boredom, which gradually became a distraction. To overcome this, I
made small but meaningful changes to my routine, such as taking short
walks and spending time outdoors. These breaks helped me refresh my
mind and maintain better focus during study hours.

How did Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park, support you throughout your journey?

Aviral Shukla

I am grateful to the school for providing a positive and encouraging
environment throughout my preparation. The school gave me an
opportunity to interact with friends, relax and maintain a healthy
balance between academics and personal well-being. This support system
played an important role in helping me stay motivated and focused over
the long term.

Shaurya Gautam

My teachers and the school community were extremely supportive
throughout my journey. Whenever I faced academic difficulties, my
teachers were always willing to guide me and clarify my doubts. Their
confidence in my abilities motivated me to work harder and remain
committed to my goals. The encouragement I received from the school
was an important factor in my preparation.

What message would you like to share with future aspirants?

Aviral Shukla

My biggest advice is to focus on understanding concepts rather than
simply increasing the number of questions you solve. Consistency,
honest self-assessment and regular revision are essential. Healthy
competition can be motivating, but it is important not to spend too
much time comparing yourself with others. Equally important is
maintaining balance, getting enough sleep, staying physically active
and taking breaks when needed.

Shaurya Gautam

My JEE journey taught me not to be discouraged by setbacks or
temporary failures. Difficult phases are part of the learning process
and often help us improve. I learned the importance of discipline,
hard work and being honest with myself about my strengths and
weaknesses. My advice to future aspirants is to stay patient, trust
the process and keep moving forward even when progress feels slow.