JEE (Main) Session 1: ‘Avoid learning anything new in final weeks’

The National Testing Agency declared the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 results on February 16, bringing relief to more than 13.04 lakh engineering aspirants who had been awaiting their scores. Recognised as one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams in India, JEE Main serves as a critical gateway for students aiming to pursue engineering at the country’s premier institutions.

Students of Apeejay Education also delivered an impressive performance, standing close to the top achievers. Meet Varun Bamba, who has studied at Apeejay Svran Global School, Faridabad, Sector 21-D, since Class I. In a candid interview, he talks about how he managed stress and the final weeks before the exam.

Tell us about yourself – your hobbies and interests.

My hobbies include playing badminton, listening to music, and reading about mythology. Apart from academics, I enjoy solving logical puzzles, as they help improve my analytical thinking. In my free time, I prefer spending quality time talking to my parents and friends.

When you began preparing for JEE, what felt hardest at first?

The hardest part was covering up after such a long gap in my preparation. With my family’s constant support and faith in me, I worked hard to rebuild my momentum. I changed my approach toward solving questions and trained myself to stay calm in all situations.

Session 1 comes with its own pressure. How did you manage it?

In the final weeks, I avoided learning anything completely new. I focused only on revision and mock analysis. To manage stress, I maintained a proper sleep schedule and limited discussions about ranks and marks. Whenever I felt anxious, I either spoke to my parents or reminded myself that anxiety would not help improve my score.

Was there a specific subject or topic that changed the game for you once you truly understood it?

Yes, developing a practical approach in Physics, especially in Mechanics, significantly boosted my confidence. Once I gained conceptual clarity, I was able to solve questions more effectively. This improvement helped me strengthen Physics, which was initially my weakest section.

Many students struggle with mock tests. How did you analyse your results and improve?

Mock tests were not just about marks; they were about identifying my weaknesses and mistakes. Although I was not able to attempt a large number of mocks, I carefully analysed each one I gave. I reviewed my mistakes, revisited unanswered questions, and also looked for better methods or shortcuts to save time in the actual exam.

What mistakes did you make during preparation that you would advise juniors to avoid?

One mistake I realised was attempting fewer mock tests and slightly less question practice than required. This may have contributed to scoring slightly below my target. I would advise juniors to maintain strong conceptual clarity, attempt a good number of mock tests, and analyse each one thoroughly. Consistency is more important than studying under extreme pressure.

 Now that you have cleared Session 1, has your perspective on competition changed?

Earlier, I viewed competition mainly as comparing myself with others. Now, I see it more as improving my efficiency and mindset. My focus now is on becoming better than I was yesterday and improving my performance in the second attempt and eventually in JEE Advanced.

What are your plans for JEE (Main) Session 2 and Advanced?

For the second attempt, I will focus on strengthening my weak areas and attempt a larger number of mock tests. I will work on improving my speed without compromising accuracy. Along with this, I will start practising some advanced-level questions, especially deeper conceptual and subjective-type problems in Physics. My aim is not just to qualify but to perform to the best of my capability.

What field do you want to pursue?

I am inclined toward Computer Science or a field closely related to technology and problem-solving, such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. However, I believe that exposure in college will give me a clearer understanding of what I want to pursue in the long term.