Olympiads to IITs: Mumbai boy’s winning formula of skill and knowledge

Arnav Bhate, an alumnus of Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone by cracking the highly competitive JEE Advanced examinations. His All-India Rank is 794, with a score of 227/360 and in the coming months, Arnav hopes to earn a coveted seat at one of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

His consistent dedication and unwavering commitment to his studies have propelled him towards success. Arnav’s preparation journey, spanning two years of relentless effort, showcases the power of perseverance and the rewards it can bring. Read on to know more about the talented mind.

Tireless Effort and Commitment

Arnav’s path to success was not an easy one. With a strong desire to pursue a career in engineering, he set his sights on cracking the JEE Advanced examinations—an arduous test that demands rigorous preparation and comprehensive knowledge. Recognising the magnitude of the challenge, Arnav dedicated himself to his studies and embarked on a journey that would test his mettle. He says, “I started my preparation by the end of class 10. Then I finished most of my syllabus in time and by the end of class 12, I was actively doing advanced topics.” In the near future, he will opt for Electrical Engineering.

It was a delicate balance to manage school and coaching for him. “Nonetheless, I had 100 percent attendance in school. I enjoyed studying all my subjects,” he says. For nearly two years, he worked tirelessly, investing countless hours in studying complex concepts and solving intricate problems. He devised a strategic study plan, allowing him to cover the vast syllabus systematically. His determination and focus remained unshaken throughout the entire process, even during the most testing times.

Adding to Knowledge and Skills

In addition to his preparations for JEE Advanced, Arnav consistently sought opportunities to test his knowledge and enhance his problem-solving skills. He actively participated in various Olympiads, where he competed against some of the brightest minds across the country. These Olympiads not only served as a platform to gauge his proficiency in subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry but also offered him a chance to learn from his peers and broaden his intellectual horizons. “Participating in several prestigious forums allowed me to do more than preparing. Through these, I understood how real-time competition works.” He kept going on in his subjects following his natural curiosity for subjects, especially Physics.

Like his classmate, Kundan Maiti, he too gave another attempt after the first one at the JEE Main examination. “My percentile previously was 99.89 which later turned to 99.91. It was an increase.” He opines that if one is able to get an improved score with another attempt at the examination then it is a morale booster. “Do it only if you are well-prepared,” he cautions others.  

The Fruit of Hard Work

Arnav’s unwavering commitment and diligent efforts bore fruit when the results of the JEE Advanced examinations were announced. “The journey did become stressful for me near the end. Giving at least two practice tests a week close to the exam was surely challenging but I tried to do my best,” he says.  

His success stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, discipline, and self-belief. Arnav’s dedication to his studies, coupled with his proactive approach to continuous learning, has not only helped him excel academically but has also shaped him into a resilient and resourceful individual.

Advising future aspirants, he says, “For a subject like Chemistry, the NCERT textbook is the base. One should do it thoroughly. Besides, it is important to not take too much stress. To boost your performance, calm your mind with meditation and yoga and don’t compromise on your sleep.”

Arnav suggests that candidates should avoid using too much social media and stay away from unnecessary outings. “These take away your valuable study time. If you wish to share your journey with others, rely on your parents or close friends/study mates,” says the achiever. Lastly, to de-stress himself during the preparation time, Arnav often listened to his favourite music numbers. Reading as a hobby also came handy for him. He is interested in science fiction-based books. Amongst others, Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park and Airframe are his top picks. 

Arnav’s journey to cracking the JEE Advanced examination is an inspiring tale of determination and hard work. His relentless pursuit of academic excellence, coupled with his participation in various Olympiads, has allowed him to broaden his knowledge and sharpen his problem-solving skills. As he prepares to embark on the next phase of his educational journey, his success serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for countless other students aspiring to achieve their goals. The bright spark has not only brought pride to his alma mater but has also set an example for others to follow.