‘Olympiad preparation helped in JEE’: Maharashtra JEE Main 2025 toppers

Even as many high scorers of JEE Main are already setting their sights on preferred IITs and branches, Sanidhya Saraf is still weighing his options. “I’m not sure about engineering yet. I also have a strong interest in physics and astronomy. I’ll take my time and consider all options before making a decision,” said Sanidhya, who was part of India’s team at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in 2024.

It was here that Sanidhya received international exposure and understood various aspects of higher education in other countries. “One of my baffling observations was how there are no competitive entrance tests like JEE and NEET in most other countries. A fellow student from Germany at the Olympiad said that they can just select the university of their choice for admission, something absolutely impossible in India,” said Sanidhya, adding that participating in the Olympiad was refreshing and broke the monotony of JEE preparation. It was here Sanidhya gained interest in Stargazing, his favourite free-time activity now.

Before he began JEE preparations, Sanidhya played flute and enjoyed participating in debate competition. “But now I hardly have time to pursue all this. I am looking forward to taking piano lessons, once I am free after JEE Advanced,” said Sanidhya, who intentionally stays away from social media to maintain focus on studies. Originally from Kashmir, Sanidhya was born and brought up in Pune. But the family shifted base two years ago so that he could prepare for JEE at Narayana E-Techno residential coaching facility with integrated junior college in Andheri. “I wanted to study here because they have a systematic approach to prepare for competitive exams.

‘Will miss Olympiad due to JEE Advanced’

Vishad Jain from Mumbai’s Kandivali features in top 24 candidates with his 100-percentile score from JEE Main session 1. Aspiring to join IIT Bombay to pursue Computer Science, Vishad is now focused on preparation for JEE-Advanced, which is the IIT-entrance test. “I was definitely expecting a good score but 100 percentile was a delight,” said Vishad.

Generally, IIT or other competitive exam preparation for many Indian students begin by the time they reach Class 8. But for Vishad, who showed great interest in science and mathematics very early on in his life, the preparation began from Class 4. His mother Rashmi Jain said, “We took admission to Narayana School in Borivali in Class 4. It was here that Vishad was exposed to events such as Olympiads, Homi Bhabha exam among others which eventually led him to more targeted efforts for JEE.” After completing his schooling in Kandivali, Vishad joined the same school’s integrated junior college in Andheri where JEE coaching is provided. The entire family shifted base to Andheri for those two years so that Vishad could focus on studies.

Vishad loves reading fiction and dancing to unwind amid busy JEE preparation days. “But the best way to destress is to take a walk at Juhu beach with my parents. With the clean air near the sea, I feel relaxed,” said Vishad who is selected for the Orientation cum Selection camp for International Physic Olympiad. “But I am going to have to miss it because it is very close to the JEE Advanced exam and I want to focus completely on it now,” said Vishad who, unlike many of his age, feels that there is no point in spending time on social media. Talking about his key to success, Vishad said, “Appearing for every mock test as it is the final exam helps to prepare for the real final exam.”