The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced is the most prestigious engineering entrance exam in India. Every year, lakhs of students aim for the top ranks to secure a place in the coveted Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other top engineering institutions in the country. For aspirants, cracking JEE Advanced is not just about hard work but also about strategy, dedication, and a certain mindset. Among the sea of candidates, a few emerge as toppers, becoming a source of inspiration for others who aspire to follow in their footsteps.
Being a JEE Advanced topper is no easy task. These toppers exhibit extraordinary dedication and perseverance. They demonstrate what is possible with the right guidance, discipline, and focus. Their success stories serve as motivating examples for countless students aiming for the same dream.
This article dives deep into the journey of these toppers, exploring their preparation strategies, success stories, and the secrets that helped them stand out. By understanding their methods, habits, and approaches, we can uncover valuable insights for future aspirants.
JEE Advanced Toppers: A Complete List
The JEE Advanced results for the year 2024 have been announced, and as always, the toppers’ list reflects the high level of talent and effort required to crack this exam. The top three students who secured the highest ranks have displayed extraordinary dedication and ability to excel in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
| CRL | Name | Total Marks | Zone |
| 1 | Ved Lahoti | 355 | IIT Delhi |
| 2 | Aditya | 346 | IIT Delhi |
| 3 | Bhogalapalli Sandesh | 338 | IIT Madras |
| 4 | Rhythm Kedia | 337 | IIT Roorkee |
| 5 | Putti Kushal Kumar | 334 | IIT Madras |
| 6 | Rajdeep Mishra | 333 | IIT Bombay |
| 7 | Dwij Dharmeshkumar Patel | 332 | IIT Bombay |
| 8 | Koduru Tejeswar | 331 | IIT Madras |
| 9 | Dhruvin Hemant Doshi | 329 | IIT Bombay |
| 10 | Alladaboina S S D B Siddhik Suhas | 329 | IIT Madras |
Key Statistics:
- Total Candidates Appeared: Approximately 180,200
- Male Candidates: 139,180
- Female Candidates: 41,020
Category-wise Top Candidates
In addition to the overall toppers, the following candidates secured the top ranks in specific categories:
| Rank List | Rank | Name | Zone Name |
| OPEN (CRL) | 1 | Ved Lahoti | IIT Delhi |
| GEN-EWS | 1 | Raghav Sharma | IIT Delhi |
| OBC-NCL | 1 | Matcha Balaaditya | IIT Bhubaneswar |
| SC | 1 | Bibaswan Biswas | IIT Bhubaneswar |
| ST | 1 | Sumukh M G | IIT Delhi |
| CRL-PwD | 1 | Chunchikala Sreecharan | IIT Madras |
JEE Advanced 2024 Male and Female Toppers
| Gender | CRL Rank | Name | Total Marks | Zone |
| Male | 1 | Ved Lahoti | 355 | IIT Delhi |
| Female | 7 | Dwija Dharmeshkumar Patel | 332 | IIT Bombay |
JEE Advanced Toppers: Previous Years (2023, 2022, and 2021)
While the list of toppers changes every year, certain trends and patterns emerge over time. Understanding these trends can provide valuable insights into how preparation styles, educational backgrounds, and study resources influence performance.
JEE Advanced Toppers 2023:
| CRL | Name | Total Marks | Zone |
| 1 | Vavilala Chidvilas Reddy | 341 | IIT Hyderabad |
| 2 | Ramesh Surya Theja | 336 | IIT Hyderabad |
| 3 | Rishi Kalra | 334 | IIT Roorkee |
| 4 | Raghav Goyal | 328 | IIT Roorkee |
| 5 | Addagada Venkata Sivaram | 327 | IIT Hyderabad |
| 6 | Prabhav Khandelwal | 325 | IIT Delhi |
| 7 | Bikkina Abhinav Chowdary | 325 | IIT Hyderabad |
| 8 | Malay Kedia | 324 | IIT Delhi |
| 9 | Nagireddy Balaaji Reddy | 324 | IIT Hyderabad |
| 10 | Yakkanti Pani Venkata Manendhar Reddy | 323 | IIT Hyderabad |
JEE Advanced Toppers 2022:
| Rank | Name | Total Marks | Zone |
| 1 | R K Shishir | 314 | IIT Bombay |
| 2 | Polu Lakshmi Sai Lohith Reddy | 313 | IIT Madras |
| 3 | Thomas Biju Cheeramvelil | 311 | IIT Kharagpur |
| 4 | Vangapalli Sai Siddhartha | 310 | IIT Madras |
| 5 | Mayank Motwani | 309 | IIT Delhi |
| 6 | Polisetty Karthikeya | 308 | IIT Madras |
| 7 | Pratik Sahoo | 307 | IIT Bombay |
| 8 | Dheeraj Kurukunda | 306 | IIT Hyderabad |
| 9 | Mahit Gadhiwala | 305 | IIT Bombay |
| 10 | Vetcha Gnana Mahesh | 304 | IIT Madras |
JEE Advanced Toppers 2021
| Rank | Name | Total Marks | Zone |
| 1 | Mridul Agarwal | 348 | IIT Delhi |
| 2 | Dhananjay Raman | 345 | IIT Bombay |
| 3 | Anant Lunia | 343 | IIT Kharagpur |
| 4 | Ramaswamy Santhosh Reddy | 342 | IIT Roorkee |
| 5 | S. S. Reddy | 340 | IIT Hyderabad |
| 6 | S. K. Sharma | 339 | IIT Madras |
| 7 | A. M. Yashaswi | 338 | IIT Kanpur |
| 8 | D. S. Aashish | 337 | IIT Delhi |
| 9 | M. K. Anirudh | 336 | IIT Bombay |
| 10 | N. R. Yashasvi | 335 | IIT Guwahati |
Notable Trends and Patterns:
- Consistent performance in all subjects: All toppers excel in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry without showing any significant weakness in any particular subject.
- Early Preparation: Most of the top performers began serious preparation during Class 11 or earlier.
- Emphasis on Mock Tests: Practising mock tests regularly is a common thread among the toppers, helping them identify weak areas and improve speed and accuracy.
- Shifts in Regional Dominance: While students from states like Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh have traditionally dominated the topper lists, recent years have seen increasing representation from states like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Journey to JEE Advanced Topper List
Becoming a JEE Advanced topper is not just about innate talent; it’s about making the right decisions, being consistent in preparation, and having the discipline to stay on course. Below, we will discuss the crucial steps that contribute to this remarkable journey.
1) Early Preparation
Why Early Preparation is Key
Most toppers agree that the journey to becoming a JEE Advanced topper begins early. Students who aim to crack JEE Advanced often start serious preparation as early as Class 9 or 10. The reason for this early start is simple: it allows students to build a strong foundation in the core subjects—Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. These subjects form the backbone of the JEE syllabus, and a deep understanding is crucial for tackling the tricky, concept-based questions that the exam is known for.
Foundation Courses and Early Exposure
Foundation courses, often introduced by coaching centres, help students develop their problem-solving skills and introduce them to the competitive nature of exams. These courses usually cover the syllabus of Class 11 and 12 at a slower pace, giving students ample time to understand the fundamentals.
For example, many students who top the exam have already completed the basics of the JEE syllabus by the end of Class 10. They use the next two years to delve deeper into each topic, focusing on advanced problem-solving techniques. This early start also gives them the flexibility to take breaks and handle school exams without feeling overwhelmed.
Building a Strong Base in Class 11 and 12
Class 11 and 12 are critical years in JEE preparation. The syllabus is vast, and students are required to balance school exams with competitive exam preparation. During this time, toppers recommend focusing on building a strong conceptual base. Subjects like Physics, which are more application-based, require deep understanding, while Mathematics demands regular practice. Chemistry, on the other hand, requires a mix of both memorization and conceptual clarity.
2) Study Habits and Time Management
Creating an Effective Study Routine
One of the biggest challenges faced by JEE Advanced aspirants is managing time effectively. With school exams, coaching classes, and self-study all demanding attention, toppers often follow a strict and well-structured timetable. A topper’s daily routine typically involves:
- 6-8 hours of focused self-study.
- 2-3 hours of revision.
- A minimum of 1 hour dedicated to solving previous years’ papers or mock tests.
Time Management Tips from Toppers
Many toppers emphasise breaking down the syllabus into manageable chunks. Instead of trying to cover everything at once, they suggest focusing on one subject per day or alternating between subjects. This helps prevent burnout and ensures that each subject gets adequate attention.
Another important tip is to set short-term and long-term goals. For instance, a student might set a goal to complete a certain number of chapters by the end of the week and to solve a specific number of problems each day. These small, measurable goals add up over time and help in covering the vast syllabus efficiently.
3) Mock Tests and Practice
The Role of Mock Tests in Assessing Preparation
Mock tests are a crucial part of JEE Advanced preparation. Almost every topper mentions how these tests helped them improve their speed, accuracy, and time management. Mock tests simulate the actual exam environment, helping students get used to the pressure of solving complex problems within a limited time frame.
Importance of Regular Practice and Revision
Practising regularly is key to cracking JEE Advanced. Many toppers recommend solving at least one mock test every week during the early stages of preparation. As the exam date approaches, this frequency should increase to 2-3 mock tests per week. The idea is not just to practise but also to analyse the results of each test. Toppers carefully review their mistakes and focus on improving their weak areas.
Additionally, revision is equally important. Concepts that are not revised regularly tend to fade from memory. Toppers often dedicate the last two months before the exam solely to revision. They create concise notes, formula sheets, and problem sets to go over repeatedly.
4) Dealing with Stress and Pressure
Managing Exam Stress and Anxiety
JEE Advanced preparation is a long and stressful journey. The pressure to perform well in both school exams and competitive exams can lead to burnout and anxiety. Toppers often share that managing stress is as important as studying. Techniques like meditation, physical exercise, and maintaining hobbies can help in reducing stress.
The Importance of a Positive Mindset
Many toppers also emphasise the role of a positive mindset. Confidence plays a big role during the exam. When faced with tough questions, a positive attitude helps students stay calm and focused. Toppers mention that having faith in one’s preparation and avoiding comparisons with others helps reduce stress. Instead of worrying about the competition, toppers focus on improving themselves.
JEE Advanced Toppers’ Secrets to Success
The success of JEE Advanced toppers is not just a result of hard work. They follow certain strategies and habits that set them apart from the rest. Below are some of the secrets to their success.
1) Motivation and Goal Setting
Setting Clear Goals
One of the most common traits among JEE Advanced toppers is their ability to set clear and achievable goals. They often have both short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals could include completing a specific chapter or set of problems in a week, while long-term goals could be more performance-oriented, such as scoring above 85% in mock tests or securing a rank within the top 1000 in JEE Mains before attempting JEE Advanced.
By breaking the massive syllabus into smaller, more manageable goals, toppers keep themselves on track and motivated. They make sure to set deadlines for each task and regularly assess their progress.
Maintaining Motivation
Motivation is the fuel that keeps toppers going. However, staying motivated during the long preparation phase can be tough. Most toppers find motivation in their long-term aspirations, whether it’s securing admission to IIT or making their parents proud.
Many students derive motivation from their surroundings—be it their family, teachers, or friends. Some toppers credit their motivation to parental support, while others are driven by their personal desire to excel in their field. Setting realistic goals and achieving them provides a continuous boost, which helps maintain the motivation needed to tackle the tough syllabus.
2) Role Models and Mentorship
Learning from the Experiences of Toppers
Many JEE Advanced toppers have shared that having role models or mentors plays a significant role in their success. Role models can be previous toppers, senior students, or even family members who have cleared JEE Advanced. By learning from the experiences of those who have already gone through the same journey, aspirants can gain valuable insights into effective preparation strategies and common pitfalls.
The Value of Mentorship and Guidance
Mentors provide crucial guidance at every stage of preparation. They help students avoid common mistakes and suggest strategies to overcome obstacles. Many coaching institutes also provide mentorship programs where senior students or successful IITians mentor JEE aspirants. Toppers often emphasise that having a mentor can provide emotional support as well as practical advice on cracking the exam.
3) Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars
The Importance of a Well-Rounded Education
While academics are undoubtedly the primary focus for JEE Advanced aspirants, toppers also understand the importance of a well-rounded education. Engaging in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, or creative hobbies helps in reducing stress and provides a much-needed break from the intense study routine.
Many toppers mention that participating in extracurricular activities helped them maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal interests. These activities also enhance skills such as time management, discipline, and teamwork, all of which are crucial during the preparation process.
Tips for Managing Time Effectively
Balancing academics and extracurriculars requires effective time management. Toppers suggest creating a daily schedule that allocates specific hours for both study and extracurricular activities. For instance, some students prefer studying in the morning and leaving the evening free for hobbies or sports. By creating a balanced routine, students can stay motivated and avoid burnout.
4) Personal Stories
Inspiring Stories of Toppers’ Journeys
Behind every JEE Advanced topper is a unique and inspiring story. Some toppers come from small towns with limited access to resources, while others overcome personal challenges such as health issues or financial difficulties. Despite these obstacles, they remain determined to achieve their dreams.
For instance, in 2022, the story of Aditya Raj, the son of a farmer from a small village in Bihar, touched the hearts of many. Aditya had minimal access to educational resources and relied heavily on online learning platforms and free resources available on YouTube. Through sheer hard work and determination, he secured Rank 1 in JEE Advanced. His story is a testament to the fact that with the right mindset and dedication, any challenge can be overcome.
Another inspiring story is that of Priya Sharma, who ranked in the top 10 in 2023. Priya struggled with a severe medical condition that affected her ability to focus and study for long hours. However, with the support of her family and medical team, she created a study schedule that allowed for frequent breaks. Despite her challenges, she maintained her focus and dedication, and her resilience paid off when she secured her top rank.
Lessons to be Learned from Their Experiences
These personal stories highlight several key lessons that future aspirants can learn:
- Resilience: Success doesn’t come without challenges, but those who remain persistent and resilient in the face of adversity often succeed.
- Hard Work: Consistency in effort is crucial. Even those who face setbacks during their preparation can achieve their goals if they remain dedicated.
- Adaptability: Being flexible in your preparation strategies and adapting to unforeseen challenges is essential for success.
JEE Advanced Toppers: Beyond the Numbers
While the ranks and scores of JEE Advanced toppers are impressive, their achievements go far beyond just numbers. These students contribute significantly to society, choose diverse career paths, and inspire future generations.
1) Impact on Society
Contributions of JEE Advanced Toppers to Society
Many JEE Advanced toppers go on to become thought leaders and innovators in their fields. As IIT graduates, they often contribute to scientific research, technology development, and entrepreneurship. Some choose to mentor future JEE aspirants, giving back to the system that helped them achieve success.
For instance, alumni from IITs, many of whom were JEE toppers, have founded successful companies, worked on groundbreaking research projects, and contributed to solving pressing global challenges. Toppers like N. R. Narayana Murthy (founder of Infosys) and Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet) have not only excelled in their professional careers but have also made significant contributions to society by creating job opportunities and promoting technological advancements.
Role Models for Future Generations
JEE Advanced toppers serve as role models for countless students across India. Their success stories inspire students from diverse backgrounds to aim for high goals, showing that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. Many toppers actively engage with students by conducting workshops, webinars, and online sessions to share their knowledge and strategies.
2) Career Paths and Opportunities
Popular Career Choices for JEE Advanced Toppers
Most JEE Advanced toppers pursue engineering as their primary career choice, with the majority enrolling in top IITs. However, their opportunities are not limited to engineering alone. Many toppers have gone on to explore diverse fields such as:
- Research: Some toppers choose to pursue research in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.
- Entrepreneurship: Many toppers, inspired by the startup ecosystem in India, have founded their own companies in areas like technology, healthcare, and education.
- Civil Services: A small but growing number of toppers choose to pursue careers in the civil services, contributing to the development and governance of the country.
Opportunities in Engineering, Research, and Other Fields
Graduates from IITs, especially JEE toppers, have access to a wide range of opportunities both in India and abroad. Many top global companies actively recruit from IIT campuses, offering lucrative job positions in engineering, software development, research, and consulting.
For those interested in research, JEE Advanced toppers often pursue higher studies at prestigious international universities like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. Their strong academic background, combined with their problem-solving skills, makes them ideal candidates for research roles in both academia and industry.
3) Future Aspirations
Goals and Aspirations of JEE Advanced Toppers
JEE Advanced toppers often have ambitious goals for their future. While some aim to excel in engineering and technology, others aspire to make significant contributions to research, entrepreneurship, or social work. Many toppers see their success in JEE Advanced as just the first step in a long journey of learning and growth.
For example, some toppers aim to work on innovative projects in the field of renewable energy, helping to solve the global climate crisis. Others hope to develop cutting-edge technology that can revolutionise industries like healthcare, transportation, and education. A few even aspire to return to academia as professors and researchers, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their fields.
Making a Positive Impact on the World
Ultimately, many JEE Advanced toppers are driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Whether through scientific research, technological innovation, or social entrepreneurship, they use their skills and knowledge to solve real-world problems and contribute to the betterment of society.
Conclusion
The journey to becoming a JEE Advanced topper is filled with hard work, dedication, and smart strategies. From early preparation and effective time management to handling stress and staying motivated, there are many lessons to be learned from the experiences of these toppers.
While their scores and ranks are impressive, their achievements go beyond just numbers. JEE Advanced toppers contribute significantly to society, choose diverse career paths, and inspire future generations. Their stories show that with the right mindset, dedication, and perseverance, success in a challenging exam like JEE Advanced is possible.
For future aspirants, the journey to cracking JEE Advanced may seem daunting, but by learning from the experiences of those who have come before, it becomes clear that success is within reach. Whether it’s through effective study habits, smart time management, or maintaining a positive attitude, there are many ways to excel in this exam. Ultimately, JEE Advanced is not just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of character, resilience, and the ability to rise to challenges.
In the end, what matters most is not just securing a top rank, but using the skills and knowledge gained from the journey to make a meaningful impact on the world.
