If you’re aiming to crack JEE Advanced and secure a spot in one of the top IITs, you’re not alone—every year, thousands of students across India dream of achieving the prestigious All India Rank (AIR) 1. But what does it take to reach that level? The journey is tough and requires more than just hard work. It’s about having a solid strategy, mastering concepts, and staying consistent throughout your preparation.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the JEE Advanced exam structure, what you need to know to qualify, and how it plays a crucial role in getting into IITs. We’ll also look at the performances of past AIR 1 achievers to uncover what made them successful. Lastly, we’ll share practical tips and strategies that could help you aim for AIR 1. Whether you’re starting your prep or refining your strategy, this guide is designed to help you reach your full potential in JEE Advanced.
JEE Advanced: Exam Structure & Importance
JEE Advanced is a highly competitive examination designed for students who have already cleared JEE Main. The exam is divided into two papers, each of which tests the student’s understanding of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Each paper is of 3 hours duration and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and numerical value-based questions.
| Particulars | Details |
| Mode of the examination | Computer-based examination |
| Medium of the examination | English and Hindi |
| Number of Papers | Two compulsory papers- Paper 1 and Paper 2 |
| Total time duration | 3 hours for each paper (4 hours for PwD candidates) |
| Number of sections | Both papers include 3 sections-Paper 1-PhysicsChemistryMathematics Paper 2-PhysicsChemistryMathematics |
| Total questions in JEE Advanced | 54 (18 questions in each subject) |
| Marking Scheme | The exam has a concept of full, partial and zero marks. |
Paper 1 and Paper 2 are both conducted on the same day, with a break in between. The questions in both papers are designed to assess a student’s conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and time management ability.
The exam is known for its high level of difficulty, and the questions often require an in-depth understanding of various topics. Scoring well in JEE Advanced requires more than just rote learning; it requires critical thinking and application of concepts.
Eligibility Criteria for Appearing in JEE Advanced
To appear for JEE Advanced, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Qualification: Candidates must have qualified JEE Main in the same year. They must have a rank within the top 2.5 lakh in JEE Main.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be born on or after October 1, 2000. There is a relaxation of 5 years for SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
- Number of Attempts: Candidates can attempt JEE Advanced a maximum of two times, in consecutive years.
- Class 12th Marks: Students must have passed their Class 12th exams or equivalent with at least 75% aggregate marks in the main subjects (for general category students), or be in the top 20 percentile of their respective boards.
Role of JEE Advanced in Admissions to IITs
JEE Advanced plays a crucial role in the admission process to IITs. It is the only exam through which students can gain entry into undergraduate courses like B.Tech, B.Arch, and other programs offered by IITs. After the exam, students are assigned an All India Rank (AIR) based on their performance. The higher the rank, the better the chances of getting admission into their desired IIT and branch.
Apart from the IITs, some other institutions also use JEE Advanced scores for admission, but it is primarily the gateway to IITs. As a result, securing a good rank in JEE Advanced is of immense importance for students aiming for a top-tier engineering education.
AIR 1 in JEE Advanced: Year-wise Overview
| Year | Name |
| 2023 | Vavilala Chidvilas Reddy |
| 2022 | R K Shishir |
| 2021 | Mridul Agarwal |
| 2020 | Chirag Falor |
| 2019 | Kartikey Gupta |
| 2018 | Pranav Goyal |
| 2017 | Sarvesh Mehtani |
| 2016 | Aman Bansal |
| 2015 | Satvat Jagwani |
| 2014 | Chitraang Murdia |
| 2013 | Pallerla Sai Sandeep Reddy |
JEE Advanced 2024 Toppers List
| 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 |
JEE Advanced 2024 Category Wise Toppers List
| Rank List | Name |
| OPEN (CRL) | VED LAHOTI |
| GEN-EWS | RAGHAV SHARMA |
| OBC-NCL | MATCHA BALAADITYA |
| SC | BIBASWAN BISWAS |
| ST | SUMUKH M G |
| CRL-PwD | CHUNCHIKALA SREECHARAN |
| GEN-EWS-PwD | GUNDA JOSHMITHA |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | PARTH BAWANKULE |
| SC-PwD | HEMANT GODVE |
| ST-PwD | SANGYE NORPHEL SHERPA |
JEE Advanced 2023 Toppers List
| 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 2023 Category Wise Toppers List
| Rank List | Name |
| OPEN (CRL) | VAvilala Chidvilas Reddy |
| GEN-EWS | Yakkanti Pani Venkata Maneendar Reddy |
| OBC-NCL | Dasari Saketh Naidu |
| SC | Deshank Pratap Singh |
| ST | Dheeravath Thanuji |
| CRL-PwD | Dipen Sojitra |
| GEN-EWS-PwD | Ashish Kumar |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | Md.Sahil Akhtar |
| SC-PwD | Shankit Kumar Das |
| ST-PwD | Priyanshu Kumar |
JEE Advanced 2022 Toppers List
| Rank | Name |
| 1 | R K Shishir |
| 2 | Polu Lakshmi Sai Lohith Reddy |
| 3 | Thomas Biju Cheeramvelil |
| 4 | Vangapalli Sai Siddhartha |
| 5 | Mayank Motwani |
| 6 | Polisetty Karthikeya |
| 7 | Pratik Sahoo |
| 8 | Dheeraj Kurukunda |
| 9 | Mahit Gadhiwala |
| 10 | Vetcha Gnana Mahesh |
JEE Advanced 2022 Category Wise Toppers List
| Rank List | Candidate Name |
| OPEN (CRL) | R K SHISHIR |
| OBC-NCL | VANGAPALLI SAI SIDDHARTHA |
| GEN-EWS | POLISETTY KARTHIKEYA |
| SC | DAYYALA JOHN JOSEPH |
| ST | LOVESH MAHAR |
| GEN-PwD | OJAS MAHESHWARI |
| GEN-EWS-PwD | GAIKOTI VIGNESH |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | OMKAR RAMESH SHIRPURE |
| SC-PwD | PRAKASH S RATHOD |
| ST-PwD | TADAR SIMI |
JEE Advanced 2021 Toppers List
| 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 |
JEE Advanced 2021 Category Wise Toppers List
| Rank list | Name |
| OPEN (CRL) | Mridul Agarwal |
| OBC-NCL | Priyanshu Yadav |
| GEN-EWS | Ramaswamy Santhosh Reddy |
| SC | Nandigama Nikhil |
| ST | Bijli Prachothan Varma |
| GEN-PwD | Arnav Jaideep Kalgutkar |
| GEN-EWS-PwD | Yuvraj Singh |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | Gorle Krishna Chaitanya |
| SC-PwD | Rajkumar |
| ST-PwD | Ravi Shankar Meena |
JEE Advanced 2020 Toppers List
| S.No. | Name of Candidate |
| 1 | Chirag Falor |
| 2 | Gangula Bhuvan Reddy |
| 3 | Vaibhav Raj |
| 4 | R Muhender Raj |
| 5 | Keshav Agarwal |
| 6 | Hardik Rajpal |
| 7 | Vedang Dhirendra Asgaonkar |
| 8 | Swayam Shashank Chube |
| 9 | Harshwardhan Agarwal |
| 10 | Dhvanit Beniwal |
JEE Advanced 2020 Category Wise Toppers List
| Category | Candidate |
| Open (CRL) | Chirag Falor |
| Open-NCL | Landa Jitendra |
| Gen-EWS | Gangula Bhuvan Reddy |
| SC | Avi Uday |
| ST | Pranjal Singh |
| Gen-PwD | Kandukuri Sunil Kumar Vishwesh |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | Utkarsh |
| SC-PwD | Yash Chudman Patil |
| ST-PwD | Niteesh Kumar Birua |
JEE Advanced 2029 Toppers List
| AIR | Name |
| 1 | Kartikey Gupta |
| 2 | Himanshu Gaurav Singh |
| 3 | Archit Bubna |
| 4 | Gillella Akash Reddy |
| 5 | Battepati Karthikeya |
| 6 | Nishant Abhangi |
| 7 | Kaustabh Dighe |
| 8 | Thivesh Chandra M |
| 9 | Dhruv Kumar Gupta |
| 10 | Shabnam Sahay (Top Ranked Female) |
JEE Advanced 2019 Category Wise Toppers List
| Rank list | Name |
| OPEN (CRL) | Gupta Kartikey Chandresh |
| GEN-EWS | D Chandrasekhara S S Hethahavya |
| OBC-NCL | Himanshu Gaurav Singh |
| SC | Sambit Behera |
| ST | Piyush Raj |
| CRL-PwD | Sumit Jain |
| GEN-EWS-PwD | Dasari Rajesh |
| OBC-NCL-PwD | Vedant Deepak Borkute |
| SC-PwD | Aryan Kumar |
| ST-PwD | Dhananjay Sapawat |
Tips to Get AIR 1 in JEE Advanced
Achieving the coveted All India Rank (AIR) 1 in JEE Advanced is a dream for many students, but it’s not impossible with the right strategies and consistent effort. This section will provide you with detailed tips that will help you target that top rank in JEE Advanced. These tips are designed to give you clear directions on how to structure your preparation, how to manage your time effectively, and how to develop the right mindset to stay motivated throughout the journey.
1) Start Early and Build a Strong Foundation
Starting early is one of the most crucial factors when preparing for JEE Advanced. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to cover the vast syllabus and thoroughly understand each concept. A strong foundation in Class 11 topics is essential because JEE Advanced often asks questions that require in-depth understanding and application of concepts learned in earlier grades.
Many students begin their preparation in Class 11 itself, which gives them the advantage of mastering the basic concepts well before they dive into the more complex topics in Class 12. Starting early also allows ample time for revision and practice, which is critical as you approach the final months before the exam.
2) Focus on Understanding Concepts, Not Just Memorizing Formulas
One of the biggest mistakes students make while preparing for JEE Advanced is focusing too much on memorizing formulas and shortcuts instead of understanding the underlying concepts. JEE Advanced is designed to test a student’s problem-solving skills and ability to apply concepts in various scenarios. Simply memorizing formulas will not help you solve complex problems.
To secure AIR 1, focus on understanding every topic at a deep level. Break down complex concepts into simpler parts and try to understand the “why” and “how” behind them. For example, instead of just memorizing a formula for motion in physics, understand the principles of Newton’s laws, the conditions that lead to that equation, and how to derive it from first principles.
Use conceptual textbooks like H.C. Verma’s Concepts of Physics and O.P. Tandon’s Physical Chemistry to solidify your understanding. Once the concepts are clear, you can easily apply them in solving different types of problems.
3) Create a Realistic Study Plan and Stick to It
A well-structured study plan is essential for achieving AIR 1. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get lost in the vast syllabus and waste valuable time. Start by creating a timetable that divides your study hours between Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Allocate more time to subjects or topics where you find yourself struggling but don’t ignore the subjects you are comfortable with.
Your study plan should include:
- Daily Goals: Set achievable targets for each day. It could be completing a certain number of chapters or solving a set number of problems.
- Weekly and Monthly Reviews: Regularly assess your progress and adjust your plan if needed. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind.
- Breaks and Revision: Include time for revision and breaks. Continuous studying without breaks can lead to burnout, so it’s essential to refresh your mind with short breaks.
Keep your timetable flexible to accommodate changes, but ensure that you stay disciplined and focused. Your study plan should not just be about the quantity of time spent but the quality of study during that time.
4) Consistent Practice with Mock Tests and Past Year Papers
The importance of practicing mock tests and past year question papers cannot be overstated. JEE Advanced is not just about understanding concepts; it’s about solving complex problems quickly and accurately under pressure. The only way to develop this skill is by regularly practicing questions.
Mock tests simulate the exam environment and help you get used to the format, timing, and stress of the actual exam. Taking regular mock tests helps you:
- Improve your time management skills by learning to allocate time wisely for each section of the exam.
- Identify weak areas that need more focus.
- Build confidence in tackling different types of problems.
Past year question papers are another essential tool. By solving them, you get an idea of the kind of questions that are frequently asked in JEE Advanced. Aim to take at least one mock test per week and increase the frequency as you get closer to the exam. After each test, spend time analyzing your mistakes and learn from them. This will help you avoid repeating the same errors in the future.
Phodu Club JEE Test Series is a highly recommended resource for students aiming to ace JEE. This test series offers a vast collection of practice papers that closely resemble the actual exam pattern.
5) Stay Focused and Positive
Preparing for JEE Advanced is a long and demanding process, and there will be moments when you feel frustrated or demotivated. It’s natural to encounter difficulties during your preparation, but the key is to stay focused and maintain a positive mindset. If you aim for AIR 1, you need to stay motivated throughout the process, even when things get tough.
Here’s how you can maintain focus:
- Stay Goal-Oriented: Remind yourself of your end goal—securing AIR 1 in JEE Advanced. Break down this big goal into smaller, achievable targets that will keep you motivated.
- Positive Mindset: Focus on your strengths and progress rather than your weaknesses. Believe in your ability to succeed, and stay determined, even in the face of challenges.
- Take Care of Your Health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep are essential for maintaining energy levels. Physical health is linked to mental sharpness, which will help you perform better in exams.
Additionally, don’t compare your progress with others. Every student has their own pace, and what works for someone else may not work for you. Focus on your journey and do your best every day.
6) Time Management During the Exam
JEE Advanced is a time-bound exam, and managing your time during the exam is as important as preparation. In the actual exam, you will face tricky questions, and having a plan to tackle them will save you valuable time.
Here are some tips for time management during JEE Advanced:
- Read the Entire Paper First: Before jumping into answering, take a minute to go through the entire paper. This will help you identify questions that are easy and those that require more time.
- Prioritize Easy Questions: Start with the questions that you are most comfortable with. This will build your confidence and give you more time to focus on tougher problems.
- Don’t Get Stuck: If you encounter a difficult question, don’t spend too much time on it. Move on to the next question and come back to the difficult one later if time allows.
- Practice Time-Bound Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions by solving mock tests within the set time limits. This will help you get used to the pressure and improve your time management.
7) Learn from Mistakes and Keep Improving
Finally, one of the most important tips is to learn from your mistakes. Every test or mock exam will highlight areas where you can improve. Don’t get discouraged by mistakes; instead, use them as learning opportunities. Reflect on why you made the error, and ensure that you don’t repeat it.
Conclusion
Achieving AIR 1 in JEE Advanced is a challenging but achievable goal for dedicated students. The key lies in starting early, building a strong foundation, and focusing on conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. Consistency in study, taking regular mock tests, and having a structured plan are essential to improving performance. It’s not just about hard work; smart work plays a huge role in optimizing your efforts.
To secure the top rank, stay disciplined, manage your time effectively, and regularly assess your progress. Remember, every student has their own journey, and success in JEE Advanced requires a balanced approach—maintaining focus, staying positive, and not letting setbacks demotivate you.
While JEE Advanced is a tough exam, with the right strategies, mindset, and consistent effort, securing AIR 1 can become a reality. Stay determined, believe in your abilities, and keep pushing forward. Your hard work will eventually pay off.
FAQs
1) What was the typical score of AIR 1 in JEE Advanced over the years?
The typical score of AIR 1 in JEE Advanced varies each year depending on the difficulty level of the exam. However, the top scorers often score between 300 and 350 marks out of a total of 360. The exact score may fluctuate based on the exam pattern and the performance of other candidates.
2) What resources did AIR 1 students use for preparation?
AIR 1 students typically rely on a combination of books, online resources, and coaching material. NCERT textbooks are fundamental, and many top scorers use reference books like H.C. Verma for Physics, O.P. Tandon for Chemistry, and M.L. Khanna for Mathematics. They also make use of online platforms, practice papers, and mock tests.
3) How much time do AIR 1 students typically dedicate to JEE Advanced preparation?
Students who secure AIR 1 in JEE Advanced dedicate around 6 to 8 hours of focused study every day. They maintain a balanced routine with time for revision, breaks, and relaxation. It is important to note that quality of study matters more than quantity, so the focus should be on effective learning rather than sheer hours spent.
