The journey to securing a top rank in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is a monumental achievement, one that requires immense dedication, hard work, and strategic preparation. In 2024, Nilkrishna Gajare accomplished the incredible feat of scoring a perfect 360 in JEE Main, which earned him the prestigious All India Rank 1 (AIR 1). Following this success, Nilkrishna went on to achieve AIR 94 in JEE Advanced, solidifying his position as one of India’s top engineering aspirants. His story has since inspired countless students who dream of achieving success in the JEE exams.
The significance of achieving AIR 1 extends beyond the individual—it marks the aspirant as a role model in the community of JEE candidates. This position of AIR 1 is the highest rank in the JEE Main exam, which not only demonstrates academic excellence but also resilience, discipline, and an exceptional command over subjects. For aspiring JEE candidates, Nilkrishna’s journey offers valuable insights into what it takes to succeed, regardless of one’s background or resources. His story reflects the power of determination and the results that disciplined preparation can bring.
This article explores Nilkrishna Gajare’s background, his study strategies, the challenges he faced, and the practical advice he shares with students preparing for JEE Main and Advanced. By examining his approach in detail, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for JEE aspirants inspired by his success and looking to follow in his footsteps.
Background of Nilkrishna Gajare
Nilkrishna Gajare’s journey to AIR 1 in JEE Main is a story of determination, ambition, and overcoming challenges. Hailing from a small village called Belkhed in the Washim district of Maharashtra, Nilkrishna’s upbringing was humble and grounded. His father works as a farmer, and his mother is a housewife. Given the limited resources available in his village, Nilkrishna faced many obstacles on his path to academic success. Yet, his strong work ethic and supportive family environment helped him rise above these limitations.
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Belkhed village, Nilkrishna had access to only basic educational resources. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his studies, with a strong sense of responsibility and a deep curiosity for learning. His parents, although not from an academic background, supported his goals wholeheartedly, doing everything they could to encourage his passion for education.
Nilkrishna attended JC High School in Karanja for his primary and secondary education. His commitment to academics became evident early on, especially when he scored an impressive 97% in his Class 10 exams. This high score not only reflected his potential but also became a turning point, motivating him to pursue engineering seriously.
From a young age, Nilkrishna showed a keen interest in machines and how things worked. He would often open up small devices to understand their mechanisms. This curiosity laid the foundation for his passion for engineering and inspired him to aim for an IIT education, which he viewed as a stepping stone to achieving his long-term goals.
Becoming the first in his family to pursue higher education, Nilkrishna knew that his journey would not only impact his life but also inspire his family and community. His background highlights the transformative power of education and the incredible achievements that are possible with dedication and support.
JEE Main AIR 1 Preparation Strategy
For many JEE aspirants, the path to AIR 1 can seem daunting. However, with a strategic approach and disciplined execution, Nilkrishna managed to turn this aspiration into reality. His preparation journey started in Class 11, and he developed a balanced study routine that kept him focused and allowed him to manage the vast JEE syllabus without feeling overwhelmed.
Study Plan
A key part of Nilkrishna’s success was his well-structured study plan. He began each day early, waking up at 5 a.m., a routine that gave him more study hours throughout the day. He would start with physical exercise for around 45-60 minutes, which helped him stay energised and alert. This habit, he believes, was crucial in maintaining his concentration and resilience throughout his preparation journey.
After exercising, Nilkrishna would focus on his studies, setting aside several hours for self-study. His daily schedule included attending coaching classes, after which he would dedicate 7 additional hours to self-study. He made it a point to take regular breaks, which he used to clear his mind and relax before diving back into his studies. By maintaining a consistent schedule and prioritising rest, Nilkrishna avoided burnout and kept his preparation steady and effective.
He adhered to a strict routine, ensuring that he went to bed by 10pm every day. By sticking to this disciplined lifestyle, Nilkrishna maximised his productivity and created a study environment that was both focused and sustainable.
Subjects and Topic Focus
To prepare effectively for JEE Main, Nilkrishna broke down his study approach by subject, focusing on Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics individually. He understood that each subject required a unique approach, and he tailored his study techniques to suit the specific demands of each.
Physics: Physics required a strong grasp of concepts, so Nilkrishna invested a significant amount of time understanding the core principles behind each topic. His main areas of focus included Mechanics, Electrodynamics, and Thermodynamics. He relied on his coaching institute’s study materials for foundational knowledge and supplemented his learning with additional reference books. Visualisation techniques, like drawing diagrams and connecting concepts with real-world applications, helped him master the subject.
Chemistry: Chemistry was a subject where Nilkrishna utilised both school textbooks and coaching materials. He divided his study time between Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry. He dedicated more time to Inorganic Chemistry, using his school textbooks to memorise essential reactions and properties. For Organic and Physical Chemistry, he focused on understanding reaction mechanisms, concepts, and formulas, which helped him tackle complex questions confidently.
Mathematics: For Mathematics, Nilkrishna’s focus was on practising challenging problems regularly. High-weightage topics like Calculus, Algebra, and Coordinate Geometry demanded consistent practice. He followed a systematic approach, breaking down problems into smaller steps and revisiting difficult concepts until he was confident. By dedicating time to mastering key formulas and practising a variety of problems, he strengthened his mathematical skills.
Mock Tests and Revision
Mock tests played a vital role in Nilkrishna’s preparation strategy. These tests allowed him to practise time management, assess his strengths and weaknesses, and build the confidence needed for the actual exam. Throughout his preparation, he took as many mock tests as possible, working through multiple JEE Main sample papers and practice exams.
After each test, Nilkrishna would carefully analyse his mistakes, identifying specific areas where he needed improvement. This self-evaluation process allowed him to address his weaknesses, refine his strategies, and avoid repeating the same mistakes in future tests. By the time he took the actual JEE Main exam, he was well-prepared, not only in terms of knowledge but also in exam-taking skills, which are crucial for success.
Coaching and Guidance
While self-study was an essential part of Nilkrishna’s preparation, his coaching institute, ALLEN Career Institute, provided valuable guidance and structure. The coaching program offered resources, mentorship, and a systematic approach to studying for JEE, helping Nilkrishna maximise his efforts.
Coaching Institute’s Role
ALLEN Career Institute played a significant role in shaping Nilkrishna’s preparation. The institute provided him with a well-organised study plan, rigorous test series, and extensive resources. Attending regular classes at ALLEN helped him stay aligned with the syllabus, gain insights into important topics, and receive expert guidance from experienced faculty members.
The structured environment at ALLEN also gave Nilkrishna a clear path to follow, which was especially useful when dealing with the vast and challenging JEE syllabus. The mock tests conducted by ALLEN further helped him understand his performance relative to other students, which motivated him to keep improving.
Mentors and Tutors
The mentorship Nilkrishna received from his teachers and tutors at ALLEN was instrumental in his success. His mentors provided constant support, helping him understand complex concepts, answering his doubts, and offering personalised feedback on his performance. They also shared valuable problem-solving strategies, which Nilkrishna incorporated into his own study approach. The guidance and encouragement from his mentors helped him build a strong conceptual foundation, which proved essential for tackling difficult questions during the exams.
Role of Self-Study
While coaching played a crucial role, Nilkrishna also placed significant emphasis on self-study. Apart from attending classes, he dedicated around 7 hours each day to self-study, reviewing materials, practising questions, and reinforcing what he had learned. This blend of coaching and self-study enabled him to deepen his understanding of topics, practice independently, and solidify his preparation.
Resources and Books Used
Nilkrishna took a targeted approach in selecting his study resources. He relied on ALLEN’s coaching materials for a majority of his preparation, using additional resources only when necessary. Here’s an overview of the materials he used for each subject.
Physics
For Physics, Nilkrishna used the study materials provided by ALLEN, which comprehensively covered essential topics such as Mechanics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics. These materials helped him build a strong foundation in the subject. In addition to coaching resources, he referred to standard Physics reference books to delve deeper into complex topics. Practising problems from these resources improved his understanding and gave him the confidence to tackle challenging Physics questions.
Chemistry
In Chemistry, Nilkrishna balanced his preparation between coaching materials and school textbooks. His coaching materials covered advanced topics, especially in Organic and Physical Chemistry, while his school textbooks proved helpful for Inorganic Chemistry. The textbooks allowed him to reinforce his knowledge and memorise important facts, reactions, and concepts required for JEE.
Mathematics
Nilkrishna’s Mathematics preparation involved extensive problem-solving practice. He used ALLEN’s coaching materials for structured problem sets and supplemented his learning by solving previous years’ question papers. Mathematics required daily practice, and he dedicated time each day to tackle high-weightage topics like Calculus, Trigonometry, and Coordinate Geometry.
Challenges Faced and How He Overcame Them
Nilkrishna’s journey to AIR 1 was filled with challenges, from adjusting to a heavier syllabus in Classes 11 and 12 to managing academic pressure and mastering difficult topics. Here’s how he navigated these obstacles.
Academic Pressure
One of the significant challenges Nilkrishna faced was managing the expectations of his family, friends, and teachers. However, he handled this pressure by focusing on his routine and setting personal goals. By following a balanced study schedule, he avoided burnout and maintained a positive mindset. Staying focused on his own progress, rather than comparing himself to others, allowed him to stay calm and confident.
Difficult Topics
Nilkrishna encountered difficulties with several topics, especially in Physics and Mathematics. Rather than avoiding these topics, he worked through them patiently, breaking down complex concepts into manageable parts. He also sought help from his mentors whenever necessary. Consistent practice and persistence allowed him to gradually overcome his initial struggles and strengthen his grasp of these subjects.
Time Management
Balancing schoolwork with JEE preparation was another challenge. Nilkrishna managed his time by creating a detailed schedule that allowed him to stay on top of both his school studies and JEE preparation. He set aside specific hours for each subject and maintained a healthy balance between study time and relaxation.
Tips from Nilkrishna Gajare for JEE Main Aspirants
Nilkrishna shares valuable advice for students preparing for JEE Main, based on his own experiences.
Consistent Practice
Nilkrishna emphasises the importance of daily practice. Consistency, he believes, is essential for building a strong foundation and mastering difficult topics. He advises aspirants to work on a variety of questions regularly and engage in self-evaluation to ensure steady improvement.
Self-Confidence and Mental Health
Maintaining self-confidence and mental well-being is crucial, according to Nilkrishna. He stresses the importance of staying positive, avoiding distractions like social media, and focusing on one’s goals. Staying calm and confident can make a significant difference in performance, especially during exams.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, Nilkrishna plans to pursue Computer Science at IIT Bombay, aiming to contribute to the nation as an engineer. His dedication to his field and desire to make a difference reflect his commitment to both his education and his goals for the future.
Conclusion
Nilkrishna Gajare’s journey from a small village to achieving AIR 1 in JEE Main 2024 is a story of determination, discipline, and hard work. His achievements inspire countless JEE aspirants, proving that success is possible with a well-structured plan, consistent effort, and a positive mindset. For students aiming to achieve their own JEE dreams, Nilkrishna’s story provides valuable insights, tips, and motivation to succeed.
By following his study strategies, balancing self-study with coaching, and staying focused, aspiring students can take confident steps toward reaching their JEE goals.
