JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Female Topper Interview Swathi Subramanya: 'Focus on NCERTs'

In this exclusive interview, Swathi, a female topper of JEE Main 2026 session 1 exam who obtained 99.60 percentile, talks about her preparation journey, exam day experience and advice for future aspirants. She appeared in the JEE Mains Jan 23 shift 2 exam, which is widely regarded as the toughest shift of the JEE Mains 2026 January session exam. She mentions practising PYQs and giving mock tests can significantly boost performance in the JEE Main exam. Continue reading to find the JEE Main 2026 session 1 topper advice and strategy here.

JEE Main 2026 Topper Interview: Female Top Scorer Swathi Shares Her Preparation Strategy

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Female Topper Interview Swati Subramanya: NTA announced the JEE Mains result 2026 for session 1 on February 16, 2026. Along with the results, the authorities have released the JEE Mains toppers list 2026. Although the final ranks will be announced after the session 2 results, 100 percentilers have a strong chance at emerging as the JEE Mains AIR 1. Shiksha conducted an interview with the female topper of JEE Main 2026 session 1, Swati Suramanya, a regular classroom student of Deeksha Vedantu. She has obtained 99.60 percentile in the JEE Main exam. In this interview, she revealed what her daily study routine looks like, her preparation strategy and the resources she recommends to all aspirants. Read to know more about her preparation journey from the JEE Main 2026 session 1 female topper.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Female Topper Interview Swati Subramanya

Q1. First of all, congratulations on your outstanding performance. How are you feeling right now?

Swathi: Thank you so much. Everyone is really proud, and I’m very happy that my hard work over the last two years has paid off. It feels special, especially being one of the female toppers.

Q2. You prepared for two years after Class 10, right?

Swathi: Yes, that’s correct. I started my JEE preparation right after Class 10.

Q3. Did you take coaching or prepare on your own?

Swathi: I joined the Deeksha Vedantu Thanisandra campus after Class 10. It’s an integrated coaching program where the board syllabus and competitive exam preparation are taught together. That’s where I began my serious preparation.

Q4. What was your daily study routine like?

Swathi: On school days, I would attend classes and then study for around three hours after coming home. In the first year, it was slightly less, but in the second year, I tried to consistently study three hours daily after school. During revision programs and daily test phases, I increased my study hours. My focus was always on understanding concepts and revising regularly.

Q5. How helpful were your teachers and study resources?

Swathi: The faculty was very supportive and helped me gain concept clarity. The study material, especially the 'Tatwa' books (of the institute) in the second year, was very useful. I also used some online resources when needed.

Q6. What role did NCERT play in your preparation?

Swathi: Honestly, I feel I should have studied NCERT more, especially for Chemistry. It is extremely important and very helpful for JEE Main.

Q7. What was your subject-wise preparation strategy?

Swathi:

• Physics: It felt logical and straightforward to me.
• Mathematics: It required a lot of practice because each question needs a different approach.
• Chemistry: It involved a lot of memorization, so I revised frequently.

Q8. How important were mock tests and previous year papers?

Swathi: They were an integral part of my preparation. I relied heavily on previous year questions. They help you understand the pattern and prepare you mentally for the real exam. Although this year’s paper was tougher than previous years, practicing PYQs helped a lot.

Q9. Which shift did you appear in? Was it tough?

Swathi: I appeared on 23rd January, evening shift. Yes, it was definitely very tough, especially Chemistry. It was more difficult than the practice papers we had solved.

Q10. How did you manage boards along with JEE preparation?

Swathi: Since I was in an integrated program, most of the board syllabus was covered in school. So I didn’t struggle much balancing both.

Q11. How did you avoid distractions like social media?

Swathi: My parents had put restrictions on social media since Class 10. I still used my phone for studies and YouTube, but I had already quit social media. That helped me stay focused.

Q12. Did you ever feel low during preparation?

Swathi: Yes, there were many months when I felt low. During those times, I talked to my parents. They always changed my perspective and made academics feel less stressful. Their support was very important.

Q13. As a female topper, do you think girls face extra challenges?

Swathi: I think it depends on upbringing. I was fortunate to grow up in a family where girls were given equal opportunities. But there are indeed fewer female toppers compared to males, and that needs to change.

Q14. How was your exam day experience?

Swathi: I wasn’t feeling well that day, and even my mother wasn’t. I was mentally prepared for the worst. When the paper turned out to be very tough, I thought maybe I would try again in the April attempt. After finishing the exam, I just felt relieved.

Q15. Are you planning to appear for the April attempt?

Swathi: I’ll decide after my board exams. It depends on how prepared I feel at that time.

Q16. What are your future plans?

Swati: I haven’t finalised my branch yet. I’m exploring options. But I’m definitely looking at IITs and NITs.

Q17. What is your message for JEE 2027 aspirants?

Swathi: Stay consistent and disciplined. But don’t treat marks and exams as the end of the world. If you keep thinking that everything depends on one exam, it becomes stressful. Focus on learning and giving your best without too much fear.

JEE Main 2026 Toppers Session 1

NTA has announced the list of top 12 students who have secured 100 percentiles. Listed below in the table are the names of JEE Main toppers 2026 for the session 1 exam, along with their interview.