JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Topper Interview Arnav Gautam: Mock Test & PYQs are backbone for his preparation

JEE Main 2026 session 1 topper interview - Arnav Gautam: With NTA declaring JEE Mains 2026 result of session 1 on Feb 16, 12 candidates secured the top AIR, Arnav Gautam from Allen was one amongst them. Let’s hear his journey and mindset towards the success of achieving a perfect percentile in JEE Mains 2026 session 1.

JEE Main 2026 topper interview Arnav Gautam: NTA has officially announced JEE Mains 2026 session 1 result. Out of 12 candidates securing 100 percentile, Arnav Gautam from Allen has shown that with consistent hard work and preparation, securing a perfect percentile in JEE Mains is completely possible. Arnav Gautam, who is currently preparing for boards and JEE Advanced 2026, quoted in his interview that a little physical activity is a must to break the monotony of the preparation cycle. 

After the release of JEE Main exam result 2026, during the interview, he shares his gratitude to family members, mentors and friends who have helped him throughout his journey. Being a part of Allen for seven years has helped Arnav Gautam understand the importance of mock tests, JEE Main PYQs, and how practising consistently can help reduce exam fear. Read the interview below to know his journey. 

JEE Mains Exam 2026 Session 1 Topper Interview - Arnav Gautam

Read the full interview of JEE Mains 2026 topper - Arnav Gautam below -

Question: What was your initial reaction, and how did your parents react after knowing the result?

Arnav: I was happy and confident at the same time. My parents and relatives were all happy and played a very important role in my preparation journey.

Question: How did you manage time for activities along with JEE Main preparation 2026?

Arnav: I used to play cricket for 30 minutes with my brother daily, because I think adding physical activity to your routine improves your breathing, and breaks the monotony of the preparation cycle.

Question: How did you manage to stay updated with the cricket scores?

Arnav: Since cricket is one of my favourite sports, I used to read newspapers or check online for the scores to stay updated.

Question: Since both your parents are teachers, how did your father help you in maintaining discipline in your studies?

Arnav: Even if my father was not a teacher, he has always made sure that I stayed motivated. He guided me in studies and helped me to stay away from distractions.

Question: When did you start taking your studies seriously? What was the moment that made you enjoy studying?

Arnav: I loved studying from the beginning, but during my 5th/6th standard, I started enjoying more, that’s when I joined Allen. Now, it’s been 7 years since I’ve been with Allen. 

Question: When did you plan to prepare for JEE Mains, or when did you find that Mathematics was your favourite subject?

Arnav: In my 8th and 9th standards, I joined Allen to attempt Olympiads. Later, in 10th standard, I thought of preparing for JEE Main exam. 

Question: When did you start giving Olympiads?

Arnav: I started attempting Olympiads right from the 5th standard, and Government Olympiads from class 9th.

Question: How do Olympiads play an important role in students' journey? Why is it necessary to give Olympiads?

Arnav: Olympiads help a lot in brain development. Also, it helps you analyse your performance, prepares you for other competitive exams, and removes the fear of exams. 

Question: Would you recommend it to other students as well? Can an average student also attempt Olympiads?

Arnav: Yes, of course. It prepares you for the major competitive exams. 

Question: Since JEE Main preparation is tough. How many hours did you dedicate daily? How did you strategise your preparation?

Arnav: During the revision phase, I used to do 10 hours of self-study. I also used to check, whether if I’m not missing out on my subjects during my preparation. 

Question: Have you ever felt like achieving a perfect percentile in JEE Mains 2026 was possible?

Arnav: When I started giving mock test for JEE Main and secured 300 marks, I felt confident that achieving 100 percentile in JEE Main is absolutely possible. 

Question: How does the JEE Main mock test help in preparation? How does a student get an idea about how the exam is conducted?

Arnav: Mock test gives you an idea of the question paper structure. Also, it helps you strategise and plan how to attempt questions with accuracy to save time. Also, solving mock tests daily reduces exam fear. 

Question: Did you feel that the questions asked in JEE Main were the same as that of Allen’s mock test?

Arnav: Yes, JEE Mains questions across the years and shifts have always been the same. 

Question: How many questions were asked from PYQs? What advice would you give to aspirants who are preparing for the next year? Also this year, every shift had a different difficulty level. What did you say about that?

Arnav: Yes, every shift had a different pattern of question set. However, my shift was easy. Many questions were doable and I had already practiced them before. 

Question: What was your revision style for JEE Mains 2026?

Arnav: I made short notes for environmental chemistry and p-block elements. For others, I referred to NCERT and Allen Module. 

Question: What was your strategy when you scored less marks in mock test?

Arnav: When I scored less in mock test, then I used talk to my teachers and look for the silly mistakes and review them.

Question: What, according to you, are silly mistakes in JEE Main exam?

Arnav: According to me, I think silly mistakes are not reading questions properly, not going through all options carefully, calculation mistakes etc. 

Question: How to reduce silly mistakes? What strategy did you implement to avoid calculation mistakes?

Arnav: First and foremost, avoid using a calculator for solving questions. 

Question: How did you manage time to attempt questions in JEE Mains 2026 exam? What strategy did you follow?

Arnav: I was determined about my attempt order. Within 2.5 hours, I first solved Chemistry, then Physics, followed by Maths section. I used the remaining time to review and reattempt the questions again. 

Question: After coming out of the exam hall, were you confident of achieving a perfect perfect percentile in JEE Main 2026?

Arnav: Yes, I was pretty confident about my performance, as the questions that were asked in my shift was much easier than the PYQs I solved during my practice. 

Question: Did you refer to any other books or study material apart from Allen’s?

Arnav: For any guidance, I used to seek advice from my mentors. I share a good bonding with my teachers and made quite a lot of friends, with whom I ask doubts and solve questions together. 

Question: How did you manage covering backlogs during JEE Main preparation?

Arnav: I dedicated two to three hours solely for back-up study. I ensured that the backlog should not affect my regular study hours.

Question: What advice would you give to students who have secured around 200 marks in JEE Main?

Arnav: Students who have secured 200 marks in JEE Mains, should not bother, as they have already cleared Mains. Instead, they should focus and prepare consistently for JEE Advanced and Boards.

Also read:

JEE Main 2026 Topper's Interview: Session 1

NTA has announced the list of JEE Main 2026 topper's list for session 1. Check interview of all topper's below -

Also read:

• JEE Mains 2026 result statistics: 12 candidates get perfect percentile, highest participation recorded
• JEE Main 2026 female topper: Aashi Grewal emerges as the only female topper with 99.99 percentile