JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Topper Interview Bharath Madhusudhan: 'Self-reflection Is Key for Success'

Bharath Madhusudhan has emerged as one of the high scorers of JEE Main 2026 Session 1, securing an impressive 99.86 percentile in his very first attempt. A student of Diksha Vedantu’s two-year residential program, Bharath credits his success to disciplined planning, regular mock test practice, and constant self-analysis. Read here to know Bharath's journey and how he prepared for JEE Mains 2026 Session 1 exam.

JEE Main 2026 Topper Interview with Bharath: 99.87 in First Attempt

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Topper Interview with Bharath Madhusudhan: 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. Among them, Bharath stood out for his balanced approach towards studies and calm mindset during the exam. He appeared for the January 22 morning shift and managed to perform confidently despite the paper being considered tougher than expected by many students. In his first attempt, Bharath secured a high percentile of 99.87 in the national-level JEE Main.

In an exclusive interview with Shiksha, Bharath shares how preparation at Diksha Vedantu helped him avoid distractions, manage burnout, and stay consistent. From solving Previous Year Questions (PYQs) and intensive grand tests to maintaining mental balance through sports and mentoring sessions, Bharath explains how every small step contributed to his big achievement. He is now preparing for his second attempt and aiming to crack JEE Advanced, with a dream of studying Electrical Engineering at IIT Madras.

JEE Main 2026 Session 1 Topper Interview: Bharath Madhusudhan

Continue reading to find an exclusive topper interview of the JEE Mains session 1 top scorer, Bharath Madhusudhan, who has obtained 99.87 percentile.

Q1. Congratulations on scoring 99.87 percentile in your first attempt. How does it feel?

Bharath: Thank you so much. I feel overwhelmed with joy. After two years of consistent effort and hard work, it feels worth it. There were many ups and downs during preparation. Some tests went well, some didn’t. But my teachers supported me throughout with the right strategy and motivation. I truly believe this wouldn’t have been possible without their guidance.

Q2. Did you expect your JEE Main result or did it come as a surprise?

Bharath: It wasn’t a complete surprise because when I checked my marks, we expected a high percentile. But still, seeing the final result was a very happy family moment. My parents were extremely proud.

Q3. Tell us about your exam day experience.

Bharath: My shift was 22nd January morning shift. My exam centre was far from home, so I planned everything in advance. The evening before the exam, I spent time with my parents to stay calm. Even while travelling to the centre, I reminded myself that my preparation over the past two years was enough. When the exam started, I didn’t panic. I followed my strategy exactly as practised in mock tests. We had written many grand tests, and one of them closely matched the actual paper pattern. That helped me stay confident and execute well.

Q4. How was your experience at Diksha Vedantu’s residential program?

Bharath: It was very structured and focused. Being in a two-year residential program helped because there were fewer distractions. Teachers were always available for doubts. Every day was planned properly, and I made sure not to carry backlogs to the next day. I mainly relied on teacher notes for concept clarity. For Physics, I solved reference books like H.C. Verma along with institute material. For Maths, teacher notes were extremely helpful. For Chemistry, I focused on concept building and practice. The strong foundation helped me handle even unexpected questions.

Q5. What was your daily study schedule like?

Bharath: My routine started at 7 AM and went till around 11:30 PM, with proper breaks in between. Classes were from morning till afternoon, followed by dedicated study hours. I used to plan my next day in advance. I kept the schedule simple and divided time between Physics, Chemistry, and Maths. Weekly tests acted as checkpoints to evaluate my understanding.

Q6. How important were PYQs and mock tests in your preparation?

Bharath: JEE Main Previous Year Questions (PYQs) were one of the most important parts of my preparation. They give a real idea of what is asked in the exam. Solving them builds confidence and improves time management. Before the exam, we had intensive grand test practice. Initially, it felt exhausting, but it helped build speed, accuracy, and mental endurance. In my shift, many questions were calculation-heavy, so that practice really helped.

Q7. This year’s paper was considered tough, especially Chemistry. What’s your take?

Bharath: Yes, the paper was tougher than expected. Chemistry was particularly unexpected. But since we had practiced under tough conditions, I was mentally prepared. Staying calm was key.

Must Read: JEE Main 2026 Marks vs Percentile

Q8. How are you managing boards and other exams along with JEE?

Bharath: If your JEE preparation is strong, most other exams fall within the same concepts. Now my focus is on JEE Main second attempt and JEE Advanced. I also plan to appear for exams like MET and VITEEE, but my main focus remains JEE.

Q9. Did you experience burnout during preparation?

Bharath: Yes, burnout is common. I felt it many times. But discussing concepts with friends helped. Sometimes, just talking about a topic gives a new perspective. We also had one hour daily for sports like football or basketball. That refreshed me. Regular mentoring sessions with teachers also helped me stay mentally strong. I believe burnout is normal; students should talk to parents, friends, or mentors to overcome it.

Q10. Are you planning to appear for JEE Advanced? Which college or branch are you targeting?

Bharath: Yes, I definitely want to appear for JEE Advanced. My dream college is IIT Madras. I’m inclined towards Electrical Engineering because I enjoy Physics and Maths a lot.

Q11. What is your key message for future aspirants?

Bharath: Self-reflection is very important. You must observe your own strengths and weaknesses. Teachers can guide you, but you must understand where you are going wrong. Always approach teachers with doubts. Don’t ignore small confusions. Also, build a supportive peer group. Stay disciplined, consistent, and plan each day properly. Confidence and consistency matter the most.

Also read:

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.