IIT JAM 2018 Chemistry Topper Interview: AIR 10 Karan Doda wants to join a PSU
Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test for MSc 2027 ( IIT JAM )
IIT JAM 2027 Application Process
11 Sep '26 - 19 Oct '26
IIT JAM Chemistry Topper
A pass-out from Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, Delhi University, Karan Doda cracked IIT JAM 2018 by securing AIR 10. A BSc (Honours) Chemistry graduate, Karan scored a total of 84.33 marks out of 100 in the exam. His section-wise scores in the exam include – 44.33/50 in Section-A (MCQ), 14/20 in Section-B (MSQ), and 26/30 in Section-C (NAT).
Playing badminton, listening to songs, and reading books are Karan’s hobbies. However, the JAM topper’s main passion lies in studying and exploring Chemistry as a subject.
In a candid interview with Shiksha, Karan reveals the prep strategy he adopted for the exam, his future plans, and a lot more. Read the complete interview with IIT JAM 2018 Chemistry topper, Karan Doda below:
Q. Congratulations on being an IIT JAM topper! Did you expect to be the topper of IIT JAM 2018?
No, I did not expect to be the topper. However, I was confident to be in top 10 rank holders of IIT JAM 2018.
Q. Could you tell us your preparation strategy that helped you crack IIT JAM exam?
Q. Could you explain the entire process that you went through after clearing the written exam?
After the exam was over, the online counselling process started in which I filled the preferred IIT in which I want to take admission.
Q. What study plan did you follow for this exam?
I distributed my time equally to study Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry. I solved a lot of questions to prepare Numerical Answer Type (NAT) section of the paper. For Multiple Select Questions (MSQs) I read more theory and solved NET, GATE, and IIT JAM previous years’ papers. By solving past papers I gained a lot of confidence in the exam.
Q. Which books did you read to prepare for the exam?
I read the following books for IIT JAM 2018 Chemistry paper preparation:
Organic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry by Jonathan Clayden, Nick Greeves, and Stuart Warren
• Organic Chemistry by Paula Y Bruice
Physical Chemistry
• A Textbook of Physical Chemistry by KL Kapoor (All volumes)
• Physical Chemistry by Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula
Inorganic Chemistry
• Shriver & Atkins Inorganic Chemistry by Peter Atkins, Tina Overton, Jonathan Rourke, Mark Weller, and Fraser Armstrong
• Inorganic Chemistry: Principles of Structure and Reactivity by James E Huheey
• Concise Inorganic Chemistry by JD Lee
Q. How did you deal with your strengths and weaknesses while preparing for the exam?
I solved a lot of questions on the topic that I faced difficulty in understanding. Also, I did not waste time in understanding just one topic. I prepared all the topics well, which I feel is the key to crack JAM examination. I also used to give a lot of mock tests to check my JAM preparation.
Q. What as per you are the mistakes one should avoid while preparing for the exam?
First of all, you should clear your Chemistry basics of Class XI and XII. Secondly, rather than focusing on just few topics you should give equal importance to all the topics during JAM preparation.
Q. Any advice to manage time while giving the exam?
Do not get stuck to one question if you are not able to solve it, skip to another question. Always use pen and paper for rough work. Do not hurry to mark your responses as you might make lots of silly mistakes. Spend more time on MSQ section and do not forget to review your NAT responses.
Q. There is negative marking in the exam so what strategy should students adopt to score high?
You must prepare all topics well and should not mark your response if you are unsure of the answer else you might end up getting negative marking in the exam.
Q. Which as per you is the most difficult part of the IIT JAM exam?
I found Section B (MSQ) to be most difficult as it requires the student to mark all correct options in the question.
Q. How was your experience of giving a computer-based test?
My CBT (Computer Based Test) experience was very good. A slight advantage in the exam was that that we could change our response even after marking it in the system. Also, marking responses on a computer saved a lot of time.
Q. Any things that students should keep in mind to perform well on the day of the exam?
Do not study much on the day of the exam, only revise through short notes. Also, sleep well a day before the exam.
Q. What other Science entrance exams did you take?
In 2017, I was selected for admission at IISER Mohali in PhD programme.
Q. Was MSc always your first preference?
Getting admission in an IIT has been a dream for me and clearing IIT JAM 2018 is the only path through which I can fulfill my dream.
Q. Any tips for students who are planning to take the exam next year?
Be thorough with the basic concepts of Chemistry. Study all topics prescribed in JAM syllabus well. Also, try using the calculator that is provided during the exam a day before on your computer. Join an online test series as it will help you gain confidence.
Q. What are your future plans?
I want to join a PSU (Public Sector Unit) after clearing MSc. Simultaneously, I also want to teach students, as teaching is my passion.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
Yes, you are generally eligible for IIT JAM M.Sc. Geology (GG) as long as you have studied Geology for three years/six semesters and have taken any two subjects among Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Science as your minors/subsidiary subjects.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
IIT JAM regulations generally allows provisional admission for final-year students, but you must submit proof of passing your qualifying degree by a strict deadline which is typically September 30 of the admi
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, IIT Kharagpur will open IIT JAM 2027 form correction window in November 10. Registered candidates will be allowed to edit the application formd. Complete changes are not allowed, therefore it is important to fill the IIT JAM application form 2027 carefully.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The specification of photograph for IT JAM application form 2027 is provided below.
| Image Descriptions | Size | Format |
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V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The following documents are requird while filling the IIT JAM application form.
- SCC (Class 10) mark sheet with Date of Birth.
- High-quality recent photograph and signature as per the specification.
- Scanned copy of category certificate (OBC-NCL/EWS/SC/ST).
- Scanned copy of Physical Disability Certificate (
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
IIT Kharagpur has activated the IIT JAM application form link on the official website, jam.iitkgp.ac.in. Candidates must fill the appliction form through the JOAPS portal.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, IIT JAM registration 2027 date was revised to September 12. But, IIT Kharagpur has activated the registration portal on September 11, 2026. The application form is available online at jam.iitkgp.ac.in. Candidates can register for IIT JAM 2027 through JOAPS portal.
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Yes, candidates are allowed to appear for two test papers in IIT JAM. However, they will have to additional fee.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
IIT JAM application form fee is provide mentioned below.
| CATEGORY | ONE TEST (INR) | TEST PAPERS (INR) |
| Female/SC/ST/PwD | 1000 | 1350 |
| All Others | 2000 | 2700 |
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
Candidates can apply for IIT JAM exam 2027 through JOAPS Portal. The authority activated the JOAPS portal on September 11, 2026. IIT JAM application form 2027 is accepted online only.
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Contributor-Level 10
Am I eligible for IIT JAM MSc Geology with a PCB background and Geology major, with Chemistry and Physics as minors?