Frontlist | ‘NCERT books helped me score 100 percentile’

PATNA: Sheohar boy Saket Jha, who scored a perfect 100 percentile in JEE Main 2021 (February session), shares his success mantra with Saumya Singh. Excerpts:
What was your reaction after declaration of results?

I got to know the result around 9.30pm on Monday. Although I was confident of scoring good marks, getting 100 percentile was beyond my expectation. I now hope to repeat this performance in JEE (Advanced).

Tell us about your educational background

Studies have always been a priority in our family. My father is a high school principal and all my three sisters have excelled in academics. After my initial schooling in Bokaro, I shifted to Kota in Class IX and joined a prominent coaching institute there which awarded me full scholarship. I had scored 94% in Class X and also secured top rank in Aryabhatta Mathematics Olympiad in classes V and VIII.

When did you start preparing for JEE Main?

I moved to Kota with my mother Sunita Jha in Class IX and prepared for JEE Main for four years. During Covid-induced lockdown, I studied online at home. The lockdown gave me additional time to prepare for the test.

What was your preparation strategy?

I mainly focused on NCERT books and studied 10 hours a day. Since I was always good in mathematics, my focus was on other two subjects.

Did you face any difficulties in taking test amid Covid restrictions?

I think the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns gave me enough time to make preparations for the test. Returning to Bokaro and changing my examination centre was the only inconvenience I faced.
Are the school textbooks adequate for JEE Main preparations?

I strictly centred my preparations around the NCERT books. Studying NCERT books thoroughly is very important. The study materials provided by my coaching institute also helped.

How did you de-stress yourself during the preparation? What are your hobbies?

In my leisure time, I used to watch television programmes and listen to music. ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ is my favourite TV programme. I also love to play cricket. However, my schedule doesn’t allow me to play the game.

Your future aspirations?

I want to do well in Class XII examinations and crack JEE (Advanced). I aspire to join IIT-Bombay and pursue engineering in computer science. Coding and artificial intelligence has always fascinated me and I want to do something in this field.

Any suggestion for future JEE aspirants?

They should read NCERT textbooks for basics and follow a strict schedule. Revision is also necessary to crack engineering entrance examinations.