CHENNAI: Chennai’s Arjun Bharat, who secured first position in Tamil Nadu in the IIT-JEE, found the physics paper tougher than last year. But overall, the question paper was easier. Chemistry was moderate and maths was easier than last year. He wants to pursue Computer Science Engineering from IIT Madras.
“I want to pursue MS or a PhD degree. I’ve been considering going abroad, and may apply to Massachusetts Institute of Technology or Harvard University. If I don’t pursue research, then I might go for employment in the IT sector,” he said.
Speaking of pursuing his studies in Class XI and XII in NIOS through a training centre named Smart Training Academy, he said he chose NIOS mainly because he was impressed by the flexibility of being able to prepare for both board and competitive examinations simultaneously.
He studied from Sishya School, which is an ICSE board, till Class X. “I scored 96 per cent from NIOS in
Class XII, and we had enough time to study for competitive exams. That’s the advantage in studying under NIOS. I had parallel training for board exam and competitive exam. We had conceptual learning, and made sure we finished the required portion before time,” he said, adding that everyday in his training academy he would have classes for six hours.
On each day he would focus on different subjects. “I feel NIOS is similar to CBSE syllabus, only it’s more condensed and slightly easier. I would spend six to seven hours for studies, while on Saturdays and Sundays I studied for 12 hours,” he said.
Besides, he is interested in sports. During his preparation, he would find some time for sports like badminton. “I would play badminton for half-an-hour and also go for walking to ease the stress. It helps a lot and is essential. We cannot study the whole day. Sports helps in maintaining balance,” he noted.
Gautam, who secured second position in Tamil Nadu with an all India rank of 40, studied in PSBB School in KK Nagar. He was brought up by his grandparents, as he lost his parents at the age of six. He has already cracked the entrance exam for IISC Bengaluru, besides cracking the IIT-JEE.
“I believe that one has to understand the concept and enjoy whatever one is studying. There’s no point in solving 2000 sums if one doesn’t have interest,” he said.
He added that he wanted to pursue physics. “I’m interested in physics and also biology. In IISC we were initially taught maths, chemistry, physics and biology. By the end of the course, I would know which one to pursue,” he said, adding that since he is also interested in engineering, he may also opt for IIT Madras.
In the long run, he sees himself as a professor and researcher. “I want to do PhD and Postdoc abroad, maybe from Massachusetts, and come back to India to help our country, going forward,” he said.
Gautam is also well-versed in Carnatic music, and playing the violin. “When I was in Class XI, I participated in some violin concerts,” he said.
According to a press release issued by IIT Madras, which was the organising institution this year, in Tamil Nadu a total of 6,605 candidates appeared, of which 1,179 qualified.
A total of 1,72,024 registered and 1,59,540 appeared and 50,455 qualified the JEE advanced exam. A total of 1,29,668 male candidates appeared, while 29,872 female candidates appeared across all zones.
Besides Arjun and Gautam, M Nandagopal secured third rank in Tamil Nadu, with 93 rank in all India. He is from Maharishi International School.
“I like physics and maths. Phyiscs paper was a bit tough; I found the other papers easy,” he said.
Pranav Ramakrishnan, who studied from Maharishi Vidya Mandir, Chetpet, stood fourth and secured 136th all India rank, and has gotten selected in the International Chemistry Olympiad conducted by Indian National Chemistry Olympiad. “The olympiad will be held on July 6 in Thailand. I may opt for physics in IIT Madras. After the Olympiad, I may also pursue further studies abroad,” he said.