Among those who crack the IIT-JEE exam, a handful of the brightest students not only pass the test but ace it. One such example is Pranav Goyal, a Chandigarh boy who topped the JEE (Advanced) in 2018, securing the top rank.
IIT-JEE is one of the toughest examinations in India with thousands of students from across the country taking the test each year to get an admission into a prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Needless to say, due to the overwhelming competitive nature of the IIT-JEE exam, only a small percentage of aspirants actually pass the tough test and make it to an IIT.
Among those who crack the IIT-JEE exam, a handful of the brightest students not only pass the test but ace it. One such example is Pranav Goyal, a Chandigarh boy who topped the JEE (Advanced) in 2018, securing the top rank.
Who is Pranav Goyal?
Born and raised in Chandigarh, Pranav Goyal, who studied at Bhavan Vidyalaya in Sector 15, Panchkula, was always an extraordinary student, securing a CGPA of 10 in his Class 10 exams and then becoming the Tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali) topper in CBSE Class 12 examination in the non-medical stream.
However, his crowning achievement came in 2018 when he aced JEE Advanced exam from the IIT Roorkee zone, with an All-India Rank (AIR) of 1, scoring 337 out of 360 points.
Pranav, the son of Pankaj and Mamta Goyal, who run a pharmaceutical business, says the key to his success was finding a balance between hard work and enjoying life, and credits his achievement to his methodical and focused manner of studying.
‘Was never obsessed with studies’
Pranav says that unlike other toppers, he never studied obsessively, and believes that having fun is important to relieve stress which comes with preparing for a tough exam like JEE.
“I was not obsessed with studying as is the common notion for all toppers. I just knew how to remove myself from studying when I was having fun, and focus only on academics when required,” he reveals.
The IITian also reveals that while preparing for the exam, he often de-stressed by reading a sci-fi novel or watching a movie. “My teachers and parents, too, supported me thoroughly, guiding and motivating me at every step,” he said.
Wanted to be in top 10
Pranav Goyal shared that his original goal was to secure a place in the top 10 in JEE Advanced exams, but as his preparation progressed, he started to believe that he could top the thing. Goyal, who credits his remarkable success to his steadfast work ethic and determination, ultimately achieved his objective of topping the IIT-JEE exam and earned a Bachelors degree from IIT Bombay.
He is currently working as a Quantitative Trader at Jane Street Capital, a global proprietary trading firm based in New York, United States.