The National Testing Agency (NTA) on February 16, 2026, released the topper list for Session 1 of the Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2026. The list provides gender-wise top scorers, category-wise data, and state-wise toppers’ list as well. Out of 13,04,653 candidates who appeared for one of the most competitive examinations of the country, 12 candidates scored a perfect 100 NTA score. Several other candidates have scored well and are looking forward to a prosperous engineering career.
Meet Pranjal Jha from Bangalore, who achieved 99.95 percentile in the JEE Main 2026 Session 1 exam. With a supportive family, dedicated study hours, and by sincerely following his school curriculum, Pranjal Jha obtained a very good score in the JEE Mains 2026. Pranjal shares his strategy and approach towards difficult topics. Know what changes in his approach for Session 2 of the JEE Main exam and his strategy for the JEE Advanced 2026.
JEE Main 2026 Preparation Strategy: NCERTs, Notes, PYQs, Mock Tests
Pranjal remained consistent with studying for six to eight hours daily. His preparation strategy included attending classes, revising notes, solving Previous Years’ Questions (PYQs), and completing worksheets provided by his school, Deeksha Vedantu, KR Puram. He advises his fellow candidates to read NCERTS thoroughly. Pranjal also attended five to six mock tests a few weeks before the JEE Main 2026 exam.
One day before the exam, Pranjal only reviewed and revised his notes. The top scorer also tells us that he had no expectations before the exam. He believes in “not carrying too many expectations” during the preparation journey. He worked hard and followed his teachers’ guidelines diligently.
Learn from JEE Main Toppers: How to Approach Difficult Topics?
It is important to analyse one’s strengths and weaknesses during exam preparation. When asked about the topics that were a piece of cake for him, Pranjal tells us he felt Mathematics and Physics were always easy. However, he finds Chemistry, particularly Organic and Inorganic, difficult. To clear his doubts in Chemistry, Pranjal reaches out to his teachers. With regular practise, attending doubt-clearing sessions, reading basic concepts from NCERTs, and solving PYQs, one can tackle subjects and topics that they find more challenigng.
Cracking JEE Main 2026: Tips from IITian Sister, Nutrition, Sleep
Pranjal’s sister, who is currently studying at IIT Bombay, instilled exam preparedness in him. In a conversation with The Indian Express Education, Pranjal mentions how he learned time management from his sister. Pranjal’s IITian sister advises him to attend mocks and revise his notes.
Pranjal preferred proper home-cooked food during his preparation. Living with his family felt stress-free. He took seven to eight hours of sleep and played badminton in his society’s complex as a recreational activity.
JEE Mains Topper’s Tip: ‘Never Skip Doubt Clearing Sessions’
Pranjal Jha advises JEE aspirants not to skip the doubt-clearing sessions. “This is very important,” he remarks. Pranjal encourages candidates to “follow the guidance provided by teachers, and work hard.” Pranjal tells us that he avoids keeping very high expectations while preparing for the exam. His family was supportive, and he had a much less stressful environment. He diligently followed his teachers’ advice and worked very hard.
JEE Main 2026 Session 2 Strategy and Plan of Action for JEE Advanced?
Pranjal tells IE Education that he will be attending the April Session of the JEE Main exam. His plan of action now is not to be too stressed out about it. “I will take it easy,” he said. For JEE Advanced 2026, “I am sticking to my old approach,” he said. He will read NCERTs, revise his notes, solve PYQs, and complete the worksheets given to him by his school. “I will keep sending my teachers doubts and keep getting them cleared,” he added.
For those appearing for the JEE Main 2026 Session 2 examination, it is important to keep your cool, revise your notes, read NCERTs for understanding concepts, and attempt mock tests. At the same time, it is very important to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Follow a healthy and balanced diet, do some physical activity, and meditate to keep your mind fit.
