Why JEE Advanced girl topper Arohi Deshpande avoided the 'topper mindset'

Arohi Deshpande secured AIR 77 in JEE Advanced 2026 and emerged as the highest-ranked female candidate in the examination.

Originally from Pune, Arohi spent her early school years there before moving to Kota with her family to pursue her IIT dream. The move, she says, changed everything.

"I grew up in Pune and studied there till Class 8," she said. As her interest in mathematics and science grew, her family decided to shift to Kota so she could prepare seriously for JEE.

A FAMILY THAT RELOCATED FOR HER DREAM

Arohi credits her success to the support of her parents, grandmother, brother and teachers.

"My parents supported me a lot throughout this journey," she said. "They even adjusted their work and worked from home so that I could focus on my preparation."

She describes her four years in Kota as unforgettable.

"The teachers guided me at every step and my friends were extremely supportive. I will always be grateful for that experience," she said.

HER SECRET? DON'T TREAT EVERY EXAM LIKE THE END OF THE WORLD

Unlike the stereotype of stressed-out toppers constantly worrying about ranks, Arohi believes a calm mind can often perform better.

In an earlier interview uploaded online after JEE Main 2026, she revealed that reducing pressure actually improved her performance.

"I went with a very relaxed mind and scored much better. The less you keep thinking that this is a very important exam, the better it can be," she said.

The approach helped her stay mentally stable through years of preparation and one of the country's toughest entrance examinations.

NO SLEEP SACRIFICE, NO EXTREME STUDY ROUTINES

Arohi also pushed back against another popular belief among aspirants: that success requires sacrificing sleep.

"I sleep as much as I need. I don't think studying for very long hours automatically makes you productive," she said.

Instead, she relied on organised preparation methods. In an earlier interaction, she spoke about maintaining structured notes and using colour-coding techniques, particularly in chemistry, to make revision easier and more efficient.

For Arohi, preparation was not about endlessly increasing study hours. It was about staying organised, maintaining consistency and protecting mental well-being over a long period of time.

‘YOU CAN DO IT’

Even after becoming the female topper, Arohi's message to future aspirants remains simple:

"All the best to everyone who will attempt JEE Advanced in the future. You can do it."

From Pune to Kota, and from a young student fascinated by maths and science to the highest-ranked girl in JEE Advanced 2026, Arohi Deshpande's journey is a reminder that sometimes staying calm can be just as important as studying hard.