Rohan Siddhesh Keni
Rohan Siddhesh Keni, a 17-year-old student from Caranzalem, has made Goa proud by becoming the state topper in the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) Main, Season 1, with an impressive 99.95 percentile score. Rohan, a student at Dempo PACE, has now qualified for the next stage- the JEE Advanced.
In an interview with The Goan, Rohan opened up about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the support he received along the way.
Rohan started preparing for the JEE exam a few years ago. "Many students begin their preparation as early as eighth or ninth grade, but for me, it was a gradual transition," he said. "I used to read my brother’s textbooks, and that helped me get started."
Rohan revealed that over 12.5 lakh students across India appeared for the JEE Main exam. "I am not sure about the exact number from Goa, but it’s a massive number when you think about it," he said. Despite the competition, Rohan remained focused on his goal.
When asked about the exam itself, Rohan explained that JEE Main is not just about deep subject knowledge but about how well you can cover the entire syllabus. "The key is to cover all topics thoroughly."
Rohan’s school schedule ran from 8 am to 4:30 pm, leaving him with limited time to study. "I tried to study for 3 to 4 hours after school, but there were days when it was tough due to schoolwork and other commitments," he shared. Despite these challenges, Rohan managed to maintain a strict schedule, balancing his schoolwork, studies, and some personal time.
"I followed a specific timetable for both school days and holidays," he explained, emphasizing the importance of time management.
As the exam date drew closer, Rohan admitted that he felt the pressure of expectations, especially since he had consistently topped his class. "I knew people expected me to perform well," he said. "But I didn’t feel the pressure to come first. I just focused on doing my best."
He also mentioned the nerve-wracking two-hour wait before the exam, which was the hardest part.
When the results were announced, Rohan was filled with excitement and pride. "I knew I had done well, but topping Goa was unexpected," he said. "I was proud of myself, and it felt great to see my hard work pay off." His parents, too, were overjoyed with his achievement.
Rohan’s advice to future JEE aspirants is simple yet powerful: "It’s not just about the coaching you join; it’s about the hard work you put in. Coaching helps with motivation and learning, but in the final months before the exam, your effort is what matters most." He also mentioned that he had joined an integrated school with a focus on JEE preparation, which helped him along the way.
When asked about his friends' reaction to his success, Rohan shared that many of his friends were equally surprised and happy for him. Rohan’s teachers, including his principal, congratulated him on his success, and he was humbled by their support.
Looking ahead, Rohan is interested in pursuing a career in physics and aerospace engineering. With his dedication and clear focus, he is on the right path to achieving his goals.
His father, Siddesh Keni, expressed his pride, saying, "I am very happy and full of pride because of my son's achievement. His hard work and determination have brought him this success, and I know he will continue to make us proud in the future."
