JEE Advanced 2026 topper Shubham Kumar: 'No social media helped me secure AIR 1'

The results of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced 2026 were declared on May 31, and All India Rank (AIR) 1 holder Shubham Kumar had little reason to be surprised. The Bihar native, who moved to Kota two years ago for preparation, says avoiding social media, limiting phone use and focusing on long-term goals helped him secure the top rank in one of India's toughest engineering entrance examinations.

The 18 year old from Bihar's Gaya district says he had spent the last two years preparing for the examination with a single-minded routine. No social media, limited phone use, hours of study every day and short meditation breaks when stress built up.

That approach helped him secure AIR 1 in JEE Advanced 2026 with 330 marks out of 360.

"I had been toiling hard for the entrance exam for two years, so it was natural to expect good marks," Shubham told PTI after the results were announced.

The result places him at the top of one of the country's most competitive entrance examinations and opens the door to undergraduate programmes at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Shubham says he now plans to pursue Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay.

JEE Advanced toppers list 2026: Shubham Kumar secures AIR 1 with 330 marks, Arohi tops among girls

A two year routine built around one goal

Shubham's preparation journey began when he moved from Gaya to Kota as a Class 11 student. The Rajasthan city continues to attract thousands of engineering and medical aspirants every year, while also remaining under scrutiny because of concerns around student pressure and mental health.

Shubham says he deliberately chose not to engage with negative news surrounding the coaching hub.

Although Kota frequently makes headlines for student suicides and concerns over academic stress, he said he preferred to focus on his studies and the support system available in the city.

According to him, the ecosystem of Kota played an important role in his preparation. He credited experienced teachers, specialised study material and the competitive environment among students for helping him stay focused.

Exclusive study material, experienced faculties and a competitive group of students are possible only in a city like Kota, he said, PTI reports.

No social media, limited phone use

One of the most striking parts of Shubham's preparation strategy was his decision to stay away from social media.

He said he imposed a ban on himself and used his phone largely to stay in touch with his parents and teachers. Most days involved eight to ten hours of study, while Sundays were reserved for cricket and badminton.

The approach was not unique among the top rankers this year.

Kabir Chhillar, who secured AIR 2 with 329 marks, also said he avoided social media and used platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram only for academic discussions and communication with friends and teachers.

JEE Advanced results 2026 announced at jeeadv.ac.in; Shubham Kumar secures AIR 1 with 330 marks

Managing stress without stepping away from the goal

The conversation around competitive examinations in India often revolves around pressure, burnout and expectations. Shubham's answer to stress was relatively simple. "When in stress, I would meditate for five to ten minutes," he said.

He also credited family support for helping him navigate difficult moments during preparation.

"I think family members, cousins and friends are very helpful in moments of stress," he said.

His father, Shiv Kumar, runs a hardware business in Gaya, while his mother, Kanchan Devi, is a homemaker.

After the results, both parents expressed pride in their son's achievement. His father said he had expected a strong performance after watching Shubham's preparation over the last two years.

IIT Roorkee, which conducted JEE Advanced 2026, announced the results and final answer key on Monday. A total of 1,87,389 candidates registered for the examination and 1,79,694 appeared. Of them, 56,880 candidates qualified, including 10,107 female candidates.

Shubham topped the Common Rank List, Kabir Chhillar second, while Jatin Chahar finished third with 319 marks.

All three top rank holders belong to the IIT Delhi zone.

For Shubham, the result marks the end of a two-year preparation cycle built around a straightforward principle.

"There should be a willpower, an urge from inside that we have to do something so that we can achieve our goal," he said.

"I turned every challenge into motivation. My entire focus was on my goal," he told PTI.

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