Blog

26/04/2025

The Race to India’s Top Colleges: Cracking JEE, GUJCET & NEET

Every year, millions of students across India step into one of the most challenging and defining phases of their academic lives—the preparation for entrance exams like JEE, GUJCET, and NEET. These aren’t just exams; they’re gateways to the country’s most prestigious engineering and medical institutions.

With limited seats, immense pressure, and rising competition, the journey to cracking these exams is nothing short of a marathon—a race that demands determination, discipline, and smart strategy.

Understanding the Exams that Define Futures

JEE (Joint Entrance Examination)

JEE is the passport to India’s top engineering colleges—IITs, NITs, and other premier institutes. It is conducted in two phases:

  • JEE Main – The screening test for NITs and eligibility for JEE Advanced.
  • JEE Advanced – The final gateway to IITs.

Students are tested in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with a focus on conceptual clarity and advanced problem-solving.

GUJCET (Gujarat Common Entrance Test)

For students in Gujarat, GUJCET is the state-level entrance exam for engineering and pharmacy admissions. While it may not be as rigorous as JEE, the competition remains tough due to the limited number of quality seats.

It test’s 

  • Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics for engineering aspirants
  • Physics, Chemistry, Biology for pharmacy aspirants

Students must juggle both board and entrance exam prep, making time management crucial.

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

NEET is the only entrance exam for MBBS and BDS seats in India, conducted by the NTA. It covers:

  • Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany + Zoology)

With over 2 million candidates vying for just around 100,000 MBBS seats, NEET stands as one of India’s most competitive exams.

The Fierce Competition: Numbers That Speak Volumes

The scale of these exams is staggering:

  • JEE Main 2023: 11.5 lakh appeared, ~2.5 lakh qualified for JEE Advanced
  • JEE Advanced 2023: Only 16,000 made it to IITs
  • GUJCET 2023: Around 1.4 lakh students competed
  • NEET 2023: 21 lakh students applied, only ~1 lakh secured MBBS seats

These figures reflect the intensity of the race and the razor-thin margins of success.

What It Takes to Win the Race

Smart Preparation Strategies

In this high-stakes competition, preparation has become a science in itself. Students often combine coaching classes with self-study for maximum effectiveness.

Top institutes like us Vyas Academy of Science provide structure, but personal discipline makes the real difference.

Success Story: Pranav Goyal (AIR 1, JEE Advanced 2018)

Pranav focused on concept clarity and strategic test-taking. He practiced rigorously, taking mock exams daily and learning from each one.

Handling Stress & Pressure

Behind every success story is a phase of mental and physical strain. Many students study 10-12 hours a day, sacrificing sleep and social life.

Case Study: Kota’s Coaching Culture

Kota is India’s coaching hub, yet also a cautionary tale. The intense pressure here has often led to student burnout and mental health issues. Balance is key.

The Pillars of Success

  • Time Management – Prioritize topics, stick to a daily plan, and take breaks to stay fresh.
  • Mock Tests & Past Papers – Repeated testing boosts speed, accuracy, and confidence.

Topper Insight: Bhavik Bansal (AIR 2, NEET 2019)

He practiced over 100 mock tests, fine-tuned his timing, and improved question selection under pressure.

Beyond the Exam: A New Perspective

While these exams are important, they’re not the only path to success. Even global thinkers like Elon Musk emphasize skills over degrees. Today, many students are exploring coding, design, entrepreneurship, and alternative careers beyond traditional fields.

Run Your Own Race

Cracking JEE, GUJCET, or NEET is a rigorous test of endurance, consistency, and courage. It’s about more than getting into a top college—it’s about becoming a better version of yourself.

Every student runs their own race. Some may reach IIT or AIIMS, others may discover new strengths along the way. What matters most is the journey, the growth, and the resilience built through it all.