Focus to finish, city youth scripts JEE dream

Surat: Continuing Gujarat’s strong showing in competitive exams, Shaurya Khemka from the city secured all-India rank (AIR) 43 in JEE Advanced 2026, emerging as the city topper and joining a host of local students who placed within the top 1,000 nationally.

Shaurya scored 289 out of 360 in JEE Advanced and plans to pursue a BTech in computer science from IIT Bombay. He had earlier secured AIR 179 in JEE Main with a score of 265 out of 300, underlining consistent performance.

A CBSE student, Shaurya scored 96.6% in his Class XII examinations. He chose physics, chemistry and mathematics in Class XI with a clear focus on engineering and worked towards the goal over two years.

On his preparation strategy, Shaurya emphasized discipline and focus over digital distractions. “I avoided AI, mobile and computers while preparing for the exam and depended on books and guidance of teachers. I studied with focus for two years and even on those days when I did not like it,” he told TOI.

Shaurya’s family has been settled in Surat for the past few years. His father, Mukesh Khemka, is in the textile business, while his mother, Varsha, is a homemaker. The family is originally from Bihar. His elder sister, Anushka, is a second-year MBBS student at Govt Medical College, Surat.

“Shaurya is a hardworking and sincere student. He always tries to achieve more,” said Pankaj Kabra, VP, Allen Career Institute.