The Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced is widely regarded as one of the toughest undergraduate entrance tests in the world. Conducted annually for admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and a few other elite institutes, it challenges thousands of aspirants on concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. In 2022, over 1.55 lakh students appeared for JEE Advanced, yet only around 40,712 candidates qualified, demonstrating how fiercely competitive this exam truly is.
Among these aspirants, one name stood out — R K Shishir, who clinched the All-India Rank 1 title with an outstanding score. Alongside him, several other young achievers featured in the top ranks, each with a compelling story of perseverance and academic brilliance. In addition, the 2022 female category saw Tanishka Kabra shine as the top-ranked female candidate, inspiring a generation of aspirants across the country.
Cracking the Pinnacle: JEE Advanced 2022 Top Ranker — R K Shishir
R K Shishir emerged as the 2022 JEE Advanced topper, achieving the coveted All-India Rank 1 in an exam that most students regard as the apex of academic competition in India. He scored an impressive 314 marks out of a total of 360 — a remarkable feat considering the level of difficulty of the examination.
Shishir’s academic journey reflects a perfect blend of consistency and strategic preparation. Hailing from Bangalore, Karnataka, he pursued his schooling at Narayana eTechno School and developed a deep interest in analytical subjects early on. Interestingly, 2022 was a remarkable year for him beyond JEE Advanced — he also topped the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) in the pharmacy stream and secured an excellent position in the engineering category.
What sets Shishir apart is not just his mastery of concepts but his ability to maintain composure under pressure. His success can be attributed to disciplined study routines, unwavering focus, and a crystal-clear ambition to pursue Computer Science at IIT Bombay — a dream he nurtured since his school days. The fact that he stood first among such a massive pool of applicants is a testimony to his academic diligence and thoughtful planning.
Top Ranks and Remarkable Performances
The 2022 JEE Advanced toppers list showcases a cadre of bright young minds who cracked one of India’s most demanding exams. Alongside Shishir’s exemplary performance, here are some of the top achievers and their ranks:
- R K Shishir – Rank 1
- Polu Lakshmi Sai Lohith Reddy – Rank 2
- Thomas Biju Cheeramvelil – Rank 3
- Vangapalli Sai Siddhartha – Rank 4
- Mayank Motwani – Rank 5
- Polisetty Karthikeya – Rank 6
- Pratik Sahoo – Rank 7
- Dheeraj Kurukunda – Rank 8
- Mahit Gadhiwala – Rank 9
- Vetcha Gnana Mahesh – Rank 10
Each of these ranks reflects hours of hard work, intense conceptual learning, and exceptional resilience — qualities that set these students apart in a highly competitive space. Many of these rankers not only cleared the exam but also expressed strong aspirations to pursue engineering at top institutes like IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras, particularly in sought-after branches such as Computer Science and Engineering.
Female Inspiration: Tanishka Kabra’s Success Story
In a significant achievement for female aspirants, Tanishka Kabra emerged as the top-ranked female candidate in JEE Advanced 2022. She secured All-India Rank 16 with 277 marks out of 360, making her a standout performer among thousands of candidates.
Tanishka’s story is especially inspiring because she balanced her JEE preparation simultaneously with other academic and competitive pursuits, including the Indian Olympiad Qualifiers in Mathematics, Astronomy, Physics, and Chemistry. She also represented India at the International Chemistry Olympiad, showcasing remarkable multidimensional talent.
Born and raised in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Kabra tackled personal challenges during her academic journey — including coping with the loss of her grandmother during the COVID-19 pandemic — yet remained steadfast in her preparation. Her success strategy involved breaking long-term goals into short-term milestones, which kept her motivated throughout the two-year build-up to JEE Advanced.
A strong advocate of personalised study techniques, Tanishka emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses, and evolving one’s strategy accordingly — advice that resonates deeply with future aspirants. Today, she is pursuing her dreams with a focus on Computer Science, a reflection of her long-held interest in technology and problem-solving.
What Makes These Toppers Truly Exceptional? Secrets Behind Their Success
While every JEE Advanced aspirant invests significant effort, what differentiates toppers like Shishir and Kabra is often a blend of psychology, planning, and personalized strategy.
1. Conceptual Clarity Over Memorisation
Both toppers focused on truly understanding concepts rather than rote learning. This became crucial in answering tricky problems that require deep analytical skills.
2. Smart Time Management
Preparing for JEE Advanced involves juggling board exams, competitive tests, and regular studies. Efficient time management — dividing hours between revision, practice, and rest — enabled these students to stay on track.
3. Regular Self Assessment
Periodic self-evaluations using mock tests and previous year papers helped them identify weaknesses early and improve steadily. It also helped reduce exam anxiety and enhance performance under time constraints.
4. Resilience and Adaptability
Their journey wasn’t free from setbacks, but the toppers adapted based on feedback, remained persistent despite challenges, and consistently stayed focused on their long-term goals.
Looking Beyond Ranks: The Real Impact
The success stories from JEE Advanced 2022 go beyond ranks and marks. They exemplify how disciplined effort, strategic planning, and mental resilience can drive young minds to achieve extraordinary outcomes. In the world of competitive exams — where tens of thousands strive but only a fraction succeed — these toppers have set benchmarks for future aspirants.
Their journeys underscore a timeless message: talent may open the door, but perseverance and smart preparation allow you to walk through it with confidence and conviction. Whether it’s Shishir’s multi-exam dominance or Tanishka’s multi-disciplinary excellence, both stories offer invaluable inspiration for students preparing for their own journeys ahead.
