Small town Bengal girl bags AIR 16, emerges as JEE Advanced female topper

India Today

03-06-2025

When the JEE Advanced 2025 results came in, Devdutta Majhi didn't check the website herself. The news came from her mother, and it was the moment she'd been dreaming of.'I was very happy to know this from my mother, it was my dream and it has become a reality,' says Devdutta.Her dream? A place at IISc Bangalore. Her result? All India Rank 16, the highest for any girl this year. She also topped the state of West Bengal.advertisement
But it wasn't just about the rank, it was about every single choice and effort she made along the way.A TOWN CALLED KATWA AND A STUDY-FRIENDLY HOMEDevdutta lives in Katwa, a town in East Burdwan district, West Bengal. Her family played a huge role in her journey.Her mother, a high school physics teacher, and her father, a college professor, helped build a calm, focused environment that let her thrive.'The only challenge that I faced during preparation is lack of good teachers in our sub-urban area,' she says.'I had to rely on online coaching and support from Delhi teachers. However, my mother helped to create a good environment in our home, perfect for studying,' she adds.And that environment clearly worked. She topped her Class 10 West Bengal board exams and ranked sixth in her Class 12 board exams. She also qualified for the Indian National Physics Olympiad (INPhO).A SIMPLE, CONSISTENT ROUTINEadvertisementUnlike the extreme schedules you often hear about, Devdutta's routine was steady and efficient. 'I was fortunate that my school supported me a lot during this journey. I could devote lot of time on self studies,' she says.She attended LIVE online classes from FIITJEE eSchool, connecting with teachers based in Delhi. The flexibility of online learning worked in her favour, especially with no distractions.'I never used mobile for entertainment or relaxation,' she says. 'I used it solely for attending the LIVE online classes. I did not take any pressure as such, I just focused on my studies.'THEORY FIRST, THEN PROBLEMSHer prep method was methodical: 'I focused on the theory part followed by problems. This combination for each topic helps to make the concept strong. It is true for each subject.'While many students dread Physics or Maths, it was Chemistry that tested her patience the most. 'I found chemistry to be difficult and challenging at times. My teachers at FIITJEE helped me to tide over it,' she says.THE RIGHT KIND OF SUPPORT MATTERSDevdutta is clear about the role coaching played. 'Right coaching is obviously necessary for guidance wherein the teachers can help to channelise my strengths in the right way and help to overcome challenges,' she explains.advertisementHer FIITJEE mentors offered subject-wise tips, helped convert weaknesses into strengths, and provided full sets of study material, national-level mock tests, and crucial exam strategies.But coaching alone isn't enough, she adds. 'Besides coaching modules students must have reference books for practice also.'STAYING AWAY FROM THE NOISEThere was no late-night scrolling, no WhatsApp distractions, no Instagram reels. Devdutta's phone was strictly for academics.Her choice to stay away from mobile entertainment helped her stay focused, even when motivation dipped.JEE preparation is not just a test of knowledge, it's about emotional strength too. But Devdutta kept things simple: 'I did not take any pressure as such, I just focused on my studies.'WHAT'S NEXT?Now that the exam is behind her, Devdutta's goal is clear: 'I want to do BTech from IISC Bangalore.'While many top rankers aim for IIT Bombay or Delhi, Devdutta is drawn to IISc, known for its research-first approach and academic depth. It's a fitting choice for someone who's already excelled at national-level olympiads.ADVICE FOR FUTURE ASPIRANTSWhen asked what advice she'd give to students hoping to crack JEE, she doesn't talk about shortcuts or hacks.advertisement'I would like to tell the students that hardwork has no substitute,' she says. 'They must keep doing it and must have belief in themselves.'Simple words, but coming from someone who's lived them every day, they carry weight.Devdutta Majhi's journey from a small town in Bengal to becoming the female topper in one of India's top entrance exams is no fairy tale. It's proof of what consistency, clarity, and quiet confidence can do.She didn't have elite coaching centres down the street. She didn't spend hours scrolling on social media. But she did have focus, family, and the will to stick with it.And now, she's not just one of the top JEE Advanced rankers of the year. She's also a quiet inspiration to thousands of students, especially girls, looking to dream big from small towns.