The IIT-JEE is considered one of the toughest entrance exams in the world. Many students start preparing for it soon after finishing Class 10. Cracking this exam needs years of hard work, discipline and sacrifice.
Those who do well often get admission into top IITs and later secure high-paying jobs. Among such high achievers is Om Prakash Behera from Odisha, who secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 in JEE Main 2025 by scoring a perfect 300 out of 300.
Born on January 12, 2008, Om Prakash Behera comes from a well-educated family in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. His father, Kamlakant Behera, works in the Odisha Administrative Services, while his mother, Smita Rani Behera, is a college lecturer. To support her son's dream, his mother took a three-year break from her job and moved with him to Kota, Rajasthan, which is known as a major coaching hub for competitive exams.
Om Prakash says his success came from discipline, self-study and a clear study plan. One thing that makes his journey unique is that he does not own a mobile phone and stays away from social media. While most teenagers spend hours on smartphones, Om chose to avoid distractions and focus fully on his studies.
"I scored 300 out of 300 because I worked hard for three years. I am very happy with my result," he said. He also thanked his parents for their constant support. Om Prakash advices other students not to panic after poor results. "If you don't do well, don't overthink it. Find your weak areas, learn from your mistakes and focus on the next exam," he added.
Self-study played a major role in his daily routine. Om Prakash studied 8 to 9 hours every day, apart from coaching classes. He believes that regular practice and revision are key to success. He also made it a habit to carefully analyse his performance after every test. "My marks went up and down in weekly tests, but I always reviewed my mistakes and tried not to repeat them," he explained. For study material, he mainly relied on the NCERT books, especially for JEE Main preparation.
For the past three years, Om Prakash has been studying at a coaching institute in Kota, while staying with his mother. Despite his tight schedule, he finds time to relax by reading novels, which helps him refresh his mind.
Scoring full marks in JEE Main is only the first step for Om Prakash. He is now preparing for JEE Advanced, with the aim of studying Computer Science at IIT Bombay. His simple life rule is clear, 'Do not focus on the past. Concentrate on what you can do today.' His journey is an inspiration for students across the country preparing for competitive exams.