Aakashian Deekshant Sharma from Pune has secured All India Rank 63 in JEE Advanced 2026. Known for his competitive spirit from an early age, Deekshant transformed his passion for cricket into the determination and discipline required to succeed in one of the country’s most challenging examinations.
For Deekshant, the journey to IIT was not driven by certainty about the preparation process. Instead, it was fueled by confidence in his ability to work hard and compete with the best.
When he first began thinking about IIT, he did not fully understand the intensity of the journey ahead. Like many students, he assumed it would be similar to school studies and that he would gradually find his way through it.
“When I thought about getting into IIT, I didn’t really know how much hard work it would take. I thought it would be like school and that I could manage somehow. But one thing I was sure about was that I would definitely get through it.”
His confidence came from a simple belief.
“I had seen the JEE papers, and they seemed as if I had worked hard for two years, why not? So many kids clear it. Why can’t I?”
That mindset became the foundation of his preparation journey.
A Cricketer at Heart
Long before engineering became his goal, cricket was Deekshant’s biggest passion. His father, Radhe Shyam Sharma, recalls that even during his early school years, cricket occupied a special place in his life.
For Deekshant, cricket was more than a hobby. It was where his competitive nature first became visible.
“When studies got tough, he actually gave up cricket. Kids used to call him to come play, but he wouldn’t go,” his father said.
Ironically, it was his parents who sometimes encouraged him to take a break from studies.
“I used to have to chase him away, telling him, ‘Go play and then come back.’ Early in the morning, I’d take him to the park. I’d bowl, and he’d bat.”
Those sessions often turned into friendly competitions between father and son.
“Sometimes he’d even bet against me, like how many times will you get me out, or how many runs I’d score. That competitive spirit was always there in him. That was his passion.”
As JEE preparation became more demanding, cricket gradually moved into the background. Yet the determination that once drove him on the cricket field became one of his greatest strengths during preparation.
Signs of Excellence from an Early Age
According to his parents, Deekshant’s academic curiosity became evident long before JEE entered the picture.
“When he was in fifth grade, he started solving sixth-grade math problems. In sixth grade, he was always one class ahead.” His father recalls how he consistently worked ahead of his grade level.
Recognizing his interest in learning, the family often brought him books from the next grade before the academic year even began.
“His mom always said he should be doing work for the next grade. So we used to bring him the books in advance.”
His performance in mathematics competitions further reinforced the family’s belief in his potential.
“When he gave the exam for the math Olympiad, he kept moving up level by level. That’s when we realized he could definitely do IIT.”
For his father, the goal was always ambitious.
“From the beginning, the aim was for him to be number one.”
That ambition aligned perfectly with Deekshant’s naturally competitive personality.
Even during everyday activities, he wanted to be first.
“Even when we used to eat together, I had to be the first to finish. If someone else finished before me, I’d get upset,” Deekshant recalled.
Discipline That Spoke for Itself
While intelligence played a role in his success, his parents believe discipline was the defining factor behind his achievements.
“For him, nothing was tough. Whatever they sent from school or whatever the teachers taught, he’d finish it right away.” His mother, Seema Rai Sharma, remembers how he approached every task with focus and efficiency. She recalls his confidence whenever responsibilities came his way.
“Just tell him any task, and he’ll get it done.”
His achievements became a source of celebration within the family.
“I got most of the awards. They used to come right around my birthday. So I’d say, ‘You gave me this gift on my birthday.'”
Throughout his preparation, Deekshant maintained the habit of taking ownership of his work rather than depending entirely on external motivation.
His father believes this quality is essential for success in any competitive examination.
“The most important thing is the child’s discipline, how much they prepare on their own. That really matters.”
A Family’s Dream Comes True
The declaration of the JEE Advanced results was an emotional moment for the entire family.
Years of hard work, expectations, and support had culminated in a result that brought immense pride and happiness.
Unable to hold back her emotions, his mother described what the achievement meant to her.
“Can’t stop the tears now. I have faith in God, and I’m really happy today. He made my giving birth meaningful. The dream that everyone in the family had is about to come true.”
For his parents, the result was not just a personal achievement for Deekshant but a moment of joy shared by the entire family.
His father says that people frequently ask about Deekshant’s preparation journey and success.
“People ask, and we really enjoy telling them. Everyone’s different, but still, we share what he did, how he studied, what they do, and it feels great.”
The family also believes that emotional support plays a crucial role in helping students navigate demanding academic journeys.
“First, understand where the child is weak and what’s going on with them. When you sit down and talk with love, they’ll understand,” his mother said.
Staying Grounded After Success
Despite securing AIR 63 in JEE Advanced 2026, Deekshant remains remarkably grounded. He views success not as a reason for pride but as motivation to continue growing.
“If it works out, then great. It’s really good. So you should at least give it a try once. What’s the point of giving up before even trying?”
He is also careful not to let achievement turn into arrogance.
“I don’t want to get ego about cracking IIT. There’s still a lot of life ahead. Let’s see what happens.”
His journey reflects the qualities that often define top performers: confidence without complacency, ambition balanced with humility, and discipline supported by family encouragement.
From a young cricket enthusiast in Pune to an AIR 63 holder in JEE Advanced 2026, Deekshant Sharma’s story is a reminder that success is often built on habits formed long before the final result arrives. The same competitive spirit that once drove him to score runs on the cricket field has now helped him earn a place among the country’s top engineering aspirants.
