Amid the intense pressure of JEE Main preparation, 19-year-old Raksha Hegde—who secured an impressive 99.98 percentile and ranked 5th nationwide in JEE Main 2025 Paper 2 (BArch)—faced a daunting challenge. A series of below-average weekly test scores shook her confidence. But rather than letting setbacks derail her dream of becoming a top architect, Raksha turned to a dedicated mentor, whom she fondly calls her “B parent.” This guidance not only restored her confidence but also reshaped her study approach, ultimately propelling her to a stellar national rank.
Early Inspirations and Defining Moments
Raksha’s fascination with architecture began in childhood during her travels abroad, where the striking urban landscapes and innovative designs left a lasting impact. Despite an aptitude test hinting at architecture as a promising career path, she initially hesitated, torn between traditional expectations and her growing passion.
Her turning point came in Class X, inspired by a senior who secured All India Rank (AIR) 3 in the National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA). Encouraged by her family and teachers, she dived into JEE Main preparation with unwavering commitment. Juggling a disciplined routine—waking up at 5:30 AM, meditating, exercising, and dedicating long hours to drawing, aptitude, and mathematics—Raksha still faced setbacks, particularly with fluctuating weekly test scores.
“There were times when my scores would drop unexpectedly, and it really unsettled me,” she tells Education Times. In these moments of self-doubt, her mentor’s timely advice helped her regain self-belief. Determined to master the subjects crucial for architecture, Raksha refined her strategy, balancing structured classroom learning with rigorous self-study sessions that strengthened her core concepts.
Striking a Balance
Now studying at Deeksha Vedantu in Bangalore, Raksha maintains a balanced lifestyle, unwinding with badminton, volleyball, and dance. She believes that a well-rounded approach is key to handling the demands of competitive exams. Her advice to future aspirants? “Do what you love and take care of your health. With sincere effort and the right support, you can overcome any challenge.”
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