‘Deactivated my Instagram account, devoted 12 hours for JEE Main preparation,’ says topper Sai Manogna Guthikonda

Hailing originally from Guthikonda in the Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, Sai Manogna is all set to appear for her intermediate second-year exam (equivalent to Class 12 exams), which will be held in March.

Her mother Padmaja, a nutritionist, told indianexpress.com, “She topped her ICSE (Class 10 exam) in school and also Class 11 (intermediate first-year) exam last year,” she said.

When asked why Sai Manogna switched from a national board to the Andhra state board, her mother said, “There were not many good ISC schools in our area. Also, Bhashyam Junior College, where she presently studies, is considered the best here. Her teachers have played an important role in her JEE preparation as we are working parents and hardly get time.”

Sai Manogna said the state board exam is easier than the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which has “too many subjects to focus on”.

Unlike other toppers, Sai Manogna did not get enrolled in a coaching institute as she felt her studies prepared her well for JEE Main. “My teachers and friends supported me throughout. I enjoy subjects that have logic, and therefore, computer science and maths are my favourites,” she said, adding that all six of her friends with whom she used to do group study have cracked JEE Main.

“I devoted 12-14 hours daily to my studies including preparation of JEE Main. Constant revising helped me achieve confidence. Sunday was the only day when. I used to relax – wake up late, watch motivational videos of IIT students who showed life in an IIT, discoveries, etc,” she added.

Know how Sai prepared for JEE Main 2025.

How about social media, where most teenagers spend their time? “I was on Instagram till Class 10, but then I deactivated my account. I wanted to concentrate on my studies, but social media was a distraction. It was initially difficult, but I decided if I wanted to get into a good college, then I have to make this temporary sacrifice,” she said.

Which IIT is she aiming for? “For now, I am targeting a good rank. I like electronics and communication but have not decided on any college and branch,” Sai Manogna said.

Her elder brother is a final-year student at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Kerala’s Kottayam district. Her father teaches mechanical engineering at RVR and JC College of Engineering, Guntur, in Andhra Pradesh.

Sai Manogna has already registered for the JEE Main April session. “While my focus is on JEE Advanced, I have registered for the April session just for practice purposes,” she said.