Soumo Pal’s journey to AIR 3 in IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry is an example of how focused preparation and consistent effort can lead to an exceptional result. A student of PW’s Sakaar 3.0 batch, Soumo kept his preparation simple and followed the resources provided in his batch.
He started his preparation after completing his sixth-semester examinations. Although he initially had a significant backlog and practical examinations to manage, he gradually cleared the pending lectures while continuing with DPPs and tests. With around six months of focused preparation, he secured All India Rank 3 in IIT JAM Chemistry.
Soumo Pal achieved AIR 3 in Chemistry in IIT JAM 2026, a result that he described as unexpected even after appearing for the examination. When he received his result, he was extremely happy, and his family also celebrated the achievement.
Talking about his result, Soumo said that he had not expected such a high rank. Although he knew that his paper had gone well, securing AIR 3 was still beyond his expectations.
His achievement became even more significant because he had managed his preparation within a relatively short period while also dealing with academic commitments.
Soumo prepared for IIT JAM through the PW Sakaar 3.0 batch. Rather than collecting a large number of resources, he preferred to follow the content and schedule provided through his batch.
When asked how students should approach a preparation batch, Soumo advised aspirants to follow the classes properly and regularly complete the DPPs and tests provided to them.
His approach was straightforward: instead of constantly searching for additional study material, he focused on making the most of the resources already available in the batch.
This helped him keep his preparation focused and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Soumo's preparation did not begin with a completely clear schedule. He purchased the PW batch immediately after his sixth-semester examinations, but by that time, a considerable backlog had already accumulated.
He also had practical examinations to complete, which further affected his initial preparation schedule.
Explaining his preparation journey, Soumo said:
“Mera toh jab semester six ka exam khatam hua, uske baad wale din hi maine batch kharida tha aur us time shayad do ya teen hafte mein bahut saare backlog aa chuke the.”
He then had practical examinations, because of which the backlog continued for around a month.
Once his practical examinations were over, he started clearing the backlog while simultaneously keeping up with the new DPPs and tests being provided in the batch.
This allowed him to gradually bring his preparation back on track.
One of the most notable aspects of Soumo's preparation was the relatively short period in which he completed his focused preparation.
When asked whether six months can be enough to prepare for IIT JAM, the discussion highlighted that the duration of preparation is not the only factor that determines success.
What matters more is how effectively a student uses the available time.
Soumo's preparation shows that students do not necessarily need several years to achieve a strong result if they remain consistent and dedicate themselves to the preparation every day.
His journey included:
Clearing the initial backlog
Completing DPPs regularly
Attempting tests
Following the batch content
Revising through recorded lectures
Staying consistent throughout the preparation period
By maintaining this routine, he was able to prepare effectively within around six months.
Soumo primarily relied on recorded lectures during his IIT JAM preparation.
He explained that live classes sometimes moved faster than his preferred pace. There were instances when he was still writing notes while the class had already moved ahead.
Because of this, recorded lectures gave him greater control over his preparation.
He could pause the lecture, write notes, revisit difficult concepts, and continue according to his own pace.
Soumo explained:
“Main toh recording hi dekhta tha, kyunki live mein jo kabhi-kabhi hota tha ki classes mein kara, main likh nahi paya. Isiliye toh jyadatar nahi, sabhi recording se hi karta tha.”
His experience also highlights that students do not necessarily have to follow the same study method. Some students may learn better through live classes, while others may benefit more from recorded lectures.
The important thing is to choose a method that allows them to understand and revise the concepts effectively.
Along with lectures, DPPs and tests were an important part of Soumo's preparation.
Once he cleared his initial backlog, he continued solving the DPPs and attempting the tests that were provided through his batch.
Rather than constantly searching for additional material, he focused on completing the resources available to him.
This helped him maintain continuity between learning concepts and applying them through questions.
His preparation strategy can be summarised as:
Learn → Practise through DPPs → Attempt Tests → Identify Mistakes → Revise → Repeat
This approach helped him remain consistent throughout his preparation.
One of the key lessons from Soumo's IIT JAM preparation is that students do not always need to use multiple books and resources to achieve a top rank.
He followed the material provided through his PW batch and did not rely heavily on additional books.
When asked about his approach, he explained that he mainly followed what was taught in the batch and regularly completed the DPPs and tests.
His strategy was therefore more about consistent execution than collecting resources.
For aspirants, this can be particularly useful because excessive study material can sometimes create confusion and increase the backlog.
Instead, students can focus on completing one reliable source properly before moving to additional resources.
Soumo's preference for recorded lectures also reflects his belief that students should prepare according to their individual learning pace.
During live classes, students may sometimes feel pressured when others answer questions faster or complete their notes earlier. However, comparing one's preparation speed with another student's progress can create unnecessary stress.
The goal should be to prepare for the final examination rather than compete with classmates during everyday classes.
Students should therefore choose the learning format that works best for them and focus on building their own understanding.
Although Soumo secured an outstanding AIR 3, he was not completely satisfied with his performance immediately after the examination.
He estimated that around 7–8 marks were lost because of silly mistakes.
This experience highlights an important lesson for IIT JAM aspirants: strong preparation is essential, but accuracy and examination temperament are equally important.
Even students who know the concepts well can lose marks because of:
Misreading a question
Making calculation errors
Selecting an incorrect option
Rushing through a problem
Failing to check the answer
Therefore, students should include accuracy-focused practice in their preparation and learn to remain calm during the actual examination.
Soumo believes that his own effort was the most important factor behind his success, but he also acknowledges the support he received from his family.
He specifically mentioned his parents and their willingness to support his decision to take a drop and prepare seriously for IIT JAM.
According to him, without their support, his preparation journey might not have been possible in the same way.
This support allowed him to dedicate himself to the examination and stay focused on his goal.
He also expressed his gratitude towards PW and the faculty for their contribution to his preparation.
Soumo's preparation strategy offers several useful lessons for IIT JAM aspirants.
Students should avoid constantly switching between different teachers and resources. If a batch provides lectures, DPPs, tests, and study material, completing them consistently can provide a preparation path.
Backlogs can quickly become overwhelming. Soumo initially had around a month's backlog because of his practical examinations, but he worked through it once his academic commitments were over.
Students should create a realistic schedule to clear pending lectures while keeping up with new classes.
Watching lectures alone is not enough. Students need to apply the concepts through questions.
Regular DPPs and tests can help identify weak areas and improve problem-solving ability.
Students who struggle to keep pace with live classes can use recorded lectures. The objective is to understand the concepts, not simply attend a lecture live.
More books and more lectures do not automatically mean better preparation. Students should first complete their primary study material thoroughly.
Soumo's journey shows that even six months can be productive when students use their time effectively and remain consistent.
The number of months available is less important than how seriously students use each day.
Soumo Pal's journey from dealing with an initial backlog to securing AIR 3 in IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry demonstrates the value of focused preparation.
He did not depend on an extremely complicated strategy. Instead, he followed his PW Sakaar 3.0 batch, completed DPPs and tests, used recorded lectures according to his learning pace, and stayed consistent with his preparation.
Even after making some mistakes in the examination, his strong conceptual preparation helped him secure one of the top ranks.
For future IIT JAM aspirants, his journey offers a simple message: follow a plan, complete your resources, practise consistently, and make every day of your preparation count.
Soumo Pal's AIR 3 achievement in IIT JAM 2026 Chemistry is a testament to how disciplined preparation, the right guidance, family support, and consistent effort can turn a focused six-month preparation journey into an exceptional result.