02 June,2026 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana Dahiwal
Arohi (left) with her grandmother, younger brother, and parents, Prasad and Amita Deshpande. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Pune's Arohi Deshpande secured All India Rank (AIR) 1 in the girls' category of the JEE Advanced 2026, scoring 280 out of 360 marks. Her father, Prasad Deshpande, said, "We knew Arohi would do well, but never imagined she would secure the first position among girls across India. The biggest reason behind her success is that she genuinely enjoyed studying. Because she loved learning, academic pressure never became a burden," he said.
To support Arohi's growing interest in science and maths, the Deshpande family moved from their home on Baner-Pashan Link Road in Pune to Kota, Rajasthan, where they spent four years backing her JEE preparation.
Arohi Deshpande
Her father, Prasad - an IT engineer - noted that the idea surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic when online classes introduced them to Kota's coaching ecosystem, prompting a city visit and their eventual relocation.
Unlike many students who move to Kota alone, Arohi was accompanied by her entire family, including her mother, younger brother, and grandmother. According to Prasad, the family ensured she always had emotional support and never faced academic pressure. Arohi's mother, Amita Deshpande, an environmental engineer, and Prasad balanced work commitments through a mix of remote work and travel. "We informed our employers about Arohi's educational goals, and both companies were very supportive. We are grateful for the flexibility we received," he said.
Arohi is focused on the next step in her academic journey. "I want to pursue Computer Engineering at IIT Bombay. The feeling is indescribable and overwhelming. I never chased a rank; I simply focused on enjoying the learning process and giving my best effort," she said. Sharing advice for aspirants, she said students should remain disciplined, trust the process, and not be discouraged by setbacks.
>> AIR 1 among girls in JEE Advanced 2026
>> Scored 280 out of 360 marks
>> Studied in Kota for four years
>> Aspires to study Computer Engineering at IIT Bombay
