They say that a lack of balance between education, game & extracurricular activities can lead to a dullness in a student’s personality. This timeless saying highlights an essential truth: finding balance is crucial for a satisfying and prosperous life. For students aiming to excel in competitive exams such as JEE and NEET, striking a balance between academic rigour and extracurricular activities can be quite challenging.

However, it’s not a matter of choosing one over the other. With the right guidance and management, students can thrive academically while also actively participating in sports and other activities. If there’s an institution that stands out for its unique approach students grapple with this dilemma of having to compromise, it is FIITJEE. While students at other institutes might find themselves stressed or under pressure, FIITJEE students seem to effortlessly slide into the top ranks.

Take for instance, Sriyashas Mohan Kalluri, a remarkable student who embodies the FIITJEE ethos. Starting from the FIITJEE’s Four Year Classroom Program (IX – XII), upgraded to PINNACLE – Two Year Integrated Program (XI – XII), excelled not only academically but also in the field of sports. As a national-level archer and Khelo India athlete, Sriyashas showcased his prowess beyond the academic sphere, culminating in a remarkable achievement of 100 NTA score in JEE Main 2024 Session 1.

Consider Harshit Singh, a student from FIITJEE’s Four Year Classroom Program (IX-XII), secured an All India Rank (AIR) 112 in JEE Advanced 2022. Despite his rigorous academic schedule, Harshit remained deeply involved in basketball, even representing his institute in the inter-IIT Sports meet where he clinched the third position in basketball. Harshit thanks his success to FIITJEE which not only honed his academic skills but also facilitated his growth as a sportsman.

A West Bengal state topper, Harshit points to the importance of concept building skills imparted by FIITJEE, which alongside the invaluable study materials provided, proved to be instrumental in his JEE Main & JEE Advanced preparation. Harshit dedicates his achievement to FIITJEE. The study material, specifically the Rankers Study Material and Grand Masters Package given after finishing the syllabus, proved to be really important resources containing JEE Advanced focused questions.

Similarly, Madhav Bansal’s journey exemplifies the holistic approach fostered by FIITJEE. Beginning his educational journey from the FIITJEE’s UDAYA : Two Year Classroom Program (VII – VIII), which extended to the Four-Year Classroom Program (IX-XII), Madhav’s pursuit of excellence raged beyond academics. A Hindustani Classical Music Distinction Holder, Madhav’s multifaceted talents were nurtured alongside his academic endeavours, resulting in another remarkable feat—a perfect 100 NTA score in JEE Main 2024 Session 1.

FIITJEE’s philosophy revolves around the belief that every child deserves holistic development, stress-free education & atmosphere leading to optimum success and bliss in life. It’s not merely about excelling in academics; it’s about nurturing talents, fostering a well-rounded personality, and instilling a sense of balance that transcends the confines of textbooks. FIITJEE’s Integrated School Programmes offer a structured yet flexible approach, allowing students ample time for both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities. With a stress-free environment and effective time management strategies, FIITJEE empowers students to thrive intellectually while actively participating in a variety of activities.

Nisarg Chadha’s journey exemplifies the multifaceted development encouraged by FIITJEE that works in offering stress reduction and better academic strategies. A student of FIITJEE’s Three Year Classroom Program (X-XII), Nisarg achieved remarkable success in JEE Main 2020, securing All India Rank (AIR) 2, while also excelling in table tennis and pursuing his passion for music. Nisarg who also plays the tabla, credits FIITJEE’s stress-free environment and supportive ecosystem for enabling him to manage his academic pursuits alongside extracurricular interests and competitive examinations such as NSEP, NSEC, NSEA, INPhO, and INChO. He attributes his ability to navigate these exams to FIITJEE’s computer-based All India Test Series, which familiarised him with test patterns and enhanced his preparedness.

As we talk of sports and extra-curricular activity it is critical to distinguish between mindless and conscious leisure activities. While mindless pursuits such as binge-watching TV or incessantly browsing through social media may bring short respite, they yield little in the way of personal development. Mindful leisure activities, on the other hand, such as playing sports, reading, or listening to music, not only refresh the mind but also improve general well-being.

Ankit Mondal, an All India Rank (AIR) 172 in JEE Advanced 2021, shares his experience of striking a balance between academics and personal interests during his TwoYear Classroom Program (XI-XII) at FIITJEE. Despite his rigorous study schedule, Ankit dedicated his evenings to his passion for painting and actively participated in school activities, maintaining an active social life. He hands his success to FIITJEE’s structured approach, which he says helped him have an active social life filled with friends in school where he was a captain and had continued to participate in various debates and organise several events.

“Following the schedule devised by teachers along with their advice is what helped me effectively tackle stress and focus on everything in life while aiming big and scoring high”, shares Ankit.

It is often seen that determining the optimal amount of time to study each day might be difficult. And so, while consistency is important, quality outweighs quantity. At FIITJEE, studying sensibly for a few focused hours is seen to be more successful than cramming for hours on end. Each student’s ability and learning style are unique and different, so it’s critical to strike the right balance for everyone.

Another student, Jasraj Singh’s journey from FIITJEE, highlights that a supportive environment and personalised guidance are essential to get success in academics and extracurricular activities. Alongside his commitment to basketball, Jasraj also excelled academically under the guidance of FIITJEE’s faculty, who provided additional support during periods of absence due to sports commitments. Jasraj underscores the role of FIITJEE in not only facilitating his academic preparation but also in raising awareness about various competitive exams and providing guidance to navigate them successfully.

The programs at FIITJEE prioritise creating a stress-free environment for students, ensuring they have ample time for self-study and extracurricular activities. This unique approach to learning enables students to acquire a substantial amount of knowledge in a shorter period, leading to a more comprehensive education.

Countless success stories demonstrate the efficacy of balanced preparation. Students like Sriyashas, Madhav, Jasraj, Ankit, Nisarg, and Harshit, along with numerous other peers, have demonstrated the potential to achieve a harmonious balance between excelling in competitive tests and actively engaging in sports and extracurricular activities. These achievers demonstrate that academic brilliance and comprehensive growth are not mutually exclusive.

“Sports should be an integral part of our everyday life. Some people think that sports are important only for physical well-being, I feel sports are important for the overall development of an individual. We are a large and diverse nation, and sports can be a great means of national integration. From sports, we learn the sportsman spirit and that acts as a lubricant in our social life. More than winning, sports help you learn to deal with defeats. It helps you become a fighter, and teaches you not to lose heart after defeats,” PM Modi has said earlier while calling for the promotion of sport in India.

In sync with the government’s approach toward sports and extracurricular activities, the stories of numerous youngsters underscore the efficacy of FIITJEE’s approach towards the fabric of sporting and music. They demonstrate that academic brilliance and comprehensive growth are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary facets of a student’s journey.

So, while preparation for exams such as JEE involves attention and hard effort, it is critical not to completely overlook sports and extracurricular activities. With the correct mix and support from institutions such as FIITJEE and government initiatives, students can thrive intellectually while also actively participating in a variety of activities, assuring their overall development and well-being.