Prof. Ankur Kumar Jain (Physics), Managing Partner and Regional Director, FIITJEE | File Photo
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], March 25: FIITJEE Global School’s innovative educational model is redefining competitive exam preparation in India through its revolutionary EXCEL Campus. With decades of experience shaping academic excellence, FIITJEE has launched this first-of-its-kind residential school that integrates school education with IIT JEE and NEET coaching in a holistic, stress-free environment.
Located in the serene city of Vellore, the EXCEL Campus promises students not just academic rigour but also mental, physical, and emotional well-being through a balanced lifestyle. In our conversation with Prof. Ankur Kumar Jain (Physics), Managing Partner and Regional Director, FIITJEE, we jump into the evolution of competitive exam preparation, the inspiration behind EXCEL Campus, and how advanced technology, mentoring, and a student-first approach are setting new standards in education.
1. You have had a remarkable journey—from preparing for IIT JEE yourself to training thousands of students over the years. What have been your biggest learnings and insights from this experience?
My journey from being an IIT JEE aspirant to mentoring thousands of students has been incredibly enlightening. One of the biggest realisations I’ve had is that traditional teaching methods often discourage students from making mistakes. However, real learning happens when students are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. The goal should be to help them recognise and correct their errors so that by the time they face their exams, they have mastered both the concepts and the approach.
Another key insight is that every student has unique strengths. With the right guidance and support, they can achieve remarkable success. Teaching is like playing the veena—if the right chords are struck, amazing music emerges. Similarly, by identifying and nurturing a student’s potential, we can help them reach their full capabilities.
Beyond knowledge and skills, intelligence plays a crucial role in a student’s success. While knowledge can be acquired, intelligence enables students to adapt, think critically, and solve problems efficiently. This philosophy has shaped my teaching approach, ensuring that students not only excel academically but also develop the mindset and resilience needed to succeed in life.
2. Many students rely on coaching institutes instead of just their schools for IIT JEE and NEET preparation. Why is this the case?
Students turn to coaching institutes primarily because traditional schools are not designed to meet the demands of competitive exams like IIT JEE and NEET. Instead, schools primarily focus on board exams, which follow a different pattern and assessment style.
The depth of understanding, problem-solving skills, accuracy, and speed required for competitive exams go far beyond regular school syllabi. Students try to bridge this gap by going to coaching institutes separately after attending school, which can be very exhausting and stressful for students.
3. What is EXCEL Campus and how does it address this gap?
Transcending the conventional route of competitive exam preparation via coaching or dummy schools, EXCEL Campus is a first-of-its-kind residential program offered by FIITJEE Global School. It combines FIITJEE’s 30 years of expertise in preparing students for competitive exams with the school’s holistic educational approach.
This integration provides a structured, stress-free environment for students preparing for IIT JEE and NEET, providing them with a life-changing experience and the support they need to thrive.
Students benefit from a synchronised curriculum, eliminating the need to juggle between school and coaching while the fully residential setup ensures they receive quality education, mentorship, and holistic development within a single ecosystem.
4. Holistic education is a key focus at EXCEL Campus. How does this benefit students preparing for competitive exams?
Holistic education nurtures a student beyond academics, focusing on physical and mental well-being, resilience, and overall growth. Preparing for exams like IIT JEE and NEET can be mentally and emotionally taxing, leading to burnout if students focus solely on studies without taking care of their well-being.
At EXCEL Campus, we incorporate sports, yoga, meditation, structured recreational breaks, and extracurricular activities into the daily schedule to keep students motivated and stress-free. Engaging in these activities enhances cognitive abilities and emotional balance, ensuring students stay focused and perform at their best.
5. What inspired the creation of EXCEL Campus, and how does it differ from the training provided in coaching hubs like Kota and Hyderabad?
Practically, there is no education system available in India that provides thorough preparation for Competitive exams like IIT JEE and NEET in a stress-free environment with a holistic approach and good living conditions. In hubs like Kota and Hyderabad, lakhs of students crumble into cramped classes with no personal mentoring leading to very high failure rates both in terms of success in competitive exams and ability to live happy lives.
EXCEL Campus was founded to create an environment where students could prepare for competitive exams without any stress. Our model integrates high-quality school education with specialised competitive exam training and comfortable living. With access to top faculty, guided study sessions, and a balanced routine, students thrive academically while flourishing as individuals. Unlike conventional coaching centres, EXCEL Campus fosters a structured lifestyle that prioritises both academic excellence and personal well-being.
EXCEL Campus offers a more personalised approach, ensuring that students receive dedicated mentorship, a well-rounded curriculum, and an optimal study-life balance—elements often missing in standard residential setups.
6. How is EXCEL Campus integrating advanced technology to enhance students’ preparation for competitive exams?
Technology plays a crucial role in making learning more efficient. Often, students are unaware of the mistakes they make and the areas where they are more likely to struggle.
At EXCEL Campus, we leverage projector-based teaching methods and digital notes to facilitate effective learning. Each student receives a tablet preloaded with the GOLD (Goal-Oriented Learning and Development) app, which enables them to complete assignments and track their concept-wise performance.
Assignments are meticulously graded at CBSE, JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, and NEET levels. The app also offers comprehensive performance tracking, allowing educators to monitor students’ progress closely and identify areas for improvement. Additionally, Random Assignment Tests (RAT) evaluate the quality of students’ completed assignments.
To test their conceptual understanding, students periodically take tests on the NITO app (the TEST app) in a faculty-supervised test environment. The app provides a detailed performance analysis and enables the students to further analyse and pinpoint the reasons behind their mistakes. It also offers personalised improvement strategies to help them refine their approach and strengthen their understanding.
Furthermore, the All-India test series and specialised exams such as RDX expose students to the rigorous standards of the IIT JEE Advanced examination. These tools equip students to adapt to evolving exam patterns while maximising their potential.
7. Many students come from diverse backgrounds, including smaller towns and international locations. How does EXCEL Campus ensure accessibility and inclusivity?
EXCEL Campus is designed to be inclusive and accessible to students from all backgrounds. The residential setup provides students from different cities, towns, and even international locations a secure, well-equipped environment where they can focus on their studies without distractions. Our Multiple accommodation options are designed for the comfort and convenience of every student.
Accommodation options include air-conditioned studio rooms with kitchenettes and attached toilets, as well as large rooms with attached toilets available in single, twin-sharing, quad-sharing, and deca-sharing (up to 10 students) with 24/7 security. A well-managed on-campus mess provides nutritious meals catering to different food preferences.
Our faculty and support staff cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring every student receives the required guidance. Language support and peer mentoring programs help students from different regions adapt quickly, making them feel at home.
8. Parental involvement is crucial in a child’s academic journey. How does EXCEL Campus engage parents and keep them informed?
We believe in maintaining strong communication with parents. Parents can view the performance of their child by visiting a URL (MyURL) unique to their child allowing them to stay updated in real time. Periodic online and offline interactions with teachers and mentors keep parents involved in their child’s progress. Regular progress reports provide insights into students’ academic performance and well-being.
We also organise workshops and counselling sessions to help parents understand how they can support their child’s journey effectively. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive continuous guidance both at school and at home.
9. Why is Vellore an ideal location for EXCEL Campus?
Vellore offers a serene and distraction-free environment, making it an ideal setting for focused academic preparation. Nestled among hills, the EXCEL Campus provides a peaceful atmosphere that fosters concentration and enhances learning. The city’s strong educational heritage, with renowned institutions like VIT and CMC, further reinforces a culture of academic excellence, ensuring access to quality resources and experienced faculty.
Additionally, Vellore’s strategic location near Chennai and Bengaluru makes it easily accessible for students across India. The city also offers affordability without compromising on quality, enabling students to integrate school education with competitive exam preparation in a stress-free and supportive environment. This balance of accessibility, affordability, and academic excellence makes Vellore the perfect home for EXCEL Campus.
10. Recently, some sections of the media have portrayed negative narratives about FIITJEE. How does the institution respond to such challenges?
FIITJEE respects free expression but acknowledges that certain media stories prioritise sensationalism over substance. Unlike profit-driven enterprises, FIITJEE operates with a philanthropic mission, striving to innovate and raise academic benchmarks. Any institution that challenges norms and pioneers transformation faces obstacles, and FIITJEE is no exception.
However, rather than being deterred, we see these challenges as opportunities to strengthen our commitment to students and faculty. Our resolve remains unshaken—we continue to empower students, providing them with an ethical, high-quality education that prepares them to succeed in life. We invite you to witness this transformative vision firsthand at the FIITJEE Global School EXCEL Campus, Vellore, and be a part of our journey toward a brighter future.
