Pilani: Mr. Ishan Mata (22 years), a final year dual degree student of Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, doing M.Sc (Hons) Physics and M.Sc (Hons) Mathematics topped the Physics paper in the prestigious Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 2010 exam conducted jointly by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.

"Ishan topped the exam out of 5578 candidates who appeared for the Physics exam scoring 77.6 out of 100 marks. His registration number was PH 8052086," said a press release.

Ishan also topped the Joint Entrance Screening test 2010 (JEST 2010) conducted for admission to PhD program in prestigious institutions including IISc, Bangalore, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, Harish Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad, Inter University Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune etc.

JEST is conducted in two subjects, that is, Physics and Theoretical Computers and Ishan chose Physics.

"He scored 78.33 out of 100 in the JEST 2010 and his percentile was 99.98. His roll number at JEST was 112341," added the press release.

Ishan plans to do PhD in Theoretical Physics after completing his studies at BITS. With top scores on hand, he is expecting interview calls from many prestigious institutions in India including BITS Pilani.

Ishan has a deep interest in Physics and he changed to the dual degree program during the second year of study at BITS though originally he had secured admission to BE (Electronical and Electronics Engineering) in 2005. This enabled him to pursue his interest in Physics and Mathematics.

Ishan says, "I have been interested in Physics since Class 9 and I am interested to do research in Fundamental aspects of Theoretical Physics. I feel that the guidance of learned faculty of BITS and support from my parents has enabled me to develop an understanding of the subject. My father is a veterinary doctor. His guidance during my school days generated my interest in Physics and Mathematics."