Meet Aaryan Shukla, the mental-maths prodigy recognised among the world's young achievers for his extraordinary calculating skills

Mathematics can be a challenge for some students but for others, numbers are a chance to display impressive speed, focus and skill.Indian teenager Aaryan Shukla is known worldwide for his mental math skills and the ability to perform complicated calculations mentally. He has been recognized for his achievements in mental mathematics.

At the age of 14, Shukla from India has set six world records for the ability to do calculations without a calculator.His feats have also earned him a place in the Guinness World Records 2026, where he appears in a comic-book strip chronicling his journey as a young record-breaker.

Early interest in mental arithmetic

Shukla has taken to mental maths since the age of six.Mental maths is when you do sums in your head, without writing down the numbers or using a calculator.


In six to eight months from when he started practicing, people started noticing how fast and accurate he was.Then he started doing competitions, honing his abilities with regular training and experience.

His practice routine mirrors the effort behind his achievements. Shukla says he spends almost two to three hours a day practising mental mathematics, increasing that time to four or five hours when getting ready for a competition.

Six world records for calculating without a calculator

Shukla's record-breaking accomplishments span addition, multiplication and division involving large numbers. His six records illustrate his ability to process lengthy calculations within a remarkably short span of time.

As per Guinness World Records, his records are:

• Fastest time to mentally add 100 four-digit numbers: 30.9 seconds.
• Fastest time to mentally add 200 four-digit numbers: 1 minute 9.68 seconds.
• Fastest time to mentally add 50 five-digit numbers: 18.71 seconds.
• Fastest time to mentally divide a 20-digit number by a 10-digit number (set of 10): 5 minutes 42 seconds.
• Fastest time to mentally multiply 10 sets of two five-digit numbers: 51.69 seconds.
• Fa2 minutes 35.41 seconds: time to mentally multiply 10 sets of two 8-digit numbers.

These achievements are more than just knowing the numbers.Each attempt demands sustained concentration, for a momentary lapse of attention can affect the result.

Guinness World Records international competition

His next goal is to break the Guinness World Records but before that he has already achieved another big milestone by winning the Mental Calculation World Cup. He then set out to break world records after accomplishing that goal. His determination and preparation enabled him pursue the six record titles that have brought him wider recognition.

He became one of the founding board members of the Global Mental Calculators Association (GMCA), taking on a position that includes promoting the organisation in India, meeting other mental calculators and establishing connections within the community.

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A young achiever inspiring others to mathematics

Shukla’s story demonstrates the combination of early interest, daily practice and sustained focus that support his success.

His experience also shows that it takes time to develop a special skill.Starting at six, he progressed from practicing calculations at home to competing in international competitions, setting records in a variety of mathematical tasks.

For Shukla, mental math is more than just speed in arriving at answers.It is also a chance to meet people who think like you, represent India in contests, and inspire more people to get into the world of calculations.

Source: Guinness World Records and TheTuitionE