Manish Kumar’s Inspiring Journey from a Rural Village to IIT Dhanbad

June 9, 2024

3 Minutes

Early Life and Education

Manish Kumar, a young man from the humble village of Bhus Bhusia in Bihar’s Gaya district, embarked on an arduous but rewarding educational journey. Born to a family where his father tirelessly toiled as a farmer and his mother diligently managed the household, Manish harbored an unwavering desire for higher education to improve his family’s financial well-being.

Growing up, Manish attended a modest village school until the sixth grade. Despite the limited resources and facilities, his aspiration for further education remained strong. Recognizing his potential, his grandfather and father encouraged him to seek admission to DAV Public School, a renowned institution located 20 kilometers from his village.

The admission fee of Rs. 12,000 was a substantial financial burden for the family, considering the meager Rs. 100 they had paid for his previous schooling. Additionally, the distance to the school meant Manish had to cycle 10 kilometers each way to attend classes.

Challenges and Determination

Initially, transitioning to a more rigorous academic environment proved challenging. Manish struggled with the English language and found it difficult to comprehend the teachings of his instructors. Self-doubt crept into his mind, whispering doubts about his abilities.

However, memories of his father’s relentless support and his mother’s unwavering sacrifices ignited his determination. Manish refused to succumb to despair, drawing inspiration from their relentless efforts to provide him with a better life.

Alternative Pathways and Preparation

Recognizing the financial constraints his family faced, Manish explored alternative pathways to pursue his engineering dreams. He discovered the esteemed Super 30 Batch run by Anand Sir in Patna, a program that offered free education and living expenses to 30 meritorious students. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, that particular batch could not be formed.

Undeterred, Manish enrolled in Ramanujan Classes of Mathematics’ paid batch. Despite the challenging journey to reach the coaching center, crossing waterlogged drains during the rainy season, he remained committed to making the most of this opportunity.

For JEE Mains preparation, Manish relied heavily on NCERT textbooks for Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, while studying the notes and previous year question papers (PYQs) provided by his instructor. For Organic Chemistry, he utilized MS Chauhan’s book and the notes from his tutor. In Mathematics, he consulted RS Agarwal and Piva Q Physics by DC Pandey for guidance.

Overcoming Obstacles

Manish’s preparation faced a significant setback when his grandfather’s health deteriorated. He spent countless hours at his grandfather’s hospital bedside, balancing his studies with attending to his needs. His grandfather’s passing in February 2020 left Manish devastated, as he had been his greatest supporter.

Perseverance and Triumph

Despite the challenges, Manish persevered. He managed to pass the board exams and scored an impressive 91.2% in his 12th-grade examinations. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to continue his preparation from home.

In his second attempt at JEE Mains, Manish scored 91 marks, realizing that it may not secure him admission to a top NIT (National Institute of Technology). This fueled his anxiety and determination to improve his performance.

Third Attempt and JEE Success

Undeterred, Manish decided to take a yearlong break and dedicate himself fully to preparation. He enrolled in a batch led by a different tutor for regular guidance, supplementing his studies with test series and diligently addressing his weaknesses.

On the day of the JEE Mains exam, Manish felt a surge of nervousness but approached the test with determination. His strategy was to tackle Mathematics and Physics first, followed by Chemistry. The results revealed a promising score of 98.4%, making him eligible for top NITs. However, his ultimate goal remained IIT (Indian Institute of Technology), and he intensified his preparation for JEE Advanced.

Manish enrolled in Mohit Tyagi Sir’s CATS Competition Advanced Training Session, where he gained valuable insights and solved problems to reinforce his understanding of concepts. He also dedicated himself to practicing DPP (Daily Practice Problems) notes and regular six-hour mock exams.

The JEE Advanced exam was a grueling experience. While the first paper left Manish feeling apprehensive, he managed to perform slightly better on the second paper. To his elation, he qualified for IIT and secured a rank of 12134 in the general category and 2494 in the category rank.

Admission to IIT Dhanbad

Manish’s dream of joining IIT had come true. He was admitted to the Electrical Engineering branch at IIT Dhanbad through counseling. Today, he is pursuing his third year of B.Tech.

Life at IIT

The atmosphere at IIT is enriching and collaborative. Interactions with seniors, friends, and professors have fostered Manish’s growth and provided unwavering support amidst the academic rigor. He credits the supportive environment at IIT for his academic progress and personal development.

Gratitude and Inspiration

Manish is eternally grateful to his parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices. He also extends his deepest appreciation to his friends who have been a constant source of encouragement. Manish’s journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the belief that dreams can be realized, regardless of one’s background. His story inspires others to strive for their aspirations, proving that with perseverance and resilience, anything is possible.