In the small town of Atrauli, Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh, Gagan has emerged as a beacon of determination and hard work after cracking the entrance exam for the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). His story, recently highlighted in an interview with Alakh Pandey, founder of the online ed-tech platform Physics Wallah, serves as a powerful testament to resilience and dedication.
A Life of Hard Work and Sacrifice
Gagan’s journey to IIT was far from easy. His father worked as a godown keeper at a gas agency, and Gagan, alongside his elder brother, contributed to the family income by lifting 250 gas cylinders daily for a wage of Rs 350. Gagan started working from class 11th, juggling his job responsibilities with his studies. Despite the heavy workload and financial strain, he remained focused on his aspiration of joining one of India’s top engineering institutes.
Balancing Work and Study
Determined to excel in the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) Advanced, Gagan took a year off from work to concentrate solely on his preparation. His relentless dedication paid off as he achieved an impressive All India Rank of 5286 in the JEE Advanced 2024. Gagan’s story is remarkable not just for the challenges he faced but for the innovative ways he balanced his responsibilities with his studies. He used his smartphone to continue his online education after working long hours, relying heavily on online resources.
Support and Resources
Throughout his preparation, Gagan utilized Physics Wallah’s online classes, which played a significant role in his academic journey. The Arjuna batch for class 11th and the Lakshay batch for class 12th provided him with the crucial support needed to improve his academic performance. Gagan’s success in qualifying twice for JEE Mains and ultimately securing a spot in IIT is a testament to his hard work and the effectiveness of online learning tools.
Recognition and Opportunities
In recognition of his extraordinary determination, Alakh Pandey offered Gagan a scholarship worth Rs 4 lakhs. Additionally, acknowledging the efforts of Gagan and his elder brother, Mr. Pandey extended employment opportunities at Physics Wallah, providing them with a platform to contribute to the education of others.
Inspiration for Many
Gagan’s achievement is especially significant given the educational priorities in his community, where many children are compelled to work to support their families. His story highlights the importance of perseverance and the impact of dedicated support systems in overcoming obstacles. Gagan’s journey from a small village to IIT serves as an inspiration to countless students facing similar challenges, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, even the toughest barriers can be overcome.
