Meet Atul Kumar, who got a second chance from Supreme Court to realize his IIT dream
Meet Atul Kumar, who got a second chance from Supreme Court to realize his IIT dream
Atul Kumar’s story showcases the true power of determination and second chances. The 18-year-old from Titora village in Muzaffarnagar, India, faced a significant setback when he missed the fee payment deadline for IIT Dhanbad despite clearing the JEE Advanced Exam. His family’s financial struggles made it impossible to gather the Rs 17,500 acceptance fee on time.
However, Atul’s dream of becoming an engineer was revived when the Supreme Court of India intervened, granting him a second chance. Under Article 142 of the Constitution, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud ordered IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul to its BTech program, recognizing his exceptional talent.
This remarkable turn of events highlights the importance of perseverance and support. Atul’s determination to pursue his dreams, combined with the court’s decision, has inspired not only his family but also his entire village.
Atul dedicated himself to studying 18 hours a day for 11 months at a coaching center in Kanpur that supports underprivileged students, taking breaks only for food and sleep. His hard work paid off when he passed the exam on his second try. However, his journey was tough; coming from a Dalit family and facing financial struggles, Atul’s experience highlights the challenges many students encounter in accessing higher education. Passionate about chemistry and inspired by Dr. BR Ambedkar, Atul encourages other students to stay hopeful: “If one opportunity ends, another opens up. If you dream of studying at IIT, you can still pursue an MTech if you don’t get into BTech.” With his legal troubles resolved, Atul is excited to start his studies at IIT Dhanbad, aiming for a career in engineering like his older brother at IIT Kharagpur.
