Education Leaders | Top Interviews

Narayana Co Kaveri Bhavan, Kasavanahalli student Kushagra Gupta scored 100 percentile in JEE Main 2025 paper-1 and joined the elite club of 24 students from across the country.

Kushagra achieved 100 percentile in the initial test of JEE, whereas in the second test, he achieved 99.9 percentile. Born in Kanpur, Kushagra grew up in Bengaluru. He did his class 10 at Primus Public School with 99.9%, standing third in the state in ICSE exams, before shifting to Narayana for class 11.

"My attention was primarily on becoming better and consistent in the long run, rather than simply aiming for a top rank. That's it. Our school used to hold JEE Mains pattern tests daily. So we used to provide new questions on a daily basis and I received plenty of practice from that," he said.

He is presently training for the JEE Advanced and is keen to obtain a seat in IIT Bombay for computer science. He studies for about 12-13 hours a day, is able to venture out to play once he gets stressed out, and attempts to resume the pace quite soon after. "I developed my interest in engineering in class 11. I was interested in maths and physics and felt engineering would be a good fit for me," he said.

Amit Kumar Gupta, an engineer and the father of Kushagra, is employed with Alstom Transport India Ltd and his mother, Madhumita Gupta, is a doctor employed with Phillips Healthcare as a senior scientist.

Results were declared on April 18 night.

From the small town of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh to the crowded classes of IIT Delhi, this is the story of a student who made his failures stepping stones. In this heart-warming interview, an MTech student of Chemical Engineering recounts to us his inspirational story — from being denied an IIT seat during his bachelors to doing it at last through pure will power and perseverance in GATE 2023.

He talks of the pressure of competitive exams, adapting to a new culture of North India, finding joy in small campus moments, and the sense of achievement that came with winning a decades-old aspiration. From what he narrates, we get a glimpse of the life at one of India's premier institutes — beyond the books and classroom lectures — where friendships, food, sports, and determination make the true IIT experience.

Q: Take us back to where your IIT journey actually began.

I was intrigued by figures, reactions, and the elegance of equations since a kid. By Class 11 and 12, I was certain I wished to be a chemical engineer. Even though I couldn't crack IIT for my BTech, I studied the subject at SASTRA Deemed University. But the IIT dream did not disappear. A research internship at IIT Bombay reasserted it. The atmosphere there – charged and charged – was unfamiliar to me. And that is when I realized I must attempt once again.

Q: What motivated you to attempt once again?

My family members in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. My father is a government school teacher, and my mother is a housewife. I was motivated by their sacrifices. I realized that achieving success in IIT would make them proud. GATE 2022 failure was tough, but I worked harder through mock tests and past year papers and finally achieved an AIR 301 in GATE 2023. That helped me get into IIT Delhi for MTech in Chemical Engineering.

Q: What was your life like in IIT Delhi?

Adjustment was not easy – the climate, the food (potatoes aplenty!), and the tempo. But the friends made everything feasible. TT sessions at midnight, placement buzz, and late-night canteen snacks in IIT are memories that I will have throughout my life.

Q: How did you manage expenditure and studies?

The Rs 12,400 monthly allowance covered PG and food. I was judicious with expenses and fasted occasionally during phases, both for health and economy. Besides the academic burden, I also became a member of the Placement Cell and the Telugu community club. It was like home.

Q: How do you feel now, looking back?

IIT Delhi was not a degree. It taught me perseverance, gave me friends for life, and most importantly, made me an IITian. I would not alter anything.

Part-time working and belonging to a poor family could not deter Nagaveni Rayachur from Hubballi from achieving the 5th rank in Karnataka's II PUC (Arts) results this year. In an interview with Udayavani, she shared her story of grit, support, and determination.

Q: Congratulations, Nagaveni! How do you feel after achieving 5th rank in the state.

Nagaveni: Thank you! Honestly, I was aiming for the 1st rank, but I'm really happy with the 5th. I worked very hard, and this result feels like a reward for that hard work.

Q: You've performed outstandingly well — 100 in Geography and Political Science, and 99 in Education and Kannada. What was your study approach?

Nagaveni: I never studied under stress. I used to like studying, particularly Geography and Political Science. I self-prepared notes, followed a routine, and revised from time to time.

Q: We heard you used to do part-time work as well?

Nagaveni: Yes, I also did part-time work during vacations to sustain myself for education. My father works as a daily wage labourer and my mother is a domestic helper. It was not easy to pay for college fees. Fortunately, I got scholarships and my lecturers assisted with books and monetary assistance.

Q: That is wonderful. What kept you going in the face of these adversities?

Nagaveni: My dream of doing something worthwhile for society. I would like to pursue social service — to give back, particularly to students like me who are financially disadvantaged.

Q: Any message for other students?

Nagaveni: Don't let issues discourage you. If you believe in what you are doing, remain committed. Help will come, sometimes from the most unexpected quarters.

Nagaveni's tale is one not simply of scholarship, but of silent strength and optimism.

Karnataka's II PUC 2025 results created a wave of celebrations, mainly from Thirthahalli town and Kaniyooru town, with two deserving students sweeping the state level in the Science stream.

We caught up with the state’s first and fifth rank holders—Diksha R. from Thirthahalli and Shrividya N. from Kaniyooru—to learn more about their journey, their routines, and the dreams they’re chasing.

Diksha R., Vagdev Education Institution, Thirthahalli

State Rank: 1 | Marks: 599/600

Q: First of all, congratulations, Diksha! How does it feel to top the state?

Diksha: Thanks! It was wonderful, actually. I did not anticipate being state first, but I had worked a bit, so I expected a good one.

Q: What was your study routine like?

Diksha: I made sure to study every day. Our lecturers were very motivating—explained things well and cleared all my doubts. I also watched subject-specific YouTube videos, which helped me understand tough concepts better.

Q: What motivated you over the course of the year?

Diksha: My parents motivate me. Both my parents are teachers—my father teaches at Megaravalli School and my mother teaches at Thirthahalli Balakiyara High School. Seeing them committed actually made me committed too.

Q: What's next for you?

Diksha: I'd like to become an engineer. I'm especially interested in computer science.

Shrividya N., Government PU College, Kaniyooru

State Rank: 5 | Marks: 595/600

Topper Among Government PU Colleges

Q: Shrividya, state's fifth ranker and government PU college topper across the board—how are you feeling today?

Shrividya: Very proud. I felt that government college students also had the potential to perform at the top level, and I'm happy I could do so.

Q: Did you think anything in particular gave you the edge?

Shrividya: I stayed concentrated and strictly followed what my teachers said. They were always ready to help, and that helped immensely. I also did continuous revisions and took plenty of mock tests.

Q: Can you say a little about your family.

Shrividya: My father is the headmaster at Pragathi English Medium School, and my mother always encouraged me to be strong in my dreams. Their belief in me motivated me.

Q: And what are your future dreams?

Shrividya: I also wish to study engineering. I have always been fascinated by technology.

While Karnataka is celebrating excellence par excellence in the results of II PUC, Diksha and Shrividya are both shining examples of how quality teaching, family support, and consistency can help achieve out-of-the-world success—irrespective of where you study.

Dr Lal Bahadur Siddharth, a celebrated surgeon from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a familiar name in the medical community today as he operates on villagers for free. But there is a painful tale behind his success. Growing up, he saw people in his village suffering and dying because of the absence of medical attention. That same pain now compels him to treat the poor and needy.

Raised in a small village with no or little medical infrastructure, Dr Siddharth was born into a poor family. He saw the poor perish as they were not able to pay a doctor's fee or visit the city for treatment. Such pitiful moments left an impression on his mind, and he was determined to become a doctor and provide free medical care to the poor.

Despite the scarce resources, Lal Bahadur Siddharth did not give up. During his early years, he was a compounder with a local doctor while he continued his studies. His practical exposure gave him an even deeper insight into medicine. He completed his medical studies with tireless efforts and dedication and became a master surgeon.

Once he was successful, Dr Siddharth chose to return to his village instead of working in big cities. He established Siddharth Hospital in Jaunpur, where he provides free treatment to the poor. From surgeries to medicines, he ensures that no one is deprived of medical treatment because of a lack of funds.

Besides his hospital, he conducts health camps in remote villages away from cities, treating patients who are unable to reach a hospital. His selfless service has made him a beacon of hope for many individuals, with patients traveling from far and wide to receive his help.

Dr Lal Bahadur Siddharth's life is a reminder of determination and service. His journey is one that motivates each and every individual who wishes to make his/her presence felt in society. His journey attests to the fact that with perseverance and a sense of service, nothing is out of reach. Now his venture is one which benefits not only Jaunpur but the entire nation as well as an example, proving that true success doesn't lie through material riches but through the benefit of the needy.

Dr Lal Bahadur Siddharth, a celebrated surgeon from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a familiar name in the medical community today as he operates on villagers for free. But there is a painful tale behind his success. Growing up, he saw people in his village suffering and dying because of the absence of medical attention. That same pain now compels him to treat the poor and needy.

Raised in a small village with no or little medical infrastructure, Dr Siddharth was born into a poor family. He saw the poor perish as they were not able to pay a doctor's fee or visit the city for treatment. Such pitiful moments left an impression on his mind, and he was determined to become a doctor and provide free medical care to the poor.

Despite the scarce resources, Lal Bahadur Siddharth did not give up. During his early years, he was a compounder with a local doctor while he continued his studies. His practical exposure gave him an even deeper insight into medicine. He completed his medical studies with tireless efforts and dedication and became a master surgeon.

Once he was successful, Dr Siddharth chose to return to his village instead of working in big cities. He established Siddharth Hospital in Jaunpur, where he provides free treatment to the poor. From surgeries to medicines, he ensures that no one is deprived of medical treatment because of a lack of funds.

Besides his hospital, he conducts health camps in remote villages away from cities, treating patients who are unable to reach a hospital. His selfless service has made him a beacon of hope for many individuals, with patients traveling from far and wide to receive his help.

Dr Lal Bahadur Siddharth's life is a reminder of determination and service. His journey is one that motivates each and every individual who wishes to make his/her presence felt in society. His journey attests to the fact that with perseverance and a sense of service, nothing is out of reach. Now his venture is one which benefits not only Jaunpur but the entire nation as well as an example, proving that true success doesn't lie through material riches but through the benefit of the needy.

My path to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) started with my increasing passion for mathematics. I belong to Delhi-NCR, and I studied at the Cambridge School, Noida. I did quite well in studies during middle school and improved significantly during high school. I never really had any interest in any extracurricular activities or sports during school.

But Class 10 changed things for me. I developed an interest in maths during classes 11 and 12 after completing my maths syllabus in Class 10. I began to find it satisfying to solve maths problems and learn new things. I ended up solving my Class 11 and 12 NCERT maths textbooks by the time I finished my Class 10 board exams. Considering my experience in solving these questions, I believed that it would not be difficult to clear the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE). It was at that time that I decided to study for JEE.

I took the JEE in 2024. My rank in JEE Main was 2,604 (AIR) and 2,365 (AIR) in JEE Advanced. I prepared entirely through online classes of a coaching institute. I opted for online coaching since it was more convenient and flexible for a school-going student like me. It was not easy to attend school and online classes together as I had to study as soon as I reached home from school. I used to solve my coaching modules in the school itself. As mentioned above, I enjoy mathematics and logic. Thus, I wished to choose a branch with maximum mathematical usage. I filled computer science, mathematics and computing, and artificial intelligence in my Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling.

I eventually got admission in IIT Ropar in 2024 in the computer science branch. It was my first-ever time away from home. There were some challenges, such as getting used to mess food, hostel life and staying away from family. I miss home comfort and street foods of Delhi. I also miss playing and meeting my school friends. All this changed once I befriended someone. College life started enjoying much more after that.

I used to take a few days to get used to the IIT life. We first didn't have any classes because of the induction programme, so we had loads of time to discover things independently, make buddies and get accustomed to college life. The mess food wasn't as terrible as we anticipated yet nowhere near comparable to food from home. I soon made some buddies and met lots of individuals. It was extremely simple to befriend others here since everyone was of the same age, had the same academic interests and shared the same hobbies.

We don't need to join most clubs here to attend club events. Our induction programme included numerous club activities organized by all the clubs in the college. I had a lot of fun attending these activities and befriended new people. Once the induction programme was over, I only went to attend the sessions of clubs that I was interested in, such as the oratory club and software club. It is not at all difficult juggling academics and club activities because there are no activities scheduled during exam time, and club activities usually take place in the evening when there are no classes.

I have gained more independence and more confidence after joining IIT. I also become more social than I was when I was at home because there are a lot of like-minded individuals with whom I can easily identify and share common interests. I have realized the importance of connecting with like-minded individuals. A lot of people, including my seniors, professors, and parents, have all advised me the same. I used to see my computer science professor at the railway station one time, and we chatted about college life for an hour or so. He also put a lot of stress on the networking in college, which is good advice. 

I am at my classes from morning until afternoon. Later, I practice some sports like table tennis during the evening. After dinner, I spend time with my friends, play some video games, and study as well. There are a few nice places to hang out at our campus. The ones that we visit are the cafe, Maggi Point, and the garden. The majority of my money is spent in food outlets. There aren't many outlets so our choice is limited. As there isn't much to spend on, I don't spend more than my budget usually. I prefer eating Maggi at Maggi Point, fries at the cafeteria and milkshakes from the cafe. If I ever feel like I want something healthy, then I order eggs and paneer.

Half of the professors are good teachers, and half are not. I make it a point to go to every lecture of a well-taught course, whereas for others, I make sure to study from the senior students' notes to get good marks in the exams. Because of the 75 per cent attendance rule by our institute, we are still obligated to go to classes of badly taught courses, which is really unfortunate.

There really isn't much to do in the city. We do nearly all of our activities on campus. It is a good break from the commotion in Noida where I reside, though. There is far less pollution and we get to see a lot of birds and animals that don't show up in large cities. I feel campus life here is not all that different from the colleges my friends attend. But I think IITs have superior sports infrastructure, better networking opportunities, large fests, and clubbing activities.

I play badminton and table tennis on a regular basis. We also have our weekly sports period, where we usually play dodgeball. I have lots of fond memories with my friends. We spend most of our time making jokes, watching films, playing sports, preparing for exams, etc. We even took a trip to a nearby hill station during our winter break and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

If I were to alter some aspects of IIT life, I would enhance the quality of food in our mess, provide air conditioners in our hostels, and have more food outlets on our campus.

Upon finishing my BTech, I wish to gain some experience in tech in the industry. I am looking at various areas in tech and targeting my courses to lay good foundations in my first year.