At just 19, Harsh Gupta’s journey to the Indian Institute of Technology is a powerful reminder that resilience can triumph over adversity. Hailing from Kalyan in Maharashtra, Harsh has secured admission to IIT Roorkee, defying poverty, illness and repeated setbacks.
Growing up with limited means
Harsh is the son of Santosh Gupta, a roadside pani puri vendor. The family of six lives in a modest two-room chawl in Thane district, with limited income and little exposure to elite institutions. Harsh first learned about IITs only after his Class 10 board exams during the Covid-19 pandemic, long after many aspirants begin preparation.
Setbacks that nearly broke his confidence
His struggles deepened when he failed Class 11, drawing criticism from relatives and battling intense self-doubt. Yet, he chose to restart. Harsh reappeared for Class 11, cleared Class 12 with distinction, and went on to score 98.9 percentile in JEE Main. On his second attempt, he qualified for JEE Advanced and earned his place at IIT Roorkee.
Illness and personal loss
The academic journey was further complicated by serious health issues. Harsh was diagnosed with rectal prolapse, a painful condition that required frequent hospital visits. He also endured the loss of close relatives during crucial exam phases, making concentration and consistency even harder.
Support that made the difference
Harsh credits structured guidance and emotional encouragement from Motion Education for helping him regain confidence. Despite physical exhaustion, he studied up to 12 hours a day and worked part-time to support his younger brothers’ education.
A story larger than one student
Inspired by his father’s sacrifices, Harsh says his success belongs to every student who dares to rise after failure. His journey reflects the transformative power of belief, mentorship and determination.