Atul Kumar, a youth from a remote village in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, has secured admission to IIT Madras by successfully clearing the IIT-Joint Admission Test for Master’s (JAM) 2025. Coming from a humble background, Atul supported his family by assisting pilgrims to Kedarnath Dham, transporting them on horses and mules along the arduous trails.
Atul, son of a horse handler, described his remarkable journey and the challenges he overcame. “Until Class 12, I wasn’t even aware of institutions like IITs. There’s limited exposure in hill regions. My only goal was to move ahead and uplift my family’s condition,” he shared.
After finishing his 12th grade, Atul learned from teachers and friends that it was possible to pursue a Master’s degree from IIT. Motivated by their encouragement, he began preparing seriously in July 2024, after returning from seasonal work in Kedarnath where study facilities were nearly non-existent.
With support from his friend Mahavir—who shared his notes—Atul studied diligently until the February 2025 exam, balancing his responsibilities at home and studies. “My father’s livelihood depends on mule-handling. I used to help during holidays. But I always believed I could create a better future,” he said.
The emotional support and recognition from his community made the achievement even more meaningful. “The joy in my teachers’ voices, even those who never taught me, was unforgettable,” Atul said with pride.