From AIR 2,790 to 183: How Pushpak Pujari Cracked IIT Delhi Without Kota Coaching

Pushpak Pujari, a student from India, has secured All India Rank (AIR) 183 in the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and gained admission to the Electrical Engineering programme at IIT Delhi. His achievement comes after a remarkable improvement from his previous rank of AIR 2,790, which he attained in his first attempt. Notably, Pujari prepared for the exam largely from home rather than relocating to Kota, Rajasthan, a hub for coaching institutes, and his success was announced in a Times of India report on [date].

Pujari's journey is marked by personal adversity: he lost his father when he was in Class 10, prompting him to stay with his family instead of moving away for coaching. His mother supported his late-night study sessions, and after his first attempt, he balanced college coursework with another year of preparation, sacrificing trips and festivals. This determination paid off as he improved his rank by over 2,600 positions, earning a coveted seat at IIT Delhi.

His story underscores the growing debate around India's coaching culture, particularly the pressure on students to attend expensive coaching centres in Kota. Pujari's success from home may inspire other students to consider alternative preparation methods and highlights the importance of family support in academic pursuits. As IIT admissions conclude, his achievement serves as a testament to resilience and the potential of non-traditional study paths.