Against All Odds: Auto Driver's Son Secures IIT Bombay Seat
Yogesh Singh Jeena's story reads like a script from an inspirational film. The nineteen-year-old from Sirsa, a small village in Nainital, Uttarakhand, has achieved what many consider impossible. Without any formal coaching and battling a serious medical condition, he cracked the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and secured admission at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
Financial Constraints and Health Challenges
Yogesh's father drives an autorickshaw for a living. His mother works as a farmer. The family's financial situation made coaching institutes an unaffordable luxury. To make matters more challenging, Yogesh suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of spinal arthritis that causes severe pain and stiffness.
"There were periods when I couldn't get out of bed on my own," Yogesh recalls. "Sometimes I couldn't even walk properly. My movements were extremely restricted, making daily activities very difficult."
His medical condition affected his Class 12 performance in 2023, where he scored 74.8 percent. Although he cleared both JEE Main and JEE Advanced that year, he couldn't meet the eligibility criteria for IIT admission at that time.
The Drop Year Decision
Instead of settling for another engineering college, Yogesh made a bold decision. He took a drop year to improve both his health and his chances of getting into an IIT. "That phase was emotionally challenging," he admits. "But instead of losing hope, I decided to take a drop year. That year was not just about preparing for IIT again; it was also about improving my health, rebuilding my confidence, and trusting myself once more."
YouTube as Classroom
With no money for coaching, Yogesh turned to YouTube for his education. "YouTube became my classroom and my teachers," he explains. "I carefully shortlisted a few quality channels and followed them consistently throughout the year. I completed my entire syllabus within one year."
He found Mathematics and Physics relatively easier due to his strong interest in these subjects. Chemistry proved more challenging, but he tackled it head-on. "I truly believe that any subject becomes manageable if you spend honest time with it," he says.
The Study Strategy
During his drop year in 2023, Yogesh studied for 10 to 12 hours daily. He focused on revision, solving standard books, previous year questions, and mock tests. His revision method was particularly effective.
"Every week, I closed my books and wrote down everything I remembered in a separate notebook," he shares. "This helped me identify my weak areas, and I worked on them again. This habit strengthened my concepts and boosted my confidence."
He credits consistency as his mool mantra (fundamental principle), ensuring he didn't miss a single day of study throughout the year.
Examination Hall Strategy
In the examination hall, Yogesh followed a clear strategy. He started with Physics, moved to Chemistry, and attempted Mathematics last since it's more time-consuming. He prioritized solving easy and familiar questions first, keeping tougher questions for the end. This approach helped him stay calm and avoid unnecessary pressure.
Life at IIT Bombay
Now a second-year student pursuing BTech in Environmental Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay, Yogesh feels his life has transformed completely. He attends classes regularly and actively participates in sports and cultural activities. The environment has helped him grow both academically and personally.
Explaining his choice of Environmental Science Engineering, he says, "Growing up in Uttarakhand, I was always surrounded by nature. Environmental issues are among the most critical challenges of our time, and I wanted to work in a field that addresses real-world problems."
He faced no judgment for his decision and instead received encouragement and respect for choosing a discipline focused on contributing to society.
Looking Back with Pride
Reflecting on his journey, Yogesh feels proud of what he has accomplished. His experience has taught him patience, discipline, and the importance of believing in oneself, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.
His story proves that with determination and consistent effort, even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome. From an autorickshaw driver's son in a remote Uttarakhand village to a student at one of India's premier institutions, Yogesh Singh Jeena's journey continues to inspire countless aspirants across the country.
