UP student who failed JEE Advanced by 2 marks becomes scientist at ISRO

UP Student Overcomes JEE Advanced Near-Miss to Join ISRO as Scientist

Theindiapostdaily.com – Sanket Kumar, a resident of Modipuram in Uttar Pradesh, has achieved a significant milestone after failing the JEE Advanced exam by just two marks in 2021. Now, he has been appointed as a Scientist/Engineer (SC Grade) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, marking the culmination of his perseverance and unconventional path to success.

Unconventional Approach to Preparation

Instead of following the traditional route of coaching classes, Sanket opted for self-study during his gap year. He relied on YouTube lectures and meticulously analyzed previous years’ question papers to prepare for the exams. This self-directed method proved fruitful in 2022, as he cleared both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, securing admission to the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram to pursue Aerospace Engineering.

Academic Specialization and Global Exposure

At IIST, Sanket chose to specialize in vibrations and acoustics, a field that only a handful of peers pursued. While others focused on propulsion or aerodynamics, his decision to delve into this niche area showcased his unique academic interests. His dedication earned him international recognition, leading to a three-month research assignment with Shinra Inc., a Japanese engineering firm.

With a CGPA of 8.2, Sanket was invited for an interview at ISRO. His performance during that interview opened the door to his current position at the IPRC, where he will conduct final rocket system tests before launch missions.

Family’s Role in His Journey

Sanket’s family played a pivotal role in his journey. Despite skepticism from others, his parents and brother consistently supported his ambitions. “The credit for my success goes to my family. They always supported me,” Sanket shared in a

quote from NDTV

. He even kept his ISRO interview secret from his parents, hoping to surprise them with the news of his selection.

Legacy of Focus at Dewan Public School

Sanket completed his Class 12 education in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from Dewan Public School in 2021. The school’s former principal, Aseem Dubey, remembered him as a disciplined and goal-oriented student. “He always said he wanted to achieve something in life. He was serious about his career,” Dubey remarked in a

quote from NDTV

. The principal expressed pride in Sanket’s accomplishments, highlighting his determination as a source of inspiration for other students.