Meet Atul, Who Worked As A Horse-Mule Handler And Cracked IIT Madras Without Coaching
Atul Kumar, a horse handler's son from Uttarakhand, cracked IIT-JAM 2025 with no coaching. Now headed to IIT Madras, his inspiring journey is a triumph of grit and self-belief.
Atul Kumar, the son of a horse handler from Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, has made headlines by securing a seat at IIT Madras through the prestigious IIT-Joint Admission Test for Master's (JAM) 2025. Once a young man who ferried pilgrims on horseback along the steep trails of Kedarnath Dham to support his family, Atul's journey from the Himalayan slopes to one of India's top institutes is nothing short of extraordinary.
Atul comes from a modest background in a remote village where educational resources are scarce, and awareness about competitive exams is minimal. Despite these limitations, his resolve to create a better life for himself and his family pushed him to dream big. Sharing his journey, Atul said his only motivation was 'to move ahead in life and do something better" for himself and his family.
'I am from a small village in Rudraprayag… I did not know much till the 12th standard. There is not much awareness in hilly areas. I did not know that something like IITs even exists," Kumar told ANI.
Support, Self-Study And An Unshakeable Will
After completing his 12th grade, Atul did not take any entrance exams, primarily due to a lack of guidance and exposure. However, his path took a turn when he learned from teachers that he could still pursue a Master's degree from the IITs. Their encouragement became the turning point in his life.
'I did not take the entrance exam after completing the 12th grade. But then I got to know through teachers that I could pursue a Master's degree from IIT. My teachers and friends supported me and motivated me a lot," he added.
Atul's preparation journey was as challenging as his life in the mountains. He started studying for the IIT-JAM exam in July 2024, right after returning from Kedarnath, where he had spent June helping his family earn a living by guiding pilgrims on horses and mules. The conditions were tough — there was no internet, and they lived in tents, making it nearly impossible to study during the pilgrimage season.
'I began studying in July. I had just returned from Kedarnath, where I was working in June–there was no network, and we lived in tents, so studying was not possible. My friend Mahavir, who had previously prepared, helped me a lot by sharing his notes. I studied consistently till January, and the exam was in February," he said.
His focus remained unwavering throughout, driven by a deep desire to break free from the limitations of his circumstances.
'My biggest motivation was to move ahead in life to escape that place and create something better for myself," he added.
From Local Hero To IITian
Atul's father continues to work as a horse handler, and the family relies on this as their primary source of income. Atul often helped his father during holidays, balancing his responsibilities between work and studies. His elder sister is married, and his younger sister has just completed her education.
What makes Atul's success even more meaningful is the pride it brought to his community. The overwhelming response and love he received after the results were announced touched him deeply.
'The response has been overwhelming. More than my own joy, it was the happiness on others' faces that touched me, from teachers to people who never even taught me, everyone called to congratulate me. It feels good to bring pride to my community," he added.
Atul Kumar's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of education to transform lives. From guiding horses on treacherous mountain trails to walking the corridors of IIT Madras, he has shown that no dream is too big if one is willing to work for it.
view comments
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Bike rally to celebrate I-Day at Indo-China border in Spiti flagged off
The Surya Spiti Bike Rally, organised by the Indian Army in collaboration with civilian riders, was flagged off Tuesday from Jutogh Cantonment in Shimla, marking the start of the expedition to celebrate India's 79th Independence Day at the Indo-China border in Spiti. Commanding Officer, 871 Med. Regiment (Shingo), Col. Swapnil Raut and SM, Commanding Officer, 7 Mahar, Col. C.K. Gunde, jointly flag off the Surya Spiti Bike rally organised by the Indian Army in collaboration with civilian riders marking the start of the August 12-15 expedition to celebrate India's 79th Independence Day at the Indo-China border in Spiti, at Jutogh Cantonment in Shimla on Tuesday. (ANI) The rally was jointly flagged off by Col Swapnil Raut, Commanding Officer, 871 Med Regiment (Shingo), and Col CK Gunde, SM, Commanding Officer, 7 Mahar. The culminating event on August 15 will be a ceremonial flag hoisting at Lepcha on the Indo-China border, led by Brig Anurag Pandey, Commander, Tripeaks Brigade. The event aims to promote civil-military integration, strengthen bonds between the Armed Forces and civilians, encourage border tourism, and send a strong message of unity and patriotism. Along the route, the riders will engage with local communities, visit schools, interact with veterans, and showcase India's military heritage. A total of 78 participants including eight women riders, 70 men, and several serving Army personnel will cover around 800 km through the Himalayan terrain. 'This Spiti Bike Rally with the Indian Army is truly special. Our main objective is to promote border tourism. We will celebrate Independence Day at the India–Tibet border, which has recently opened for tourists. Biking is the best way to stay away from bad habits like drugs, connect with nature, and get inspired to protect the environment. When you see the culture and environment of other regions, you realise what good things you can bring back to your own hometown,' said Rajat Chopra, one of the participants.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Skipped Bengaluru for Mysore and Tirthan for Jibhi: Why this IIT graduate, who quit her job to backpack, chose these spots
For many, travel is a checklist—racing from one 'must-visit' spot to another. But for Kanak Agrawal, an IIT-Kanpur graduate who quit her job to live out of a backpack, it's something entirely different. Four years into her journey, she's realised the world is too vast to ever 'finish' seeing. Instead of chasing hype or ticking boxes, she chooses to stay in one place for months, letting it shape her life. And she's learned a few rules along the way. Kanak wrote on LinkedIn, 'I live out of a backpack and work remotely. Been 4 years. That's enough time to check off every 'must-visit' spot around the world. So what all did I tick? Well, not much. Because that's a chase that will never end. The world is infinite; there will always be more to see. I choose to travel differently. Slowly. Intentionally. Stay in a place for 2-3 months and let it change me.' Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program She shared that choosing the next destination starts with her current energy, not a bucket list. 'Do I need stillness or stimulation? Am I craving nature, culture, or people? Do I want to be anonymous or to build connections? Let your current emotional and mental needs guide you,' she advised, adding that even the same city can feel different depending on one's state of mind. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 most beautiful women in the world Undo For her, pace matters as much as vibe. In North Goa, where she stayed for nine months, late nights disrupted her routines. Now, she chooses slower areas, like South Goa. She also avoids mainstream hotspots, opting instead for nearby lesser-known bases—picking Mysore over Bengaluru, or Tirthan over Jibhi—for more affordable stays, deeper connections, and a richer local experience. Her work schedule also shapes her choices. Intense client months mean picking places with reliable WiFi, cafes, and a bit of routine, while lighter workloads allow for more remote, awe-inspiring spots. She tests a location first—spending 3–5 days in a hostel or homestay—before committing to a month or two. Above all, she prioritises life infrastructure over Instagrammable moments. 'WiFi, laundry, local market, good food, clean water, and basic safety matter so much more than cute photos. I always ask: Can I live a good ordinary day here?' Internet reacts One reader appreciated how Kanak prioritises experience and personal growth over FOMO and popular destinations, calling it a refreshing choice of quality over quantity. They were curious about how she manages work-life balance during extended stays and asked for tips on staying productive while remaining flexible. Another shared that it's important not to follow trends but to go where the heart feels at peace, embracing both the electric days and the calm ones, just as Kanak does.
News18
15 hours ago
- News18
GK: Top 10 Visa-Free Countries For Indian Passport Holders
Last Updated: GK: Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to more countries than ever, with destinations like Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, and Dominica offering up to six months' stay. General Knowledge: Indian passport holders in 2025 have more travel freedom than ever before, with access to a record number of visa-free destinations. This expansion of hassle-free travel is the result of India's growing diplomatic influence and strengthened global partnerships, making it easier, faster, and cheaper for citizens to explore the world. Whether you are a frequent flyer or someone planning your very first international trip, the ability to bypass long visa application processes can be a game-changer. No embassy queues, no stacks of paperwork, just your passport, a boarding pass, and the thrill of discovery. While 'visa-free" means you don't need prior approval to enter, it doesn't mean you can stay indefinitely. Most countries allow stays ranging from two weeks to several months, and may require proof of funds, return tickets, or hotel bookings. Overstaying could result in penalties, so it's important to check the rules before you travel. Based on 2025 data compiled by Forbes, here are 10 top visa-free countries for Indian passport holders — each offering unique experiences for different types of travellers. 1. Nepal – No Limit on Stay A Himalayan neighbour and close cultural cousin, Nepal is as accessible as it is captivating. From trekking the Annapurna Circuit to soaking in the peaceful vibes of Pokhara and exploring Kathmandu's temples, the country offers endless adventure without any visa restrictions for Indians. 2. Bhutan – 14 Days The 'Land of the Thunder Dragon" invites Indian travellers to enjoy its pristine mountains, colourful monasteries, and spiritual calm for up to two weeks visa-free. Bhutan's unique focus on Gross National Happiness adds a special charm to every visit. 3. Macao – 30 Days Known for its dazzling casinos and Portuguese-Chinese heritage, Macao offers a rich mix of entertainment, history, and cuisine. Indian travellers can enjoy 30 days here without a visa, exploring everything from street food markets to UNESCO-listed sites. 4. Mauritius – 90 Days With its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and multicultural charm, Mauritius is a dream holiday destination. Indian visitors can spend up to three months visa-free, making it perfect for extended stays. 5. Thailand – 60 Days From the bustling streets of Bangkok to Chiang Mai's temples and Phuket's beaches, Thailand offers a mix of culture, nightlife, and relaxation. Indian travellers can now enjoy up to 60 days without a visa. 6. Barbados – 90 Days This Caribbean paradise offers Indian citizens 90 days visa-free, with experiences ranging from snorkelling in Carlisle Bay to enjoying calypso music during the famous Crop Over Festival. 7. Fiji – 120 Days A South Pacific gem, Fiji welcomes Indians for up to four months visa-free. Think island-hopping, coral reefs, and authentic village experiences, plus some of the friendliest locals in the world. 8. Senegal – 90 Days For an offbeat adventure, Senegal in West Africa offers vibrant street music, bustling Dakar markets, and unique sights like the pink waters of Lake Retba, all visa-free for up to 90 days. 9. Trinidad and Tobago – 90 Days This twin-island Caribbean nation offers a lively Carnival, steelpan music, and mouth-watering street food. Visitors can explore for up to 90 days without a visa. 10. Dominica – 180 Days Dubbed the 'Nature Island," Dominica boasts volcanoes, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. Indian passport holders can enjoy up to six months here visa-free, making it ideal for long stays. view comments First Published: August 12, 2025, 15:37 IST News education-career GK: Top 10 Visa-Free Countries For Indian Passport Holders Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
