JEE Advanced 2026 success story: How a Bihar student with 70% vision impairment and a collapsed lung secured an IIT Delhi seat with his mother's unwavering support

For many students, cracking JEE Advanced requires years of discipline, hard work, and determination. But for Bihar's Gunjan Kumar, the journey involved overcoming severe health setbacks, vision impairment and months away from regular studies. Yet, with unwavering support from his mother, the Sitamarhi student secured OBC Category Rank 50 in JEE Advanced 2026 and is now set to join IIT Delhi's prestigious Computer Science programme.

His inspiring story has drawn attention across the country, highlighting the role family support can play in helping students navigate one of India's toughest entrance examinations.

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Who is Gunjan Kumar?

Gunjan Kumar hails from Bihar's Sitamarhi district and moved to Kota in 2023 to prepare for JEE Advanced, the gateway to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). But things took an ugly turn for him when he fell seriously ill just before the examination.

Despite facing significant visual challenges, Gunjan remained focused on his goal. According to reports, he has more than 70 per cent vision impairment and wears spectacles with a power of 9.5.

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Collapsed lung left him bedridden for months

A few months before the examination, Gunjan was diagnosed with pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung, after lifting a heavy object.

The condition forced him to remain bedridden for nearly three months during a crucial phase of his JEE preparation. Unable to attend classes normally and struggling with his health, he faced one of the biggest challenges of his academic journey.

But it was during this difficult period that his mother stepped in to ensure his studies did not come to a complete halt.

Mother attended online classes and prepared notes

Gunjan's mother, Gunja, a homemaker with a B.Ed degree, took on an unusual role during her son's recovery.

Although her academic background was in the humanities, she started attending his online coaching classes, carefully listening to lessons and preparing handwritten notes so that Gunjan could continue learning while recovering. She familiarised herself with scientific concepts and technical terminology, ensuring her son did not miss important topics covered during his absence.

Recalling that period, Gunjan credited his mother for helping him stay connected to his studies.

"When I fell ill, my mother's support became invaluable. She prepared notes and helped me continue my studies during those months," Gunjan told news agency PTI.

Learning science to help her son chase an IIT dream

What makes the story even more remarkable is that Gunja had no formal academic background in science or engineering.

Yet she dedicated herself to understanding complex concepts so she could accurately record classroom lessons and create useful study material for her son.

Speaking about the experience, she said the process taught her scientific terminology and gave her a sense of fulfilment. Gunja said she learnt scientific terminology while preparing notes for her son and found immense satisfaction when they proved useful during his preparation.

JEE Advanced 2026 result brings IIT Delhi dream within reach

Gunjan's perseverance and his mother's unwavering support eventually paid off.

He secured OBC Category Rank 50 in JEE Advanced 2026, earning a place among the country's top engineering aspirants. The achievement has paved the way for admission to Computer Science at IIT Delhi, one of the most sought-after programmes in India.

His success story stands as a reminder that academic achievements are often powered not just by hard work, but also by the quiet sacrifices made by family members behind the scenes.

A story of resilience and determination

From battling a collapsed lung and managing severe vision impairment to securing a top rank in one of India's toughest examinations, Gunjan Kumar's journey is a story of resilience.

Equally inspiring is the role played by his mother, whose handwritten notes and unwavering support helped keep an IIT dream alive during a period when it seemed uncertain.

As Gunjan prepares to begin his next chapter at IIT Delhi, his story is already inspiring students and parents across the country.

(With PTI inputs)