Missed JEE Advanced by 2 marks, now ISRO scientist: Meerut youth who studied on YouTube without costly coaching will help power India’s space programme

For many students, missing a competitive exam by a narrow margin can feel like the end of a dream. But for 23-year-old Sanket Kumar from Meerut, it turned out to be the beginning of an inspiring success story. After missing JEE Advanced by just two marks in 2021, Sanket refused to give up. Five years later, he has secured a coveted position as a scientist-engineer (SC Grade) at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

How did Sanket Kumar bounce back after his JEE setback?

According to TOI, Sanket narrowly missed qualifying for JEE Advanced in 2021 by only two marks. Instead of enrolling in expensive coaching classes, he took a drop year and prepared on his own.

Read more: Tribal girl watched her father heal the sick; that inherited wisdom made her the ‘Queen of Herbs’, helping over 300,000 patients battle deadly diseases

He relied heavily on YouTube lectures, previous years’ question papers and self-study to improve his performance.


His hard work paid off in 2022 when he successfully cleared both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, earning admission to one of India's most prestigious engineering institutions.

Which college did Sanket join after clearing JEE Advanced?

Sanket secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram. The institute is widely regarded as a major talent pipeline for ISRO and offers some of the country's most competitive undergraduate programmes.

Read more: In 1912, a wrestler got bored of eating ghee & milk every day. Then one day, a simple kitchen experiment led to the creation of one of world's most loved mithais

Studying at IIST brought him closer to his dream of working in India's space sector.

What unusual specialisation helped him stand out?

While many of his classmates chose popular fields such as propulsion and aerodynamics, Sanket opted for vibration and acoustics, a specialised branch that examines how vibrations move through structures and affect the performance of engineering systems.

Speaking to TOI, he said, "I was the only student in my batch to opt for vibration and acoustics. That unconventional choice paid off during the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board interview."

The decision helped him distinguish himself during the highly competitive selection process.

How did he secure a scientist-engineer role at ISRO?

Sanket graduated from IIST with a CGPA of 8.2, making him eligible for a direct interview with the ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB). This allowed him to bypass the written examination stage.

According to TOI, he appeared before multiple interview panels before eventually receiving an appointment offer based on his provisional degree.

He has now been selected as a scientist-engineer (SC Grade) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.

What research experience did Sanket gain before joining ISRO?

Before landing the ISRO role, Sanket built valuable industry and research experience.

In 2025, he completed a paid internship with Taranga Vibroacoustics, where he worked on specialised engineering projects. Earlier this year, he was also selected by Synra Inc for a final-year research project in Japan.

The opportunity took him to Japan for three months, where he worked on advanced engineering systems and gained international exposure.

Why is the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri important?

The ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Mahendragiri plays a crucial role in India's space missions. The facility is responsible for testing rocket engines, propulsion systems and launch vehicle components before they are used in actual missions.

Highlighting its significance, Sanket told TOI, "Every rocket that lifts off from Sriharikota is first rigorously tested at Mahendragiri."

His appointment at the facility marks a major milestone in a journey that began with a setback but ended with a place in India's premier space agency.

A lesson in resilience

Sanket Kumar's journey shows that one setback doesn't decide your future. Missing JEE Advanced by just two marks could have shattered his dream, but he chose not to give up. Instead, he studied on his own, trusted the process and worked even harder to reach his goal.

Today, the Meerut youngster is set to begin his career as a scientist-engineer at ISRO, turning a disappointing result into an inspiring success story. His journey is proof that persistence, patience and hard work can take you further than you ever imagined.

Inputs from TOI