His journey saw him spend two crucial years in Kota. However, just before the JEE examination, his health deteriorated, confining him to bed rest for three months. It was during this challenging period that his mother, Gunja, stepped up in an extraordinary way.
A Mother's Dedication: Attending Online Lectures and Taking Notes
Gunja, a B.Ed graduate who chose to be a homemaker, ensured her son's studies weren't derailed. She diligently attended Gunjan's online lectures, making notes and then sharing them with him. She essentially went back to studying after years, all to support her son's academic pursuits.
Her efforts paid off handsomely. Gunjan secured an impressive rank in JEE Advanced: PwD Category OBC Rank 50 and a Common Rank of 120. His father, Rajnarayan Prasad, serves as an engineer in the Border Road Organization, and his younger brother is also currently preparing for JEE in Kota.
Overcoming Physical Challenges
Gunjan’s weak eyesight, with only 70% vision and requiring glasses with a power of 9.5, added another layer of difficulty. Yet, he scored a commendable 91.8 percentile in JEE Main.
Reflecting on his journey, Gunjan shared, “Circumstances are not always in our support. Exams are not just about studies, but also about courage. I was determined to crack IIT-JEE by studying in Kota and tried my best. When I fell ill, my mother's support was very helpful before the exam. Faculty guided me, so I could succeed. Therefore, students should always think ahead while maintaining courage.”
Inspired by Toppers, Choosing Kota
Despite his vision challenges, Gunjan was resolute about preparing for JEE in Kota. He didn't let his weakness define him, passing his 10th grade with 82.5% and 12th grade with 70% marks. Before coming to Kota, he researched the best coaching options and was inspired by the video of Mridul Agarwal, the JEE Main and Advanced All India Topper of 2021. This inspiration cemented his decision to push his parents to send him to Kota.
The Battle with Pneumothorax
Gunjan arrived in Kota in 2023. Things were going smoothly until a routine test on October 5, 2025, revealed a major challenge. The very next day, he experienced severe chest pain. Doctors diagnosed him with pneumothorax, a collapsed left lung, caused by lifting excessively heavy objects. This led to a three-month period of complete bed rest. Yet, he emerged successful.
His mother, Gunja, expressed her profound joy, stating, “I was very happy when my notes worked and my son succeeded.” Naveen Maheshwari, director of a private institute, highlighted that Kota serves as a real motivation not just for students but also for parents. He added that Kota isn't just about exam preparation; it instills self-confidence, making Gunjan’s story a true inspiration for students and guardians alike.
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