Rajesh Kumar: From Patna Slums to Delhi University’s Hindu College

🎓 Student Profile

Name: Rajesh Kumar State: Bihar City: Patna School: S.R.K. Government School, Patna CUET Score: 795/800 AIR Rank: 68 Target College: Hindu College, Delhi University (Mathematics Honors) Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English

📝 Interview Transcript

SATHEE Team: Rajesh, congratulations on achieving 795/800 in CUET! Coming from Bihar Board and securing such a high rank is remarkable. Tell us about your journey.

Rajesh Kumar: Thank you! My journey has been full of struggles but also full of determination. I live in a slum area in Patna where education is not always a priority. My father is a daily wage laborer and my mother works as a domestic helper. We are a family of six living in a small one-room house.

SATHEE Team: What made you choose Mathematics as your specialization?

Rajesh Kumar: Mathematics was always my favorite subject. Even when other subjects were difficult due to our school’s limited resources, Mathematics made sense to me. Numbers don’t lie - they’re the same everywhere, regardless of your background. I loved how solving complex problems gave me confidence that I could overcome other challenges in life.

SATHEE Team: What challenges did you face as a Bihar Board student preparing for CUET?

Rajesh Kumar: The challenges were numerous:

1. Syllabus Gap: Bihar Board syllabus was different from CUET requirements
2. Language Barrier: Our teaching was primarily in Hindi and Bihari dialect
3. Resource Scarcity: No access to good coaching centers or study materials
4. Financial Constraints: Couldn’t afford even basic study materials sometimes
5. Environment: Living in a slum meant constant noise and disturbances
6. Lack of Guidance: No one around us had experience with competitive exams

📚 Overcoming Bihar Board Limitations

Syllabus Bridging Strategy: “I knew Bihar Board syllabus alone wasn’t enough for CUET. So I:

• Downloaded NCERT books from the internet (when available)
• Used SATHEE’s free app which had complete CUET syllabus coverage
• Bought second-hand reference books from Patna’s book market
• Joined free online classes whenever internet was available”

English Improvement Journey: “English was my biggest challenge. Bihar Board focuses more on Hindi, so my English was very weak. I:

• Started with basic grammar from a second-hand book
• Learned 5 English words daily using a free dictionary app
• Watched English news with subtitles to understand pronunciation
• Practiced writing simple paragraphs about daily life
• Joined a local English speaking club (though I could attend only on Sundays)”

Mathematics Mastery (198/200): “Mathematics became my strength:

• Solved every problem in NCERT multiple times
• Practiced additional problems from SATHEE’s test series
• Made concept notebooks with detailed explanations
• Created formula sheets for quick revision
• Solved previous year papers of various entrance exams”

Physics (199/200): “Physics required understanding concepts:

• Connected concepts to daily life - like using pulleys in our neighborhood
• Drew diagrams for every concept to visualize better
• Practiced numerical problems daily
• Made summary sheets for each chapter”

Chemistry (198/200): “Chemistry was memorization heavy:

• Used mnemonics for difficult reactions and equations
• Made charts for periodic table and chemical properties
• Practiced organic chemistry mechanisms repeatedly
• Connected to real-life examples like cooking and cleaning”

English (200/200 - Perfect Score): “Getting perfect score in English was my biggest achievement:

• Consistent vocabulary building over 8 months
• Grammar practice for 1 hour daily
• Reading comprehension practice with newspaper articles
• Writing essays on topics I understood well”

🗓️ Daily Routine in Challenging Environment

Monsoon Schedule (when power cuts were frequent):

• 4:00 AM - 6:00 AM: Mathematics (studying by candlelight when needed)
• 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Getting ready and helping with household chores
• 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM: School
• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Part-time work at a local shop (to earn money for study materials)
• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Physics and Chemistry study
• 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: English practice (using smartphone battery)
• 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Revision and planning

Weekend Intensive Study:

• Saturday: Full-length mock tests + detailed analysis
• Sunday: Weak subject improvement + visiting library for additional resources

🏆 Key Turning Points

1. Discovering SATHEE: “In July 2023, I learned about SATHEE’s free CUET preparation. Their mobile app worked even with slow internet and offline mode was a lifesaver. The mock tests helped me understand where I stood.”

2. Teacher’s Support: “My Mathematics teacher, Mr. Sharma, saw my potential and started staying after school to help me. He gave me his old reference books and guided me on important topics.”

3. Community Help: “When our neighbors learned about my preparation, they helped in small ways - someone gave me an old smartphone, another paid for my internet recharge, and the local shop owner adjusted my work hours around my study schedule.”

💡 Success Tips for Bihar Board Students

Rajesh’s Bihar Board Success Formula:

1. Start Early: Begin CUET preparation alongside 11th grade
2. Bridge the Syllabus Gap: Identify and cover missing topics
3. Focus on Fundamentals: Build strong basics before advanced topics
4. Use Free Resources: SATHEE, NCERT, and government websites
5. Practice Consistently: Daily problem solving is crucial
6. Improve English: Start language improvement early
7. Take Mock Tests: Regular testing helps identify weak areas

Specific Tips for Bihar Board Students:

• Compare syllabus with CUET requirements and fill gaps
• Focus on NCERT books as foundation
• Practice previous year questions extensively
• Work on English language skills from early stages
• Join study groups with peers having similar goals
• Use technology wisely - free apps can compensate for lack of coaching

🎯 Future Goals

“I want to become a mathematician and work in research. My dream is to contribute to India’s mathematical research and help students from similar backgrounds access quality education. I also want to start a free coaching center in my area for mathematics.”

📞 Message to Bihar Board Students

“To all Bihar Board students dreaming of success - your board doesn’t limit your potential, it’s your hard work that matters. I studied with candlelight during power cuts and worked part-time to buy study materials. If I can get into Hindu College, anyone can!

My message:

1. Believe in yourself - your background doesn’t define your future
2. Use free resources like SATHEE effectively
3. Work on English - it’s crucial for competitive exams
4. Stay consistent - daily effort beats occasional cramming
5. Never give up - struggles make success sweeter
6. Help others when you succeed - education is meant to be shared

Remember: Success is the best revenge against poverty and hardship!”

💯 Achievements Beyond CUET

• First student from our slum area to get into Delhi University
• Bihar Board topper in Mathematics (99.6%)
• Selected for National Mathematics Olympiad
• Featured in local newspaper for academic excellence
• Received scholarship from an educational NGO

Connect with Rajesh for Mathematics Guidance: Find a Mentor

More Bihar Board Success Stories: State Board Toppers

Mathematics Preparation Tips: Math Toppers

Rajesh Kumar is currently pursuing Mathematics Honors at Hindu College, Delhi University, and actively mentors students from Bihar Board and economically challenged backgrounds.