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From Modest Means to Academic Heights: Three Sisters from Punjab Clear UGC-NET in First Attempt

Three sisters from a modest Punjab family overcome financial hardships to clear the UGC-NET 2025, opening doors to academic careers and inspiring many.

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Three sisters from Budhlada in Punjab’s Mansa district—Rimpi Kaur (28), Beant Kaur (26), and Hardeep Kaur (23)—have cleared the University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in July 2025, each excelling in different subjects: Computer Science, History, and Punjabi.

Despite coming from a family with limited financial means—their father is a granthi (priest) and their mother works as a daily wager—the sisters’ hard work and determination have made them stand out as shining examples of perseverance.

Their father, Bikkar Singh, proudly expressed how their success has inspired their village and the wider community. By passing the exams, the sisters have made themselves eligible for assistant professor positions; those who qualify for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) can avail stipends for advanced research and studies, opening doors to brighter careers in academia.

Determination and Academic Excellence Amid Challenges

Hailing from Budhlada, a region grappling with low literacy and limited educational infrastructure, Rimpi, Beant, and Hardeep have demonstrated remarkable dedication. All three pursued their studies at Guru Nanak College in Budhlada, juggling academic pressures alongside financial constraints.

To support their education and assist the family income, the sisters took up private tutoring jobs, exemplifying their strong commitment to their goals. Beant Kaur emphasized their belief that education is the “only way out of poverty,” reflecting the mindset that has fuelled their efforts day after day.

Hardeep, who successfully cleared the UGC-NET for the second year in a row, aspires to secure the JRF so she can pursue further doctoral research in Punjabi literature. Their achievement underlines how meritocracy can triumph even in disadvantaged circumstances, encouraging countless students in their community to dream big.

Overcoming Societal and Structural Barriers

The sister’s path was far from easy. Beyond scarce financial resources and lack of access to quality coaching centres common in urban areas, the sisters also bore family responsibilities—including caring for a younger brother with health issues, which added emotional and financial strain. Their success story not only highlights their grit but also points to recent systemic progress in making competitive exams more accessible to marginalised candidates.

Educational reforms, such as providing digital learning resources and materials in regional languages, have begun bridging gaps and lowering barriers to entry for students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.

The sisters’ father, Mr. Bikkar Singh, credits their determination and unwavering dedication as the core reasons behind their triumph. Their UGC-NET qualification paves the way for secure academic careers, enabling social mobility that has long since seemed unattainable in their family.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

The inspiring journey of the Kaur sisters firmly reinforces the belief that potential can flourish if equitable support mechanisms are in place. At The Logical Indian, we celebrate stories like theirs for illuminating the transformative power of education and resilience.

Their achievements remind us of the urgent need to expand inclusive opportunities and strengthen support for underprivileged learners across India. Their success challenges society to be proactive in removing educational inequities so that an individual’s background no longer defines their destiny.

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