Son Of A Ragpicker Cracks AIIMS Entrance Exam
Representational Image: Amarujala
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AIIMS entrance exam for admission into the country’s most prestigious medical institutes is among few of the most difficult exams to crack in the world. Lakhs of students appear for it and as per 2016 exam data, only 0.35% of the candidates could clear it. Asharam Choudhary is one of those who cleared this exam and would now be pursuing MBBS at AIIMS Jodhpur. What makes him special is the fact that he is the son of a ragpicker from Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh and lives in a shanty hut which doesn’t even have proper electricity supply.

Choudhary has secured a rank of 707 in the all-India category and 141st rank in the OBC category in his first attempt itself.


Asharam Choudhary AIIMS
Asharam in front of his house

“I was very young when my father would just make Rs 20- 30. There was a quack doctor in our village, to whom everybody would go in case of any minor ailment. He was very sought after and led a very fulfilling life. It was then that I thought that I too wanted to be a doctor, albeit a proper qualified one”, the 18-year-old told The Logical Indian.

Choudhary completed his schooling from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV). “When I completed my 10th standard exams, I appeared for the entrance exam of Dakshana foundation. I was among the 75 students chosen from across the country.”

Dakshana Foundation is an NGO which has a tie-up with JNV. Every year, Dakshana entrance exam is conducted for bright students from impoverished backgrounds. Those who clear it are then given free coaching for medical and engineering entrance exam. “Apart from my normal school schedule, I would also attend Dakshana’s classes.”


Asharam Choudhary AIIMS
Dakshana Class

The path to success was not a bed of roses, “I would study full day, in fact when the exams were nearing, I would sleep just for 2-3 hours.”

“Before the exam, we had a break of a month for self-preparation. Everybody left for their homes during that time. Even I did. Others could study, but we have no electricity at home so I would use a kerosene lamp to study or I used to go to my friend’s place.”

Choudhary’s talent and persistence did not go unnoticed. “I didn’t have the money to apply for the entrance exam. My Biology teacher Amit Kumar from Dakshana stepped up and helped me. He in fact paid for my books..”

When The Logical Indian spoke to Amit Kumar, he said, “Last year when I was attached with the Dakshana Foundation, I took Biology classes for Asharam. He has been a bright child and seeing his drive, we were confident that this child will do really.”

All the hard work did pay off and the result left his family extremely jubilant. “The day my admission was confirmed, my father did not sleep the whole night.”

Securing admission into one of the country’s topmost medical institution is no mean feat. Also considering that Asharam comes from a family of limited means. His will to achieve goals and the motivation to act in that direction is truly commendable and inspiring. The Logical Indian congratulates him and hopes that people take inspiration from him.


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Editor : Shraddha Goled

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