Atul Kumar, the son of a daily wage worker, grew up with the dream of going to IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology) to become an engineer and break the cycle of poverty in his family. However, he missed the admission to IIT Dhanbad as he failed to pay 17,500 Rupees on time before the admission portal closed. Mr Kumar has exceptional talent, securing a 1455 rank in the JEE (Advanced) 2024 in his category.
He was allocated a seat at IIT Dhanbad for the four-year Bachelor of Technology course in Electrical Engineering. This is also Mr Kumar’s second and final attempt to gain admission. He comes from an ST (Schedule Tribe) community, and from his family gathering, the admission amount was not a simple task.
Despite all odds, on June 24, Mr. Kumar managed to collect 17,500 Rupees, but the admission portal closed when he was filling in his personal information. He tried to communicate with the exam authority, IIT Madras, but seeing no result, he filed a case in the Madras High Court. However, the High Court advised him to appeal to the Supreme Court for relief. The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, noted that “Affirmatively, he is a talented student who belongs to a marginalized community and who has done everything to secure admission.
Our power to do substantive justice under Article 142 is precisely for situations like this.” Chief Justice also wished “All the best” to Mr. Kumar at the end of the hearing. Now, Atul Kumar will be apple to study in IIT Dhanbad without any issue.
What is Article 142?
Article 142 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to issue any order which is crucial to give effect to the judgement or verdicts. This Article allows the Supreme Court to take any action which is necessary to ensure justice. The scope of Article 142 is very broad, and this includes the power to issue direction to any government and other authorities. Under this Article, the Supreme Court of India can appoint a commission or take over the function of any authority. However, it is interesting to note the power of Article 142 is not unlimited as the Supreme Court has to act with the framework of the Constitutions and Law to avoid any potential misuse.
Right to Education
Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality to all the people of India, which is also applicable to higher education. This Article is often viewed as the cornerstone of the Indian Constitution because it ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background, are treated equally under the law. Mr Kumar’s father works as a daily wager from Uttar Pradesh, earning around 450 daily. This is the reason Atul Kumar has faced difficulties in gathering the admission fees; however, denying him admission would be discriminatory. Hence, the Supreme Court of India has allowed Mr Kumar to study at the IIT.
Admission Process to IITs
The admission process to the IITs is highly competitive, and it involves multiple stages.
JEE Mains
So let’s say you are an aspirant who wants to enrol in the best engineering colleges in India; then first, you need to prepare for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), which is the first stage of IIT. This is a computer-based test that is held twice a year, in January and April. You need to pass class 12 or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics to take part in this examination. Be careful as the syllabus of JEE Main is vast and you need to attain in-depth knowledge in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
JEE Advanced
After you clear JEE Mains, you have to prepare for JEE Advanced, which is conducted once every year. But you have to work on your preparation as the syllabus of this exam is even more advanced as it covers a wide range of topics. You should know that there are limited seats in IITs, so you should focus on your studies to get good marks and enrol in your dream institution.
Counselling and Document Verification
After you have passed both of these exams you have to take part in centralized counselling held by Joint Seat Allocation Authority. You have to state your preferences regarding institutes and courses during the counselling process because seats are allocated based on your rank and inclination. Finally, you have to appear in document verification, and if you have all the correct documents, you have to pay the admission fee to secure your seats.
India and IIT Craze
In Indian society, securing admission to an IIT is often seen as a sign of academic brilliance and a gateway to a successful career. IITs are known for offering lucrative job opportunities which is the reason millions of students appear in JEE every year. However, there is a dark side as well. Many institutions have seized this demand to make a quick buck by offering special coaching to enroll in these prestigious institutions. Kota, in Rajasthan, has become a hub of these coaching centers, where parents do not hesitate to spend lakhs to secure a better future for their children. Although millions of students try to gate a seat in IIT, the truth is there are only 17760 seats.
The majority of the candidates who appear in these tests fail to get selected, and they feel demotivated and sometimes take the wrong step. In 2022, more than 170,924 students have ended their lives, which is concerning. Indian students and parents have to get out of the mindset that getting into a prestigious institution is crucial for a secure future.
The Way Ahead
The hearing of Atul Kumar has shown the income disparity as for a specific group of people gathering 17,500 Rupees for admission fees is a challenging task. However, Mr. Kumar has proven that with determination, any form of difficulty can be overcome, and dreams can be fulfilled. However, the students who have failed to get a seat in these prestigious institutions have to remember that this is not the end of the line. There is more to life than studying in a specific institution; they can easily study in other engineering colleges, as employers are now valuing the passion and skill of the candidates over certificates.
FAQ
What was the primary issue faced by Atul Kumar regarding his admission to IIT Dhanbad?
Atul Kumar missed the deadline to pay the required 17,500 Rupees for his IIT Dhanbad admission due to financial constraints. Despite his exceptional performance in the JEE (Advanced) 2024, he could not complete the process on time.
How did the Supreme Court of India help Atul Kumar?
The Supreme Court of India intervened under Article 142 of the Indian Constitution, allowing Atul Kumar to secure his seat at IIT Dhanbad despite the missed fee payment deadline, citing his exceptional talent and marginalized background.
What is Article 142 of the Indian Constitution?
Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court of India to pass orders necessary to ensure justice. It allows the court to take action beyond the standard legal framework when needed to achieve fairness.
Why is admission to IITs highly sought after in India?
Admission to IITs is considered a symbol of academic excellence in India, providing students with lucrative career opportunities. This prestige drives millions of students to compete for limited seats each year.
What challenges do students face in pursuing admission to IITs?
The competitive nature of IIT admissions, high financial costs for coaching, and limited seats lead many students to feel demotivated. In extreme cases, the pressure has led to a concerning number of student suicides.
