Shubham Kumar, a resident of Gaya in Bihar and son of a local hardware shop owner, has made headlines by scoring a perfect 300 out of 300 in the JEE Main 2026, attaining a 100th percentile. This remarkable achievement not only places him at the top of Bihar but also earns him the distinction of securing the All India Rank 3 in the examination. Kumar is notably the sole candidate from Bihar to be included in the top ten, which has generated significant pride within the state.
A Testament to Perseverance
Shubham’s accomplishment is particularly compelling due to the story behind it, characterized by relentless focus and determination from humble beginnings. The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the JEE Main 2026 results on February 16, revealing that just 12 candidates nationwide achieved a perfect score in Paper 1 (B.E/B.Tech).
Background and Early Education
The son of Shiv Kumar and Kanchan Devi, Shubham comes from the Brahmani Ghat area in Gaya. His early education took place at a private institution in the city. After completing his Class 10, he decided to shift his focus toward engineering entrance examination preparation, prioritizing his studies over convenience. This commitment laid the groundwork for his subsequent success.
Intensive Preparation in Kota
Post-Class 10, Shubham transitioned to studying mostly from home until he moved to Kota, a city known as a coaching hub for engineering aspirants. Over the past two years, he dedicated himself intensely to preparing for the JEE Main while residing in Kota. His daily study regimen was rigorous, often ranging from ten to twelve hours, and even extending to fourteen hours during critical revision phases.
Overcoming Financial Difficulties
Shubham has shared that his family faced financial challenges when he relocated to Kota. However, their resilience and strategic planning helped stabilize the situation, enabling him to continue his studies without distraction. Despite being away from home, Shubham felt emotionally grounded, attributing his strength to the unwavering support from his family.
Factors Behind His Success
In reflecting on his achievements, Shubham emphasizes that hard work, consistency, and strict self-discipline over a two-year span were crucial to his success. He expressed profound gratitude to his parents for their steadfast support during financial and emotional hurdles, as well as to his teachers whose ongoing guidance and assistance in clearing doubts played a significant role at various stages of his studies.
The Significance of Shubham’s Achievement
Achieving a 100 percentile in JEE Main is a notable accomplishment, accomplished by only a select few students across the country. Shubham’s outstanding performance positions him among India’s top engineering aspirants, paving the way for potential admission to prestigious institutions and future opportunities. His journey from a modest background in Gaya to making it to the national merit list serves as an inspiring reminder that circumstances do not dictate one’s future outcomes.
