In the heartlands of rural Punjab, where opportunity often wrestles with adversity, two remarkable students have defied the odds and made it to the country’s top engineering institutes. Arjanveer Singh from Sarainaga village and Prabhjot Kaur from Bathinda have not just cleared the JEE Advanced exam — they’ve broken barriers, proving that grit, mentorship, and access to quality education can take talent anywhere.

This isn’t just a story of academic success. It’s a story of hope, social transformation, and the power of inclusive education programs.

From Mud Floors to Mining Engineering: Arjanveer’s Journey to IIT Kharagpur

Arjanveer Singh, the son of a daily-wage labourer, studied in Bathinda’s government Meritorious School and secured a whopping 95% in Class XII. But dreams like his — getting into IIT Kharagpur — often come with a price tag too high for many rural families. He couldn’t afford the ₹1,500 JEE Advanced application fee, let alone expensive coaching classes.

Enter the HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) and CSRL’s National Super 100 Programme — a CSR-driven initiative that provides 11 months of free coaching, boarding, and mentoring for high-potential, low-income students.

“The Super 100 programme changed my life. I’m now the first from my village to reach IIT. It’s a proud moment for my entire community,” Arjanveer says, beaming with pride.

From the Fields of Bathinda to the Frontlines of STEM: Prabhjot’s Story

While most students prep for JEE with coaching centers and practice books, Prabhjot Kaur worked in paddy fields to support her family and buy textbooks. Scoring 93% in Class XII, she once dreamt of becoming a pilot, but the harsh financial reality nearly derailed her ambitions.

“Super 100 gave me hope. They paid for everything – coaching, accommodation, and food,” she says. Now, having cracked both JEE Mains and JEE Advanced, she’s pursuing aviation engineering — a dream reignited by opportunity.

Super 100: The Catalyst Behind Rural Punjab’s JEE Revolution

The National Super 100 Programme isn’t just a coaching initiative; it’s a life-changer. Run by CSRL in partnership with HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd, it handpicks students from underprivileged backgrounds and provides:

• Fully free residential coaching in Delhi
  
• Experienced mentors and academic resources
  
• Food, lodging, and emotional support for 11 months
  
• Mock exams and psychological counseling
  

Its results speak volumes. In 2023-24, students like Khushi got into IIT Guwahati, while Pawandeep, Sahil Kumar, and Harpreet Singh entered top NITs with specializations in mechanical engineering and artificial intelligence.

In 2024-25, along with Arjanveer and Prabhjot, Sukhdeep Kaur is also attending counselling for top-tier institutes. The 2025-26 cohort already has 8 new selections from Bathinda.

Why This Matters: Talent Is Everywhere, Opportunity Is Not

India’s most brilliant minds aren’t always found in coaching hubs — they are in village schools, farm fields, and labour camps. With the right push, these students don’t just succeed — they excel.

The IIT and NIT seats earned by rural Punjab’s children are more than personal victories — they are symbols of structural change and educational equity.

Conclusion: Lighting the Path Forward

As India moves toward a knowledge-driven economy, programmes like Super 100 are critical. They show that a small investment in talent, when combined with mentorship and infrastructure, can yield results that uplift families, communities, and future generations.

Grit sowed, and IIT reaped — that’s not just a headline. It’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that real change begins when we invest in the forgotten genius of rural India.