The son of a daily wage labourer has secured first position in Akanksha-40, a test conducted by Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC).

Akanksha-40 is conducted for candidates unable to afford coaching for engineering and medical entrance examinations. This year, 309 candidates had appeared in the test from 24 districts across the state. Of these, 40 who have passed the exam are given coaching classes with residential facility in Ranchi.

Anil Kumar always dreamed of becoming an engineer from any Indian Institute of Technology. “I was worried what he would do after schooling, as we didn’t have enough money for his studies. But as now he has cracked Akanksha, I believe he will be able to make his future nice,” said Phoolo Devi, his mother.

“My father is a labourer but he never stops me from studying. We are two brothers and a sister. I always dream to study in IIT and become an engineer. Atleast hundred of students every year crack the JEE examination in Bokaro. I always wanted to be one among them. I am happy that God gave me the opportunity to prepare for the JEE examination. I will study hard and bag this opportunity,” said Kumar.

In Bokaro, three students have secured rank under 40 in engineering and two in medical. The first rank in engineering is shared by two candidates. Sharan Burnwal of Jamtara district also secured first rank apart from Kumar.