Pragya Pandey, a resident of Ramnagar in the Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh, has achieved a major academic milestone through her dedication and hard work. She has secured admission to the prestigious Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Berhampur campus in Odisha during the first round of counseling. Hailing from a very modest background, her selection highlights that clear goals and unwavering perseverance can overcome financial limitations and lack of high-end resources.
Remarkable Milestone for Student from Modest Chitrakoot Family
Pragya Pandey belongs to Ramnagar village under the Ramnagar development block in Chitrakoot. Her father, Ashutosh Pandey, works as a Bank Mitra at the local Bank of Baroda branch, and Pragya is the youngest daughter in the family. As news of her admission to IISER Berhampur spread across the area, a wave of pride and joy swept through the village. Neighbors, schoolteachers, relatives, and fellow students gathered at her home to offer their congratulations to the family. Her accomplishment has brought immense pride to the entire Chitrakoot district and stands as an encouraging example for young learners across the region.
From Government Schooling to 10 Hours of Daily Library Routine
Reflecting on her academic journey, Pragya explained that her educational foundation was built entirely in local institutions. She completed her primary and upper-primary schooling from Class 1 to 8 at Karpoori Thakur Pre-Secondary School in Ramnagar. She then pursued her secondary and senior secondary education from Class 9 to 12 at Mahatma Jyotiba Rao Phule Inter College, also in Ramnagar. Following her intermediate examinations, she decided to drop a year from regular schooling to focus exclusively on competitive preparation. During this gap year, she maintained a strict self-study routine, spending nearly 10 hours every day reading at a local library. This disciplined study schedule ultimately paved her way into one of the country's elite scientific research institutes.
Crediting Family and Teachers, Guidance Offered for Young Aspirants
Pragya expressed her deep gratitude to her teachers, her grandfather, and her father, attributing her success to their continuous support. She shared that they constantly encouraged her from childhood and stood by her during challenging phases, which gave her the strength to stay focused on her goals. Offering valuable advice to students preparing for competitive exams, Pragya remarked, "There is no shortcut to success in any competitive examination." She added that aspirants can achieve their dreams if they establish clear targets, maintain a consistent daily study regimen, and remain resilient in the face of setbacks.
