Meerut’s Sanket Kumar joined the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a Scientist at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in Tamil Nadu after relying entirely on self-study, YouTube lectures and disciplined preparation, proving that one setback does not define success.

Sanket narrowly missed qualifying for JEE Advanced in his first attempt and decided to take a drop year instead of joining a college immediately. He used handwritten notes, watched online lectures and solved previous years’ question papers, while focusing on improving his time management and conceptual understanding.

After clearing JEE Advanced in 2022, Sanket chose Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), with the ambition to contribute to India’s space programme rather than opting for more conventional engineering streams.

IIST enabled him to appear for ISRO’s Scientist recruitment process. He spent two-and-a-half months revising four years of engineering subjects before successfully clearing the interview.

Sanket has been appointed at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, where propulsion systems for launch vehicles undergo testing before space missions. While the exact nature of his work remains confidential, he hopes to contribute to India’s rocket propulsion technologies.

Throughout his journey, Sanket credited his family for standing by him when he chose to take a drop year despite uncertainty. He credited self-belief, consistency and disciplined preparation as the key factors for his success.

Looking ahead, the young scientist says his ultimate ambition is to lead a major Indian space mission as Project Director, contributing to the country’s growing space programme.