Adarsh Kumar, 18, Wins $100,000 Global Student Prize After Overcoming Poverty
18-year-old Adarsh Kumar from Champaran, Bihar, has made headlines as the winner of the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025. Despite humble beginnings, Kumar has risen above adversity to become a beacon of inspiration.
Kumar's journey began in poverty-stricken Champaran, where he was raised by his single mother. At just 14, he embarked on a solo journey to Kota, Rajasthan, with only ₹1,000 to pursue his dreams of cracking the IIT-JEE. His determination and resilience paid off, leading him to found his first startup in Grade 8, which though unsuccessful, served as a stepping stone.
Today, Kumar is a mentor to young changemakers across India, advising Google via Canvas8 and serving as the Chief Marketing Officer of Bihar Chhatra Sansad. He founded Mission Badlao, benefiting over 1,300 families by helping them access government schemes. His latest venture, Skillzo, has empowered over 20,000 underserved students with mentorship and entrepreneurial skills. Kumar's achievements are even more remarkable considering he taught himself coding, entrepreneurship, and 21st-century skills through YouTube and Google.
Kumar's victory in the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025 is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. Born into poverty, he has transformed his circumstances, proving that with determination and the right opportunities, anyone can succeed. His story serves as an inspiration to students worldwide, demonstrating the power of self-learning and resilience.
