THE INDIAN HIGH SCHOOL DUBAI, UAE

Super 30
Project submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the All-India Senior School
Certificate Examination in the subject of English

Submitted by: Janhavi Dhande

January 2026

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Index Page

Sr No. Content Page No.

1 Acknowledgement 3
2 Certificate 4
3 Action Plan 5
4 Project Report 6-8
5 Bibliography 9
6 Reflection 10-11
7 Presentation 12
8 Portfolio 13-14

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Acknowledgement

I would like to extend my sincere and heartfelt obligation

towards all those who have helped me in doing this project.
Without their active guidance, help, cooperation and
encouragement, I would not have been able to present the
project on time.

I am extremely thankful and pay my sincere gratitude to my

teacher Mrs. Sharanya Ijaz for his/ her valuable guidance and
support for completion of this project.

Of course, this project would not have been completed without

the help, support and cooperation of my group members and
friends.

I also acknowledge with a deep sense of reverence, my

gratitude towards my parents for their unconditional support
and encouragement and other faculty members of the school
for their valuable suggestions given to me in completing the
project.

Date:3/9/25

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 THE INDIAN HIGH SCHOOL, DUBAI

Certificate
This is to certify that this project report entitled “Super
30 – An Interview Based Report” is a Bonafide work of
Master/ Miss JANHAVI ATUL DHANDE , student of
Grade 12 , Div: sci f , Roll No: which is completed
under my guidance during the academic year 2025-26.

Date: Teacher in Charge:

Examiner 1: Examiner 2:

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Action Plan
Title: Super 30 – An Interview Based Project

Objectives:
- To study the role of Super 30 in empowering underprivileged
students.
- To develop interview and research-based skills.

Purpose:
To understand how education can transform lives and bridge
social gaps.

Driving Question:
How has the Super 30 initiative impacted the lives of students
and society?

Roles and Responsibilities of the team members:

Research, interviews, report writing.

Required Resources and Materials:

Books, articles, interview transcripts, online resources.

Timeline
Date Submission Teacher’s Remark
8 May 2025 Topic
15 May 2025 Action Plan
8 September 2025 First Draft
15 October 2025 Second Draft

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Project Report
Introduction

Education is often hailed as the most powerful tool for social upliftment. Yet, for millions in
India especially those from rural or economically disadvantaged backgrounds quality
education remains out of reach. The lack of infrastructure, proper guidance, and financial
resources often prevents talented students from achieving their full potential.

To bridge this gap, Super 30, a pioneering initiative by Indian mathematician Anand Kumar,
was launched in 2002 in Patna, Bihar. Every year, the program selects 30 highly talented
students from underprivileged backgrounds and provides them with free coaching, food,
and accommodation to prepare for the Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance
Examination (IIT-JEE) one of the most competitive entrance exams in the world.

The “30” in Super 30 is more than a number; it reflects a focused, high-impact educational
model that aims to deliver deep, personal mentorship to a small group of students each
year.

Background and the Power of 30

Anand Kumar himself came from a modest background. Despite being accepted to
Cambridge University, he couldn’t attend due to financial constraints. This personal
experience drove him to start a program that would ensure bright students like him never
have to give up on their dreams due to poverty.

The idea behind choosing only 30 students is strategic. With a small batch size, teachers
can provide individual attention, track progress closely, and create a family-like learning
environment. This intimacy allows for not just academic growth but also emotional and
psychological support, which is often lacking in large-scale education programs.

The selection process includes a rigorous written test and interview, ensuring that only
the most capable and deserving students are chosen. These students often come from
marginalized communities some are children of daily wage laborers, farmers, or even street
vendors.

Program Structure

The program runs for one full year, during which the students receive:

 Intensive coaching in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics

 Mock tests, problem-solving sessions, and individual doubt-clearing

 Free lodging and nutritious meals

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  Personal and emotional mentorship from Anand Kumar and his team

What sets Super 30 apart is its self-sustainability. Initially funded through the earnings of
Anand Kumar’s coaching classes, the program has largely stayed free of large institutional
or government funding, allowing it to operate independently.

Analysis and Key Findings

1. Bridging the Educational Divide

Super 30 gives students from India’s most underrepresented regions access to elite
education. Many of them come from schools with poor infrastructure and untrained
teachers. By providing top-tier IIT coaching free of cost, the program levels the playing
field for students who would otherwise be left behind.

2. The Strength of a Small Group

The choice to select only 30 students each year is crucial. It ensures:

 High faculty-student interaction

 Tailored teaching methods

 Strong peer bonding and teamwork

This model allows students to grow holistically, not just academically.

3. Outstanding Results

Over the years, Super 30 has produced exceptional success rates. In many years, all 30
students have cracked the IIT-JEE. Even in its early years, 27 or more students would
succeed an extraordinary figure given their backgrounds. This proves that given the right
support, talent can thrive anywhere.

4. Beyond Academics

Super 30 focuses on the holistic development of students. They learn resilience, time
management, leadership, and communication skills that help them navigate not just exams,
but life. The program also fosters a sense of self-worth, which is transformative for students
who’ve often been told they won’t succeed.

5. Social Upliftment and Ripple Effect

Admission into an IIT transforms not only a student's life but also their entire family's
future. Most students go on to earn stable incomes, support their parents, and fund
education for siblings. Their success stories inspire other children in their villages and
towns to pursue education, creating a ripple effect of change.

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6. Global Recognition

Super 30 has received widespread acclaim. It has been featured in Time Magazine, on the
Discovery Channel, and in a Bollywood film, “Super 30” (2019). International educators
and policymakers view it as a replicable grassroots model that can bridge inequality in
education.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its success, Super 30 has faced several challenges:

 Scalability: Expanding the model while maintaining quality and integrity is difficult.

 Financial constraints: Without large-scale funding, sustaining free education for 30

students annually is always a challenge.

 Lack of transparency: Some critics have called for more public data on selection
and outcomes to ensure accountability.

However, these challenges have not overshadowed the real impact the program continues
to make.

Comparison with Other Models

While other initiatives like Pratham, Navodaya Vidyalaya’s, and online edtech platforms
also serve underprivileged students, Super 30’s ultra-focused, high-touch approach
makes it unique. Its success is not driven by technology or scale, but by deep mentorship,
personal belief in students, and community-style learning.

Bibliography
Anand Kumar (2016) Super 30: Changing the Equation
of Success. New Delhi: Penguin Random House India.

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 Bahl, V. (2019) Super 30 [Film]. Mumbai: Phantom
Films.
Kumar, R. (2025) Interview about Ravi Kumar, Super
30 alumni. Conducted on 2 September 2025.
Singh, R. (2025) Interview about the Super 30
initiative. Conducted on 1 September 2025.
The New York Times (2008) ‘Anand Kumar’s Super
30’, The New York Times, 5 May. Available at:
https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/05/world/asia/0
5iht-05india.12627261.html (Accessed: 5 September
2025).
Time Magazine (2010) ‘Super 30 and the power of
education’, Time Magazine, 23 May. Available at:
https://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1
990750,00.html (Accessed: 5 September 2025).

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Reflections
1. Introduction

This project focused on the Super 30 initiative, a program that

provides free IIT-JEE coaching to underprivileged yet talented students
in India. I chose this topic because I was inspired by how education can
transform lives and wanted to explore the social impact of such
initiatives. I was particularly interested in understanding how students
from economically challenged backgrounds overcome barriers to
achieve success. Initially, I expected to learn mostly about academic
coaching methods, but I soon realized the project would also reveal
deeper social and personal stories behind these achievements.

2. Research and Process

To complete this project, I conducted background research through

books, articles, and documentaries about Super 30 and its founder,
Anand Kumar. I prepared questionnaires and conducted interviews
with a teacher and a relative of an alumni student to gain firsthand
insights. One challenge I faced was coordinating interviews and
ensuring meaningful responses, which I overcame by preparing clear,
focused questions in advance. Through this process, I developed skills in
research, interviewing, and academic writing. Additionally, I gained a
deeper understanding of the broader issues of educational inequality in
India and the role of mentorship and support systems in bridging these
gaps.

3. Key Learnings and Insights

The most important thing I learned is that opportunity, not just talent,
shapes a student’s success. Hearing Ravi Kumar’s story highlighted
the human struggles behind academic achievements and reinforced the
idea that education is a powerful tool for social mobility. I also realized

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the significance of affordable, high-quality coaching and mentorship in
nurturing potential. This knowledge is useful for understanding real-
world social inequalities and can guide my approach to future studies or
community initiatives. My perspective shifted from seeing success
purely as a personal effort to recognizing the role of supportive
structures and societal resources.

4. Personal Experience and Challenges

I enjoyed engaging directly with people connected to Super 30, as it

brought the project to life beyond theoretical research. One difficulty
was ensuring the interviews were informative and captured meaningful
stories, which I managed by carefully preparing and listening actively. I
also faced the challenge of organizing and synthesizing large amounts of
information, which improved my planning and analytical skills. Next
time, I would like to include more alumni perspectives to broaden the
scope and create an even richer understanding of the program’s impact.

5. Conclusion

Overall, this project has been a highly enriching experience, both

academically and personally. It strengthened my research and
communication skills while deepening my empathy and awareness of
educational inequalities. The project reinforced my belief in the
transformative power of education and the importance of mentorship
and social initiatives like Super 30. It taught me that even modest
efforts, when driven by determination and vision, can create large-scale
societal change.

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Presentation
Super 30 – A Poem

In Patna’s heart, a dream took flight,

To guide the poor with hope and light.
For those with talent, yet no means,
A teacher rose to build their dreams.

From tea stalls small, from village lanes,

From lives of struggle, loss, and pains,
They longed for IIT’s grand gate,
But costly coaching sealed their fate.

Then came a man, with vision wide,

Who vowed to stand by those denied.
“Thirty students, food and care,
A chance to dream, a future fair.”

By lantern’s glow they studied late,

With books and notes to change their fate.
No wealth, no tutor, no silver spoon,
Just grit and work from night to noon.

One by one, their stories grew,

From poverty to success new.
A vendor’s son, a farmer’s child,
At IIT, their names compiled.

Not just numbers, not just scores,

But breaking down society’s doors.
Their journeys lit a brighter flame,
And gave the poor both hope and aim.

So let us learn, and let us see,

The power of opportunity.
For when the gifted spread their wings,
Education changes everything.

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Portfolio
Research Materials

 Collected background information on Super 30 from books, online articles, and

documentaries.

 Key sources: Super 30: Changing the Equation of Success (Anand Kumar), The New
York Times (2008), Time Magazine (2010), and the film Super 30 (2019).

 Notes prepared on:

Educational Inequality in India

India faces a serious problem of educational inequality, especially between urban and
rural areas, and between rich and poor communities. While private schools and coaching
centres provide world-class facilities to those who can afford them, millions of children
from low-income families are forced to attend underfunded government schools. These
schools often lack trained teachers, proper classrooms, and modern learning materials.

As a result, students from marginalized backgrounds such as those in rural areas, or from
Dalit, tribal, and backward communities are often denied equal opportunities in higher
education and career development. Financial hardship, lack of awareness, and social
discrimination further widen this gap. For many, quality education remains a distant
dream.

The IIT-JEE and Its Challenges

One of the most competitive and prestigious exams in India is the IIT Joint Entrance
Examination (IIT-JEE). It is the gateway to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) top
engineering institutions known for producing some of the best minds in science and
technology.

However, clearing the IIT-JEE is extremely difficult. The exam tests deep understanding
of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students often begin preparing years in
advance, usually with help from expensive coaching institutes that charge lakhs of
rupees. This puts students from poor families at a huge disadvantage. They may have the
talent, but not the resources to compete on an equal footing.

Anand Kumar’s Super 30: A Game-Changer

In 2002, mathematician Anand Kumar from Patna, Bihar, launched a unique program
called Super 30 to fight this very inequality. Every year, the program selects 30 talented
students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and provides them with free
coaching, food, and accommodation to prepare for the IIT-JEE.

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The number “30” is key to the model it allows for intensive, personalized attention,
creating a strong support system and deep mentorship. Most students in Super 30 come
from extremely poor families some are children of daily-wage workers or farmers but
through the program, they get the chance to compete with the best.

Over the years, Super 30 has achieved remarkable success, with most of its students
clearing the IIT-JEE and going on to become engineers, scientists, and professionals.
Many have returned to help others in their communities, creating a ripple effect of
inspiration and change.

The program has gained international recognition, featured by Time Magazine, Discovery
Channel, and even adapted into the Bollywood film “Super 30” (2019) starring Hrithik
Roshan.

📝 Questionnaire

(Prepared for interviews)

1. What are your views on the Super 30 initiative?

2. Why is IIT-JEE coaching important for aspiring engineers?

3. How do you think financial background affects educational opportunities?

4. Could you share a personal story/experience related to Super 30?

5. What impact does success in IIT-JEE have on students’ families and communities?

🎤 Interview Transcripts

Interview with Mr. Rajeev Singh (Mathematics Teacher at a Private Tuition)

Q: What are your thoughts on the Super 30 initiative?

A: I find Super 30 truly inspiring. It demonstrates how a single idea, backed by dedication,
can change lives. Many brilliant students, especially from villages, never get the chance to
compete with their privileged peers. Super 30 gives them that opportunity.

Q: How critical is IIT-JEE preparation for aspiring engineers?

A: Extremely critical. The IITs are among the best engineering institutions globally.
However, preparing for these exams is expensive, with many coaching centres charging
high fees. Super 30 removes these financial barriers and brings world-class coaching to
students who could never afford it.

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Interview with Ms. Rajeswari Kumar (Relative of a Super 30 Alumni)

Q: Could you tell us more about Ravi?

A: Yes, my cousin, Ravi Kumar, was part of Super 30 in 2019. His father works as a roadside
tea vendor, and their family struggled to make ends meet. Ravi was always academically
gifted but lacked access to quality coaching. Being selected for Super 30 was a turning point
for him.

Q: How did the program impact him?

A: The support he received was incredible. Beyond the free coaching and accommodation,
they provided mentorship, emotional support, and a positive environment. Ravi cleared the
IIT-JEE and now studies at IIT Kanpur. His family’s life has improved significantly. His
success motivates other children in our community to pursue education despite hardships.

📊 Survey Report (Sample Findings)

A small survey conducted among 10 peers on awareness of Super 30:

 75% had heard about Super 30.

 60% had watched the Super 30 movie.

 40% were aware of its founder, Anand Kumar.

 80% felt such initiatives should be expanded across India.

 90% agreed that financial background creates a barrier to higher education.

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“Research creates new knowledge”

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