After sharing the information on Reddit, an Indian professional’s story of failing the JEE and subsequently getting a sizable payout became viral.
Reddit Post on JEE Failure and Startup Success Goes Viral
The person claims to have just secured a ₹21 LPA position with a startup, despite not having a fancy degree from a prestigious university.
The user claims that after failing the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE), he was admitted to the “worst conceivable institution” for a BSc in Mathematics, where he failed every subject in the first semester. He claimed in the article that he fell into despair during the Covid era and then took the NIT MCA admission exam, which he again failed despite his diligent preparation.
Early Academic Setbacks and Career Aspirations
“I used to be a really average student who was an introvert.” 10th to 92%. Then my life began to fall apart in many ways. However, I have always desired to work as a software engineer since the tenth grade. The person said on the social media site, “2019 12th – 72% JEE Main rank ~6Lakhs State JEE rank ~53k.”
The user also described how his health started to deteriorate during the COVID-19 pandemic and said that his pre-existing medical ailments led to a diagnosis of hydronephrosis and chronic kidney disease. He also said that his BMI was 19 and that he had inadequate vitamin D. All in all, this was my circumstances in 2022–2023. “Very impoverished, very forlorn,” he said.
📈 Career Turning Points Timeline
- 2019: Failed JEE, enrolled in low-ranked BSc Maths college
- 2020–21: Academic failure & Covid-related depression
- 2022–23: Serious health & financial struggles
- Aug 2023: First part-time job at ₹7,000/month
- 2024: Fired from ₹6 LPA job, later completed degree
- 2025: Cracked startup interviews, landed ₹21 LPA offer
Slow Recovery and Entry Into the Workforce
He said that things started to get better in August 2023 when he got his first part-time job paying ₹7,000 per month. Later, he started doing freelance work and got a position paying six lakh a year, but in 2024, he was let go after only five months.
He took one more go at his university examinations that year and passed, earning his degree. The user said in October that he joined shortly after receiving a new job with an annual compensation of ₹7 lakh. “I was not content with what I had, for sure. began interviewing and planning. Let us fast-forward to October 25, he said.
🚀 ₹21 LPA Startup Breakthrough
- Offers Received: 2 mid-level startup offers
- Final Choice: High-growth startup
- Base Salary: ₹21 lakh per annum
- Additional Perks: ESOPs included
- Age: 25 years
- Key Factor: Skills, interviews, persistence
Final Breakthrough and Reflection
The user claims that receiving two job offers from mid-level businesses was the pivotal moment. He joined one of them with ESOPs and a basic salary of 21 lakh annually.
He concluded by stating that he had just turned 25 and that he “feel this is lot better than I expected where I might finish.” Even while the voyage is not over, we are at least in better and happier condition today.
Frequently asked questions
1. Did the Reddit user really make ₹21 LPA without a prestigious degree?
Indeed. The Reddit post claims that despite failing the JEE and graduating from a non-premium institution, the individual was able to get a basic salary of ₹21 lakh annually with a company. ESOPs were also part of the deal.
2. What position enabled the user to get the lucrative position?
The user emphasized regularly preparing for interviews and obtaining practical experience via part-time employment, freelancing, and startup jobs—suggesting a software or tech-related position—even though the precise function was not stated.
3. How long did it take the user to get a stable career?
After Class 12, the trip took over six years. The significant progress started in 2023, continued through 2024, and culminated in a significant breakthrough in late 2025.
4. What is the user’s journey’s most important lesson?
The narrative emphasizes how perseverance, developing skills, and practical experience may sometimes triumph over academic failures or the absence of a prestigious degree.
Conclusion
Thousands of young professionals who feel characterized by their academic grades or test failures may relate to the Reddit user’s experience. His narrative highlights that success in the Indian labor market, particularly in startups, is more skill-driven, from health issues and academic setbacks to job losses and uncertainties. Even though the journey was neither easy nor predictable, perseverance and persistent work eventually enabled him to earn a wage that had previously appeared unattainable.
Disclaimer
A self-reported Reddit post served as the basis for this article. Skills, industry demand, market conditions, and individual circumstances may all affect an individual’s experiences, pay, and results. Instead than being a certain career blueprint, the narrative should be seen as inspiring.
