Champaran: Adarsh Kumar, an 18-year-old student from Champaran, Bihar, has won the Global Student Award 2025. Selected from more than 11,000 nominations from 148 countries, he received the award and $100,000 (around Rs 88 lakh) at a ceremony in London. The award recognises students who have made a real impact on education and society. Adarsh, who grew up in poverty, is being celebrated for his work to improve access to education and social welfare.
Raised by his mother, who worked as a maid to pay for his schooling, Adarsh was introduced to coding and entrepreneurship through YouTube and Google. His mother spent her life savings to buy him a laptop. Adarsh started his first venture while still in eighth grade, which failed. However, his second project, “Mission Badlaav,” helped more than 1,300 families access welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat health cards, pensions, COVID-19 vaccines, and school enrolment.
At the age of 14, Adarsh moved to Kota with just Rs 1,000 to prepare for the IIT-JEE exams. Unable to afford coaching, he used the library’s free Wi-Fi to send emails to seek help and opportunities. He eventually joined courses, interned at a start-up, and worked with founders. He later founded “SkillZo,” a company providing mentorship and programs in entrepreneurship skills. SkillZo has helped over 20,000 underprivileged students, many of whom have won scholarships, started ventures, or participated in national competitions.
Nathan Schultz, CEO of Chegg Inc., the organisation that presents the award, praised Adarsh as “a symbol of grit and strength” and a role model for young changemakers around the world. After receiving the award, Adarsh said, “Winning the Global Student Prize has given me the confidence to work even harder. My message to others is: Be what you want to see. Change must start within yourself and then in the world. Dream big.” His story is now inspiring students across India and beyond, showing how determination, creativity, and access to knowledge can change lives.
