Project Details
Abstract
RailTel Akansha Super-30 program is a CSR initiative designed to provide underprivileged but talented students with high-quality coaching and resources to prepare for competitive entrance exams, for engineering institutions like the IITs/NITS and various other reputed institutions. This program aims to bridge the educational gap by offering intensive coaching, boarding, and lodging support to students from economically weaker sections of society. The initiative has already yielded impressive results, with a significant percentage of participants successfully securing admissions to prestigious institutions.
Background
Education is a critical factor in achieving socio-economic mobility, yet access to quality education remains a significant challenge for many students in India, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. The RailTel Akansha Super-30 program was launched in 2015-16 to address this disparity by offering specialized coaching to students from economically weaker sections, enabling them to compete in highly competitive entrance exams like the IIT-JEE. Each year, 30 or more students are selected for each batch, ensuring focused attention and personalized guidance. Since its inception, the program has enrolled 239 students, with 225 of them securing admissions to engineering colleges, resulting in an impressive success rate of 94%. Inspired by the success of similar initiatives, RailTel recognized the need to support these students not just academically, but also by providing holistic development opportunities, including personal mentoring, life skills training, and financial support. The program operates on the principle that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have the opportunity to succeed
Progress
The RailTel Akansha Super-30 program has continued to make significant strides in its mission to support underprivileged but talented students. The program started in 2015 and now is 9th batch in FY 2024-25 with 32 students receiving classroom instruction from highly qualified and experienced faculty members. To monitor and enhance their learning, regular internal tests are conducted to assess the students' performance. These efforts ensure that students are well-prepared to compete in competitive entrance exams and achieve their educational goals.
Impact
The RailTel Akansha Super-30 program has had a profound impact on the lives of underprivileged students with domino effect by transforming their educational and career prospects. Beyond gaining admission to prestigious engineering colleges, many of these students have successfully secured placements in reputable companies like TCS, Samsung and IBM after completing their engineering degrees. This achievement has not only uplifted their families and communities by breaking the cycle of poverty but has also created opportunities for socio-economic mobility. The program has proven that with the right support, students from economically weaker sections can compete on an equal footing with their peers, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.
