Adarsh Kumar from Bihar Wins $100K Global Student Prize 2025

India is celebrating a historic moment in global education. 18-year-old Adarsh Kumar from Champaran, Bihar, has been named the winner of the $100,000 Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2025, defeating competition from almost 11,000 applicants across 148 countries.

The award, now in its fifth year, recognises extraordinary students who are reshaping communities and driving global change. Launched by Chegg.org in partnership with the Varkey Foundation, the prize is the student equivalent of the $1 million Global Teacher Prize.

A Journey from Champaran to Global Recognition 

Adarsh’s story is one of grit, innovation, and determination. Born into poverty in Champaran, he was raised by his single mother, who invested her life savings in buying him a laptop. That small act of sacrifice opened new doors for Adarsh, who taught himself coding, entrepreneurship, and 21st-century skills through YouTube and Google.

At the age of 14, Adarsh travelled alone to Kota, Rajasthan, carrying just ₹1,000. His dream was to crack the IIT-JEE, but the high cost of coaching centres soon dashed that plan. Instead of giving up, he turned to free Wi-Fi at libraries, cold-emailed mentors, and secured opportunities to intern at start-ups. Those experiences shaped his entrepreneurial journey.

Building Ventures that Create Impact

Adarsh launched his first Startup in Grade 8, which failed but became a stepping stone. His second initiative, Mission Badlao, helped more than 1,300 families access government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, pension benefits, COVID-19 vaccinations, and school enrolment.

Later, he founded Skillzo, a platform that has empowered over 20,000 underserved students with mentorship, entrepreneurial skills, and exposure. Many Skillzo beneficiaries have gone on to secure scholarships, launch start-ups, and win national competitions.

A Student Leader with Global Influence

Today, Adarsh is on a full scholarship at Jayshree Periwal International School, Jaipur, where he also leads the scholarship programme. He advises Google via Canvas8, serves as the Chief Marketing Officer of Bihar Chhatra Sansad, and mentors young changemakers across India. His mission is to transform lives through education, entrepreneurship, and effective policy-making.

Global Leaders Praise Adarsh

Nathan Schultz, President and CEO of Chegg, Inc., congratulated him:

“Adarsh is lifting up communities and showing the world what’s possible when passion meets purpose. Students like him are powerful change agents, and we are proud to celebrate his journey.”

Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Varkey Foundation, also applauded his achievement:

“Adarsh’s story is a reminder that education is a catalyst for solving global challenges—from inequality to climate change. His success proves the extraordinary potential of young leaders.”

India on the Global Education Map

This recognition not only celebrates Adarsh’s personal journey but also shines a spotlight on India’s growing influence in global education and youth leadership. Bihar, often associated with educational struggles, now proudly stands as the home of the world’s most exceptional student of 2025.

Last year’s prize went to Mexico’s Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano, who built an AI-powered medical assistant for underserved communities. This year, Adarsh Kumar carries the torch for India, proving that innovation and resilience can break barriers and transform lives.

About the Global Student Prize

Launched in 2021 by Chegg.org in partnership with the Varkey Foundation, the Global Student Prize is the student counterpart to the $1 million Global Teacher Prize. It honours exceptional young leaders who reshape communities and inspire global change.

Last year’s winner, Ángela Elena Olazarán Laureano of Mexico, developed an AI-powered medical assistant that diagnoses diseases in remote communities.

This year, Adarsh Kumar has brought the honour to India, positioning Bihar and Rajasthan on the world map for educational innovation.

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