‘It was my dream to get a govt teacher job… kept trying’: Meet Vijay who failed 26 times, and triumphed at 59

Vijay Kumar Sharma, a 59-year-old resident of Baghpat, is set to become an assistant teacher at a government-aided school after failing the Trained Graduate Teacher (TGT) examination 26 times. Sharma has spent nearly four decades teaching in private schools before making his breakthrough in the government sector. Sharma, who graduated in 1987 and completed dual postgraduate degrees in Hindi and Sanskrit, as well as a BEd in 2003, will teach Sanskrit to students up to Class X at Inter College Ailum in Shamli district, located 15 km from his Barawad village residence.

Sharma expressed his gratitude to the government for eliminating the interview round in the selection process, stating that this allowed candidates like himself to have a fair opportunity to prove themselves. He noted that the retirement age for the post is 62, giving him approximately two years and a few months to serve in the government school.

Sharma's eldest daughter, Mamta Sharma, recounted how her father faced financial difficulties as the sole earning member of the household with five children, all studying at the time. Despite the struggles, Sharma never wavered in his pursuit of a government teaching job, filling out the forms annually.

Mamta emphasized her father's resilience and determination, highlighting how he served as an inspiration for young people who might give up on life due to failures. She mentioned that her father's dedication to teaching and his ability to overcome adversity have left a lasting impact on their family.