Who is Abhijay Arora? Failed JEE, faced ₹1 crore debt and 90-day job deadline, then cracked Google

Currently, social media is filled with stories about significant achievements. But sometimes a story stands out because it starts with struggle, not success. That is precisely why this journey is getting so much attention online.

The story, first shared by Humans of Bombay, is simple, real, and easy to relate to. It talks about failure, self-doubt, and the process of starting again. Abhijay Arora’s journey is now being widely shared because it reflects what many people go through but don’t often talk about.

Growing up with constant support

His mother, who raised him and his sibling on her own while managing a government job, shaped Arora's early life. Frequent transfers meant constant change, but one thing stayed steady: her involvement in his education.

“From my KG tests to the IIT entrance test, she helped me study. During JEE, she’d make tea at 4 am to keep me awake,” he shared.

Her effort played a big role in keeping him focused during his school years.

When things didn’t go as planned

Arora, like many students, aspired to clear the IIT-JEE. But in 2012, he did not succeed.

“Seeing ‘Failed’ next to my name on the JEE results felt like I had betrayed every sacrifice she ever made,” he said.

Instead of stopping there, he chose to move forward differently. He joined IIIT Bangalore, where he continued building his skills. During this time, he won a hackathon and later got a job in Malaysia.

Looking for more

Even after finding a stable job, he felt something was missing. He wanted to aim higher and work at Google. To move closer to that goal, he decided to pursue an MBA from an Ivy League college.

“Consultants laughed, telling me Harvard was impossible without the IIT pedigree,” he said.

Despite the doubts, he secured admission and took a ₹1 crore loan to continue his journey.

A tough phase after studies

After finishing his MBA, Arora faced another difficult phase. He had only 90 days to find a job or leave the country. He applied to nearly 100 jobs every week but did not see results.

“That was when the second pillar of my life stepped in: my wife,” he said.

“She married me when I was jobless and carried our household alone while I faced a mountain of rejections.”

Her support helped him stay steady during a very uncertain time.

Trying something different

Instead of continuing the same way, Arora decided to change his approach. He created an AI-based tool to improve his resume and started sharing content about AI-driven job applications.

This step helped him stand out and eventually brought an opportunity from Google.

A moment that made it all worth it

Today, Arora works as a product manager at YouTube. He has also built a strong online community and hosts a podcast focused on AI.

One memorable moment for him was when he took his mother to the Google office.

“As she looked at my desk and the YouTube logo on the walls, she whispered through tears, ‘Proud of you, beta.’ In that moment, every rejection and every sleepless night was redeemed,” he shared.

The role of family

Looking back, Arora spoke about the importance of the people who supported him through every phase.

“They say behind every successful man is a woman; I am fortunate enough to have two, a mother who sacrificed everything to give me a start, and a wife who risked everything to help me finish.”

What people are saying online

His journey has connected with many people on social media. The reactions reflect how relatable his story feels.

“You are inspiring all the young minds. Kudos to you!” one user wrote.

“This is so inspiring and moving,” said another.

“It’s truly inspiring how, in our lives, our parents, siblings, and partners stand by us with unwavering support. While our achievements are often credited to our own hard work, we must never forget the silent strength, sacrifice, and encouragement our loved ones provide along the way – it’s their support that makes the journey possible,” shared a third user.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared on social media and reflects individual experiences. The claims have not been independently verified.Thumb image: Instagram