From failing IIT JEE twice to mentoring thousands: Founder says success comes closer with every rejection
A founder shared his journey from academic failures and call centre work to mentoring thousands.
A founder’s candid post about failure, rejection and eventual success has struck a chord online.

Taking to X, Sumit Mittal opened up about the setbacks that shaped his journey. In a deeply personal note, he wrote:
"Yes, I failed IIT JEE twice. Yes, I failed my chemistry pre board exam. Yes, my family faced a financial crisis. Yes, I worked at a call center. Yes, I completed my BCA from a distant college. Yes, I started by teaching four students in a very small room. But I got AIR 4 in NIMCET. But I completed my MCA from NIT Trichy. But I have worked with top product based companies. But now I am a mentor to 1000s of students. Life is supposed to be full of ups and downs, I saw both sides. If you are facing rejections after rejections, don’t worry. Success is getting closer with every step."
Take a look here at the post:
His words quickly gained traction, with the post garnering more than 36.5k views.
Turning setbacks into stepping stones
Mittal’s story traces an unconventional academic and professional path. From failing competitive examinations and facing financial hardship to working in a call centre and completing his BCA from a distant college, his early years were marked by struggle.
However, he went on to secure AIR 4 in NIMCET and complete his MCA from NIT Trichy. Over time, he worked with top product based companies and eventually transitioned into mentoring thousands of students, drawing from his own lived experiences of rejection and perseverance.
Social media reacts
His post resonated widely, with the comments section reflecting admiration and encouragement. One user wrote, "Very essence of life summarised beautifully." Another added, "Failing and losing are terrible. But only those who don't lose heart are successful."
A third comment highlighted the emotional weight behind achievements, stating, "Resumes don't show the scars, but your story proves that failures are just the setup for a massive comeback. From a small room to a mentor of thousands inspiring."
Another user wrote, "Well done! Wish you further success," while another commented, "This is so inspiring. Proud of you man."
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.)
ABOUT THE AUTHORMahipal Singh ChouhanMahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More

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