I Never Thought a University Like APU Was Meant for Someone Like Me

“Until a year ago, I thought my higher education journey would end in a Government Degree College near my home. Studying in a university like Azim Premji University was something I had only heard about. I never imagined that one day I would receive an admission offer from there.”

I am 17 years old and live in Ramachandrapura in Bengaluru’s Majestic Cluster. I come from a not-so-well-off family. My mother is a single parent and works as a tailor. Growing up, I saw how hard she worked every day to take care of our family. Because of her, I always believed that education was important, and I tried my best to do well in school.

I scored 75% in my SSLC examinations and later joined the Commerce stream in a BBMP Government PU College, where I scored 82% in my PUC. I enjoyed studying and wanted to continue my education, but I never thought too much beyond what seemed possible for someone like me.

As I was finishing my PUC, I had already decided that I would join a Government Degree College and pursue a BCA course. It felt like the safest option. To be honest, I did not know much about universities outside Bengaluru or the opportunities available after PUC. Looking back, I feel many students like me do not lack ability. We simply do not know what opportunities exist or how to reach them.

That changed when I heard about Azim Premji University through the youth program. At first, I was excited, but I was also nervous. The admission process involved online classes, preparation sessions, and interviews. At home, I did not always have the internet access or space needed to attend classes regularly and prepare properly. There were times when I wondered whether I would be able to prepare properly at all.

That was when the Community Learning Centre became an important part of my journey

For several months, I attended online preparatory classes from the Community Learning Centre almost every day. Many days, I stayed there until late evening attending sessions, completing assignments, and preparing for the entrance examination. It became a place where I could concentrate on my studies without distractions and access the internet whenever I needed it.

The people associated with the program also encouraged me throughout the process. They helped me understand the admission process, prepare for interviews, and complete different requirements. More importantly, they kept reminding me to believe in myself when I started doubting whether I could actually make it.

The journey was not always easy. Some of my friends asked me why I wanted to move away from Bengaluru. Others told me that staying in a hostel and adjusting to university life would be difficult. At home, my mother was worried about what would happen if I did not get selected. To be safe, she got me admitted to a Government College as a backup option.

Even then, I felt I had done my best, so I decided to wait and hope for the best.

A few weeks later, I received a call that changed everything

I was informed that I had cleared the admission process and that an offer letter had been issued to me. I still remember the excitement I felt that day. For a few moments, I could hardly believe it. Something I had never imagined for myself had suddenly become real.

Today, I am preparing to begin a new chapter of my life at Azim Premji University. For me, this is not only about joining a university. It is about proving to myself that where we come from does not decide how far we can go.

I am also happy that I am not the only one. This year, 2 students from the communities supported through the program secured admission to Azim Premji University. Along with me from the Majestic Cluster, Preetham K from the Nagarabhavi Cluster was also selected.

This experience has changed the way my family thinks about education. My younger brother is currently studying in SSLC, and I keep telling him that he should also explore opportunities like this when he completes his studies. I want him to believe that he can dream bigger than what seems possible today.

When I think about my journey, I realise there are many young people in communities like mine who are talented and capable. Sometimes what they need is not more talent, but information, guidance, a place to learn, and someone who encourages them to try.

My story is not just about getting admission to a university. It is about what can happen when someone gets an opportunity they never thought was possible. It is also a reminder that a student’s future should not be limited by their family’s income or where they live.

– Ashini

Beyond One Student’s Success

Ashini’s journey reflects the experiences of many young people living in Bengaluru’s informal settlements. While they often have the ability and determination to pursue higher education, many are unaware of the opportunities available to them or lack the support needed to navigate admission processes.

Through Community Learning Centres—set up as part of the Azim Premji Foundation’s urban poor project and implemented by CFAR—the program is helping create pathways that connect talented first-generation learners to quality higher education opportunities via youth engagement initiatives at the settlement level, structured guidance, online learning support, mentoring, and sustained accompaniment. This year, 2 students from program-supported communities, Ashini from the Majestic Cluster and Preetham K from the Nagarabhavi Cluster, secured admission to Azim Premji University.

Their journeys show that when young people receive timely information, guidance, encouragement, and access to learning spaces, they are able to pursue opportunities that may otherwise seem beyond their reach. Their stories are not only personal achievements but also reminders of the potential that exists within communities when young people are given the chance to explore, aspire, and succeed.