Kukhura Village (Birbhum District), WEST BENGAL :

Courtesy: awazthevoice.in

Kolkata:

A young man from a remote village in West Bengal has scripted an extraordinary success story, becoming the all-India topper in Arabic in the 2026 UGC-NET examination. Abdul Hamid, a resident of village Kukhura in Birbhum district, scored 266 out of 300 marks, topping a list of 1,649 candidates.

The University Grants Commission National Eligibility Test determines eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship, appointment as Assistant Professor, and admission to PhD programmes in Indian universities.

What makes Abdul Hamid’s achievement remarkable is the circumstances in which he achieved it. He worked alongside his father in agricultural fields, herded cows and goats, and navigated persistent financial difficulties, all while keeping his academic ambitions alive.

His father, Abdut Toab, is a respected scholar in the village who taught at a secondary education centre for nearly two decades on a modest salary, while also tilling land to feed the family. Abdul Hamid received his earliest lessons in Bengali, English, and Arabic from his mother.

He later cleared the Alim examination in 2017 and the Fazil examination in 2019, graduated from Alia University in Kolkata, and completed his post-graduation from Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi with a CGPA of 8.75. He also sharpened his English skills at the Ramakrishna Mission.

Financial hardship temporarily interrupted his studies. After his marriage in 2025, Abdul Hamid found renewed purpose, driven by the encouragement of his wife and father-in-law. He prepared for the UGC-NET at the Siuri centre without any formal coaching, relying on YouTube, a handful of books, personal notes, and discipline built around leading prayers at a local mosque.

When results were declared on August 28, Abdul Hamid stood first in the country.

He now aims to pursue a PhD in Arabic from Delhi University or Jawaharlal Nehru University. He credits his success to mental preparation, consistent hard work, and complete honesty toward his goal, and believes coaching is not a prerequisite for achievement.

Many academicians have noted that scoring such high marks in a foreign language is a particularly demanding accomplishment, making Abdul Hamid’s performance all the more noteworthy.

source: http://www.radiancenews.com / Radiance News / Home> Latest News> Pride of the Nation> Markers of Excellence> Report / by Radiance News Bureau / September 10th,2026