When motherhood took priority: The silent sacrifice behind success of Odisha’s JEE main twins

While the JEE Main 2026 Session–1 results are being celebrated with numbers, percentiles, and rankings, the story of Bhubaneswar’s twin brothers, Mahroof and Masroor Ahmed Khan, stands out for a different reason- sacrifice.

The twins created history by securing identical scores in the prestigious engineering entrance examination. However, behind their academic milestone lies a deeply personal story of dedication and unwavering support from their mother.

A Doctor’s Life-Altering Decision

A medical professional by training, their mother made a life-changing choice when the twins entered Class 10, a crucial stage for students aspiring to crack competitive examinations.

Recognising the demands of the journey ahead, she stepped away from her medical career and moved to Kota, Rajasthan, to stay with her sons as they prepared for the highly competitive JEE examination.

“My mother left her job only to come and live with us,” Mahroof said, expressing gratitude for her sacrifice.

For three years, while the twins underwent rigorous academic training, she managed the household, ensured emotional stability and stood by them through the intense pressure associated with competitive coaching.

Beyond Percentiles and Ranks

For the family, the twins’ success is not merely about securing a pathway to premier institutes such as IIT Bombay. It is also a reflection of a mother’s belief that her presence and guidance would be the strongest support system for her children.

As Mahroof and Masroor celebrate their achievement, their story highlights the often-unseen role of parents in shaping academic success. In their journey, it was not just textbooks and coaching that made a difference, but the quiet strength of a mother who chose to prioritise her children’s dreams over her professional calling.

Their achievement serves as a reminder that behind every success story, there is often an untold narrative of sacrifice, resilience, and unconditional support.

A Father’s Tribute

Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khan, father of the twins, said, "I am filled with immense pride and happiness seeing both my sons secure such remarkable ranks in their very first attempt. Since childhood, they have been each other’s greatest strength, studying together, addressing each other's weaknesses, and pushing one another toward excellence."

He further added, "However, the true cornerstone of this success is their mother. A gynecologist by profession, she made the profound decision to sacrifice her career at a private hospital to move to Kota and live with them. While I serve as a Senior Medical Officer at IIT Bhubaneswar, she has been the one on the ground, dedicated entirely to their journey."

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He said, "She managed everything, from their rigorous study schedules to their health and nutrition. This achievement belongs to her as much as it does to them; she sacrificed her professional life so our children could build theirs."