In an age where coaching classes are seen as essential for academic success, Damini Singh Brar from Himachal Pradesh has broken the mould, and how. Without signing up for a single coaching class, she has cleared some of India’s most competitive exams, including the UGC-NET, NIMHANS, and not one but two IIT PhD entrances.

The 26-year-old from Sanjauli near Shimla is now all set to join IIT Delhi’s PhD programme in Psychology, having topped both its written exam and interview round. Not only that, she also bagged All India Rank 1 in the PhD entrance for IIT Kanpur.

Damini also cleared the NIMHANS Bengaluru written exam for a PhD and got shortlisted for the interview. She passed UGC-NET Psychology in her first attempt in December 2024.

FROM LSR TO TISS TO IIT

Damini started her academic journey at Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), Delhi University, studying English Honours. She then pursued Applied Psychology from TISS Mumbai, a top social sciences institute.

Her school journey was equally strong — she was the Class 12 board topper in Shimla region.

NO COACHING, JUST CONSISTENCY

What makes Damini’s story even more inspiring is her method. As per reports, she got no coaching, and no private tuitions. She prepared for the exams on her own, driven by passion and a structured study routine.

Her parents come from humble backgrounds — her father is a sanitation inspector and her mother is a homemaker. Yet, with discipline and quiet resilience, Damini has reached India’s most elite academic spaces.