"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
16 Jul 2024
Nandini Agarwal, at the tender age of 19, has achieved what many only dream of – becoming the world’s youngest female chartered accountant. This remarkable feat was recognized by the Guinness World Records on September 13, 2021, when she was just 19 years old.
Hailing from Morena, MP, Nandini as a child,was in a hurry to achieve more. She skipped two grades in school, passed her Class 10 board exams at 13, and cleared her Class 12 exams at 15. But her academic prowess didn't stop there. She not only topped the country in her CA finals but also outperformed 83,000 candidates with an impressive score of 614 out of 800 (76.75%).
Interestingly, Nandini’s elder brother, Sachin, also excelled in the same examination, securing an All India Rank (AIR) of 18. The siblings, who have been classmates since Nandini jumped two classes early in childhood, share a unique bond that transcends sibling rivalry. Instead, they have always been each other's strongest supporters. This camaraderie was evident when they jointly topped their district in the Class 12 board exams, scoring 94.5%.
Nandini’s inspiration to achieve a Guinness World Record was sparked in Class 11 when a record holder visited her school. This encounter ignited a dream in her heart to set a record that would be challenging to break. Her chosen path was the rigorous Chartered Accountancy (CA) examination, known for its difficulty and low pass rates. Despite the daunting challenge, Nandini remained undeterred, even when firms hesitated to offer her an apprenticeship due to her young age. “Even small firms were not ready to take me on at 16,” she recalls. However, these setbacks only fueled her determination to succeed.
The support of her family, particularly her brother Sachin, played a crucial role in her journey. She often scored poorly in her mock tests, which was very discouraging and made her feel frustrated and doubtful about her ability to perform well in the actual exams. However, Sachin's encouragement and faith in her abilities motivated her to persevere. He consistently urged her to continue practicing and not to focus on the mock test results, a strategy that ultimately led to her success. Their father, Naresh Chandra Gupta, a tax practitioner, and mother, Dimple Gupta, a homemaker, have always been pillars of support for their ambitious children.
Nandini's story goes beyond academic success; it's about overcoming obstacles and redefining potential. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance, strong family support, and not giving up on one’s dreams. By inspiring many others, Nandini's legacy will be remembered not only for her achievements but also for the trail she has blazed for future generations.