JEE Advanced AIR 32 Chooses IIT Kanpur Over IIT Bombay to Stay Close to Twin Brother: Inspiring Admission Decision Wins Hearts
In a heartwarming story that has captured the attention of students and educators across the country, JEE Advanced 2026 All India Rank (AIR) 32 holder Mahroof Ahmed Khan has chosen Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at IIT Kanpur over the highly coveted IIT Bombay CSE—not because of rankings or placements, but to continue studying alongside his identical twin brother, Masroor Ahmed Khan, who secured AIR 169. The brothers, who have shared classrooms, preparation strategies and academic milestones since childhood, decided to continue their journey together at IIT Kanpur, valuing family over individual prestige.
Mahroof's decision has sparked widespread admiration, highlighting that while IIT Bombay Computer Science is often considered one of the most sought-after engineering programmes in India, personal priorities can sometimes outweigh conventional choices. The twins have already joined IIT Kanpur for orientation and will pursue BTech in Computer Science and Engineering, beginning the next chapter of their academic lives together.
Story at a Glance
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Student | Mahroof Ahmed Khan |
| JEE Advanced Rank | AIR 32 |
| Twin Brother | Masroor Ahmed Khan |
| Brother's Rank | AIR 169 |
| Preferred Branch | Computer Science & Engineering |
| Chosen Institute | IIT Kanpur |
| Seat Forgone | IIT Bombay CSE |
| Reason | To stay and study with his twin brother |
Why Did AIR 32 Choose IIT Kanpur Instead of IIT Bombay?
With an AIR of 32, Mahroof comfortably qualified for Computer Science Engineering at IIT Bombay, a programme considered among the most competitive in the country. However, his brother's rank would not have secured the same branch there.
Rather than joining different campuses, Mahroof chose IIT Kanpur, where both brothers could obtain Computer Science Engineering and continue supporting each other academically and personally. According to reports, he said he had "no regrets" about giving up IIT Bombay because staying with his brother mattered more.
A Journey Built on Togetherness
The twins' success story extends far beyond the final ranks.
Their shared journey includes:
Studying together since childhood.
Preparing for JEE in Kota for three years.
Solving problems together daily.
Discussing difficult concepts after coaching classes.
Motivating each other during low-scoring mock tests.
Maintaining a disciplined preparation schedule.
Supporting one another emotionally throughout the demanding preparation period.
This collaborative approach helped both brothers secure outstanding ranks in one of India's toughest entrance examinations.
Family's Sacrifice Behind the Success
The twins come from a family of doctors in Bhubaneswar.
Their father, Dr. Mansoor Ahmed Khan, continued working in Odisha while their mother, Dr. Zeenat Begum, left her medical job and moved with the brothers to Kota to support their JEE preparation. The family's commitment ensured the twins could focus entirely on their studies during the crucial years leading up to JEE Advanced.
Why IIT Kanpur?
Although IIT Bombay is traditionally viewed as the top destination for Computer Science aspirants, IIT Kanpur is also among India's premier engineering institutions.
The institute is known for:
Strong Computer Science programme.
World-class research facilities.
Excellent coding culture.
High placement packages.
Entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Innovation and startup support.
Modern laboratories.
Strong alumni network.
Global research collaborations.
For the brothers, IIT Kanpur offered the opportunity to pursue their preferred branch together without compromising academic quality.
JEE Advanced 2026 Counselling
Their admission was finalized through the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling process.
The counselling process includes:
JEE Advanced qualification.
JoSAA registration.
Choice filling.
Seat allocation.
Document verification.
Fee payment.
Reporting to the allotted IIT.
Orientation and commencement of classes.
Candidates can choose institutions based not only on rank but also on branch preference, career goals, campus environment and personal considerations.
Lessons for Future JEE Aspirants
The twins' decision offers several valuable lessons:
Rank is important, but personal priorities also matter.
Choosing a college should involve long-term goals, not just public perception.
A strong support system can contribute significantly to academic success.
Branch preference often matters more than institute branding for many students.
Every student's admission decision is unique and depends on individual circumstances.
IIT Bombay vs IIT Kanpur: Is One Better?
Both IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur are among India's leading engineering institutions.
While IIT Bombay is frequently associated with exceptional placement opportunities and industry exposure, IIT Kanpur is equally respected for its academic rigour, research output, Computer Science department and innovation ecosystem.
For many candidates, the choice depends on:
Preferred engineering branch.
Faculty.
Research interests.
Campus culture.
Career aspirations.
Personal priorities.
Family considerations.
There is no universally "correct" choice; the best institute is often the one that aligns with a student's individual goals.
Career Opportunities After IIT CSE
Graduates from IIT Kanpur's Computer Science programme typically pursue careers in:
Software Development
Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
Data Science
Cybersecurity
Product Management
Quantitative Finance
Research
Startups
Higher Studies
Many graduates also receive international placement offers and admission to leading global universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the JEE Advanced AIR 32 student?
Mahroof Ahmed Khan secured AIR 32 in JEE Advanced 2026.
Which IIT did he choose?
He chose IIT Kanpur for Computer Science and Engineering.
Why did he not join IIT Bombay?
He decided to study at IIT Kanpur so he could remain with his twin brother, who also secured admission there.
What rank did his twin brother secure?
Masroor Ahmed Khan secured AIR 169 in JEE Advanced 2026.
Did both brothers choose the same branch?
Yes. Both enrolled in Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Kanpur.
Does IIT Kanpur offer strong Computer Science placements?
Yes. IIT Kanpur is widely regarded as one of India's leading institutes for Computer Science, with excellent academic, research and placement opportunities.
Final Update
The story of JEE Advanced AIR 32 Mahroof Ahmed Khan choosing IIT Kanpur over IIT Bombay is a reminder that success is not defined solely by rankings or the most coveted campus. By prioritising his bond with his twin brother, Mahroof demonstrated that personal values can play an equally important role in life-changing decisions. As both brothers begin their Computer Science journey together at IIT Kanpur, their story has become an inspiring example of sibling support, shared ambition and the idea that true success is often measured by the people with whom we choose to share it.
