Nanded, February 12 Like lakhs of other students across Maharashtra, Suraj Shivraj Ubale is appearing for the state board's Class 12 examinations, which began on Tuesday.
The only difference is that he is writing his papers using his feet; he has no hands.
He had the option of using a scribe, but he decided to write his papers himself, according to his parents.
Ubale, who resides in Gadegaon village, is appearing for the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam at Shri Shivaji College in Kandhar town of the district.
On the first day, he stunned other candidates and supervisors when he calmly balanced himself on his seat, gripped a pen between his toes, and started writing the English paper.
Deputy tehsildar Urmila Kulkarni, centre superintendent Ashok Varpade, principal Murlidhar Ghorband, and other officials expressed admiration for his resilience.
"My son has been differently-abled since birth. He eats with his feet. His feet are his hands. He scored 64 per cent in his Class 10 exams...His struggle is an inspiration to society, and I am proud of him," said Suraj's father, Shivraj Ubale.
"He could have taken a writer for the exam, but he chose to overcome his disability with dignity and courage. His determination is truly commendable," said principal Ghorband.