YOUNG ACHIEVER: Suril Shah. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Bangalore: It is not everyday that a 15-year-old is sought after by big corporate companies in the information technology sector.

It sounds implausible, but Suril Shah from Ahemedabad is all of 15 years and claims to be the youngest person in India to clear the SAP test. SAP test — which deals with tools to create, manage and operate software applications and business solutions — is a part of SAP Solutions, Global. SAP Solutions programmes are in high demand in the IT industry today and so are their technical helpers.

At the age of 10, Suril completed his basic course in Java; he then went on to do his OCP-DBA exam, the Oracle Certified Profession, Database administrator, Version 9i, exam. By the age of 13, Suril had his mind set on the SAP test, usually taken by 22 to 30 year olds with an IT background.

This teenager, to fulfil the prerequisite for the SAP test, worked for two years in an organic chemicals marketing agency. He worked part-time during school hours and full-time during vacations. The Marketing agency, confident of Suril's immense capabilities, backed him up by sponsoring his entire exam fee.

What drove him to be so dedicated at such a young age? "My father has been my constant inspiration. He bought me by first computer; he pushed me to work hard towards something concrete and I did. I did not waste my time playing games on the computer," he says proudly.

Rakesh Shah, Suril's father and a government officer, is thrilled to see his son make a future for himself. "We gave him our full support, I did not worry about his school work being affected due to his work, he is a responsible boy," he says.

Not swayed by job offers, Suril plans to complete his education with a science degree. "A degree is basic; you will need it to get anywhere. I am doing all this because when I get out of college, the stage will be set for me," he quips happily.

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