Mumbai: Sony LIV is set to release its much-anticipated original web series 13th on 1st October 2025, presenting a deep, realistic exploration of India’s competitive exam-prep ecosystem. The series draws inspiration from the remarkable life and work of Mohit Tyagi (MT Sir), a celebrated educator known for democratizing access to high-quality IIT-JEE coaching through free content on YouTube.
Titled 13th—a reference to the “drop year” many students take post-Class 12 to prepare for the IIT-JEE—the series delves into the aspirations, sacrifices, and mental health challenges faced by students navigating India’s high-stakes education system.
At the heart of the series is the mentor character, inspired by Mohit Tyagi, portrayed by Gagan Dev Riar. Tyagi, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and Director at Competishun, has built a reputation for offering free, in-depth Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics coaching to over 2.2 million YouTube subscribers—many from small towns and underprivileged backgrounds. His unconventional approach, prioritizing discipline and student-first values over commercialisation, has led to the success of numerous top-rankers in the IIT-JEE exam.
“For me, teaching has always been about much more than solving equations or preparing for exams,” said Mohit Tyagi, speaking about the launch of the show. “It’s about creating resilience, cultivating discipline, and informing students that they are more than their marks or rankings. From my perspective, in 13th, I see the untold stories of lakhs of youth who have gigantic pressure but still have dreams. The reason why this series is different is that it talks about their struggle in honesty and sympathy. I hope that it provides confidence to students, understanding to parents, and greater respect from society for their path.”
Produced by Sony LIV, 13th sheds light on the realities of coaching hubs across India—from the financial burdens and emotional toll on families to the psychological impact on students striving to crack the IIT-JEE in repeat attempts. The show aims to offer more than entertainment, doubling as a social commentary and a source of empathy for millions of aspirants and their families.
By aligning the series with Mohit Tyagi’s educational mission, Sony LIV continues its focus on purposeful content that resonates with India’s youth and their lived realities. Through hashtags like #My13thStory and #13thOnSonyLIV, the platform is also encouraging viewers to engage in conversations around ambition, pressure, and academic success.
