This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Om Sharma
Hey Dev family,
Today I’m sharing something that took me a month to put into words.
I was selected for @google Google Summer of Code 2025 – my first-ever international achievement. But I’m no longer part of the program… because of my age.
Yes, I cracked GSoC at 17. That joy quickly turned into heartbreak when the opportunity slipped through my hands. But every moment of this journey meant something to me – and I want to share it. 
The Best Day of My Life – 8th May 2025
I still remember the moment I saw my name on the GSoC accepted list. I froze.
Tears of joy. Smiles all around. My college, my friends, my family – all celebrating together. On 27th May, my college even surprised me with a banner in my city, barely a kilometer from home.
It felt like a dream come true. The story even gained traction on LinkedIn and X. But that’s when life threw a curveball.
The Twist No One Saw Coming
The banner proudly said: “Om cracked GSoC at the age of 17.”
It was true – and it went viral.
Soon after, I received an email from Google asking for age verification. According to GSoC rules, participants must be 18 or above. I wasn’t aware of this rule – no verification was asked during application, and I had no intent to hide anything. I was just contributing and doing what I love.
I missed the first mail on 28th May. The second came on 30th May, asking me to respond before 1st June.
I Responded Honestly
On 1st June, I shared everything – my contributions, my passion, and the fact that I would turn 18 on 14th June. But by the end of the day, I received a message saying I was officially withdrawn for not meeting the eligibility criteria.
That email shattered me.
This is my answer to trolls – I chose honesty over silence.
My Perspective
In my view, if a 17-year-old can clear a global program like GSoC, it should be seen as encouragement – a signal to support early talent.
But I also respect the rules and understand the decision.
My college was innocent – they just celebrated me.
I was innocent – I didn’t try to bend any rules.
The GSoC team followed their policy – fairly.
What’s Next?
Yes, I’m out of GSoC 2025. But I’m not out of the game.
I’ll be back – stronger, eligible, and more determined than ever.
Until then, I’ll keep building. I’ll keep learning. I’ll keep growing.
“Age might define eligibility, but it can never define capability”
Heartfelt Thanks to
My organization and its amazing maintainers AOSSIE Jaideep Prasad Chandan S Gowda Aarush Acharya
My college Polaris School of Technology
My Bhaiyas (seniors) Divij Sharma, Naveen Sharma, Prayag Biswas, Rahat, Vipin Kumar, Nitish Jha, Akhilesh Kr.
My friends and well-wishers
Yug Ramoliya, Vijeta Narwal, Kanishka Garg, Sneha Chaurasia, Riya Kumari
And most importantly, my family and guardians – who lifted me up when I was down Divya Rewtani, Suyash Chaturvedi, Mukul Rustagi
#GSoC #OpenSource #AgeIsJustANumber
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Om Sharma