‘Balancing studies, projects and extra-curricular activities — life in IIT Bombay is fun’

Moreover, my mother is a science teacher and my father is a mechanical engineer. Therefore, I got a significant head-start in my engineering endeavour. I had first-hand experience working with engineering tools to build stuff in my childhood. 

I learnt soldering in Class 8, followed by building my first robot, learnt CAD design, and programming, and eventually started working on projects with my father. I feel extremely fortunate and grateful for this experience, hence, I was sure I wanted to become an engineer. 

JEE Main coaching, school life and board exams

I got into the JEE race from Class 8. I was in a consolidated schooling and JEE coaching programme. It was quite tough and discouraging at the start to keep up with the pace and perform well, however, over time, things got better and I started performing well. I figured out that cracking the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) will open the door for the best engineering institutions.

Studies started getting tougher in Classes 11 and 12 and I started studying rigorously. My coaching was from 8 am to 5 pm followed by extra study hours until 9 pm and then studying at night until 2 am at home. The weekends were too devoted to mock tests. 

Though it was tiring, I had a nice friend circle where we did group study and had fun too. The year 2020 was tough for each of us due to Covid-19. I had imbalances in my performance that year that made it stressful. 

However, I was thrilled when my JEE Advanced 2020 results were out. It was like a dream come true and a proud moment for my family. Since childhood, I have been sure of pursuing aerospace engineering. Becoming something you dreamt of your entire childhood is a special feeling and I was one step closer to it. Only four IITs and a few other colleges offered the branch of my choice. IIT Bombay was one of them. I got enrolled in the aerospace department. I am in my fourth year right now.

Life in IIT Bombay

In the first year, the classes, examinations and events were held online at IIT Bombay. In my second year, I moved to IIT Bombay. It was an exciting as well as emotional experience. Unlike most others, I did not stay away from my family for coaching and the hostel life is quite new to me. This change was tough and challenging. Over time, I got adjusted well and made good friends.

IIT Bombay is truly a beautiful place. It is quite hard to get bored here. There is always something for everyone ranging from technical and cultural to sports and competitions. Being in Mumbai, there is always an option to have fun outside too. I love to take a walk around the campus. It feels refreshing. There are a lot of places in the city where I hang out with my friends.

Like most IIT students, I too am a night person and feel comfortable working till late at night. Thanks to late-night canteens and friends, I do not feel drained out. As it is my final year here, I have a relatively peaceful semester academically. Hence, I can focus more on the other activities. 

‘How IIT Bombay has groomed me’

IIT has taught me a lot in every aspect. I have learnt to live independently; balancing studies, projects and extra-curricular activities. I have learnt to stay strong, believe in myself and stay confident. I have made many good friends and have many memories.

I got exposed to quality teaching in aerospace engineering, which, coupled with the projects and competitions, created a strong foundation of experience on top of the theoretical knowledge. 

Apart from academics, I got involved in mostly technical activities at IIT. I am currently holding a position in a technical team where we design and build UAVs for international competitions and also in the aeromodelling club. Contributing to these activities is something I truly enjoy spending a fair share of my time and effort. 

Until now, the IIT Bombay student has built and piloted over 40 drones each unique in appearance and purpose

Here at IIT, I have been actively participating in numerous technical competitions. Until now, I have built and piloted over 40 drones each unique in appearance and purpose. I secured the first position in the Institute Technical Summer Project 2022, participated in international competitions related to aerial robotics and UAV automation, and presented my work at many research conclaves and technical exhibitions. Under the Maker Bhavan Foundation, I also took part in the Vishwakarma Awards and our team won the title of most innovative solution.

I completed my internship in an aerospace company and wish to work on UAV technology or aerial robotics after my BTech gets over. There is never an end to learning. I will always be learning things each day and doing what I enjoy.