Life in an IIT | ‘I feel a sense of satisfaction with how far I’ve come,’ says IIT Bombay BTech student

Though I had always been a topper, the initial phase of JEE preparation was tough. I particularly struggled with Mathematics, while managing better in Physics and Chemistry. I’m deeply grateful to my teachers, especially Abhimanyu Gautam Sir and Asheesh Sharma Sir, who constantly motivated me and helped me push my limits.

I was lucky to have friends who kept me inspired and focused. After two years of dedicated effort, I secured an All India Rank of 6636 in JEE Advanced 2024 and joined IIT Bombay, where I am now in my second year of BTech in Civil Engineering.

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While my primary goal was to get into IIT Bombay, I have grown to appreciate the field of civil engineering through my courses and interactions with professors. I am happy with the decision and excited about the possibilities ahead.

My childhood, parents

I was born in Navi Mumbai and moved to Pune after Class 7. The competitive school environment there pushed me to work harder and aim higher. After Class 10, I set my sights on getting into the best college in the country and began preparing with Allen Pune. The support of my friends and teachers played a huge role in my JEE 2025 success. The bonds with friends and teachers that I made over there are of no bounds and were a major part of my success in JEE 2024.

My father is a mechanical engineer working in Shikrapur near Pune, and my mother is a homemaker. While she initially encouraged me to pursue medicine, I eventually realised that engineering aligned better with my interest in innovation and problem-solving.

What I miss most about Pune is its pleasant weather and the friends I used to hang out with.

Life at IIT Bombay

Since IIT Bombay is quite close to my hometown, I felt a little more at ease and did not face major challenges adjusting to the new environment. Like many others, I was initially anxious about who my roommate would be, but I was fortunate to find someone cooperative and friendly.

From the very beginning, I was fascinated by the campus, the academic system, and especially the opportunity to interact with students from all over the country. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that all the effort I put in was truly worth it. Within just a few weeks, I saw people pursuing their interests so passionately, and the wide range of opportunities here made the experience all the more exciting.

Attending the orientations of various clubs was both thrilling and overwhelming — sometimes multiple events overlapped, and there was so much happening that it even became exhausting! Still, it was one of the most enjoyable parts of the beginning.

Classes and professors at IIT Bombay

The classes and professors here have been extremely engaging. What I admire most is their deep interest and dedication to their subjects, and the fact that they’re always approachable. You can walk up to them with your doubts, and they will genuinely try to help.

After spending most of my JEE preparation years at home, the first year here opened up so many new experiences. I participated in several competitions, cultural activities, and even got involved in organising campus fests through various clubs. By the end of the first year, choosing just one club to focus on was tough because I was inspired by so many of them.

Managing academics in the first year was relatively manageable, thanks to the discipline and rigor developed during the two years of JEE preparation. But IIT has taught me far more than academics — it helped me see things from different perspectives, understand diverse mindsets, and explore ideas fearlessly. One major lesson I’ve learned here is not to limit your thoughts or efforts when it comes to testing an idea.

Life beyond academics at IIT Bombay

Beyond academics, I’ve enjoyed the social aspects — late-night outings with friends, exploring the city, chilling at Marine Drive, and bonding in the hostel. These moments have been just as important in shaping my journey here. Another thing I have come to value deeply is the power of teamwork. No one can handle everything alone, and IIT has shown me how collaboration leads to growth.

‘A sense of satisfaction’

Looking back, I feel a sense of satisfaction with how far I’ve come, but I’m also aware that this is just the beginning. I’m looking forward to building a strong foundation in problem-solving and generative technologies, and eventually pursuing a meaningful career in this field. My ultimate goal is to build something of my own — but only after gaining enough real-world experience to understand how things actually work.

One quote I resonate deeply with is:

“Success is not a full stop; it is a comma.”

With that in mind, I’m already working toward the next goal.