Life in an IIT | From JEE struggles to hostel life, hackathons, & future in finance

I appeared for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2024, securing a rank under 5000 and scoring 99.71 percentile in the Mains. Preparing for JEE was never easy. I joined Allen, Kota, and studied rigorously for two years. The syllabus often moved at breakneck speed, and time management was a constant challenge. During Class 12, I even fell sick with dengue, which made things tougher. But with the support of teachers and friends, I kept going and eventually cleared the exam.

Tough choice

During JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling, I had to make a big choice between Electrical Engineering at IIT Kanpur and Mechanical Engineering at IIT Bombay. After reflecting on my interests, I realised I had little passion for electrical, while I had always been curious about machine design and core sciences. I also considered chemical and civil engineering at other colleges, but ultimately, choosing Mechanical at Bombay was the right decision for me.

I am now in the second year of BTech in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Bombay. I am 20 years old, and my hometown is Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. I completed my schooling at Blue Bells Group of Schools, Jhansi. My father is a government doctor, and my mother is a government teacher. What I miss most about my city are my friends, family, and the Dau K Samose.

IIT brought its own challenges and excitement

I joined IIT Bombay in June 2024. Since I had already stayed in Kota, the idea of living away from home wasn’t entirely new, but IIT brought its own challenges and excitement. Initially, hostel life, a new city, and unfamiliar food took some adjusting. Slowly, friendships formed, and life here started feeling like home.

Academics felt intense in the beginning – lectures and assignments moved quickly – but the culture of collaboration helped me settle in. Seniors were always ready to guide us with academics, projects, and even personal advice. Along the way, I joined the Exofly Tech Team and volunteered at several institute events, which gave me exposure beyond the classroom.

Balancing academics with these activities wasn’t easy, but it taught me valuable lessons in time management and prioritisation. In the first semester, everyone followed a disciplined routine – waking up at 7.30 am for classes and going to bed early. Gradually, this changed with late-night study sessions, group hangouts, and hostel culture taking over.

Hostel life has been one of the most enriching experiences for me. Meeting students from across the country, celebrating festivals together, and enjoying late-night tea at the canteen have created some of my fondest memories. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned here is the power of prioritisation. With so many things happening on campus at once, knowing what to focus on is key.

My hobbies include playing badminton and meeting new people to learn about their lives and interests. In our free time, my friends and I either explore the campus or head to South Bombay – Marine Drive, beaches, and other spots – on weekends.

Teachers at IIT-Bombay

The teachers at IIT are inspiring and approachable. They encourage us to ask questions and often guide us to think beyond the syllabus. Living here has also taught me financial discipline. I receive a monthly allowance from my parents, which I divide between essentials like mess food, stationery, and hostel needs, while keeping a small part for outings and events.

Exposure has been immense

Sports remain an important part of my routine. Playing badminton not only helps me stay fit but also provides a refreshing break from academics and a chance to bond with friends. IIT also provides unmatched opportunities. From talks, workshops, and tech fests to hackathons and competitions, the exposure has been immense. Once, I got the chance to participate in a hackathon that connected me with peers and professionals nationwide. These experiences have shaped my growth and opened doors I might not have accessed otherwise.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, I see myself moving into the finance sector. I have developed a strong interest in financial markets, investment strategies, and fintech innovation. My technical background gives me solid analytical and problem-solving skills, which I want to apply in this field. In the short term, I aim to work in roles like investment banking, financial analysis, or risk management to strengthen my foundation. In the long run, I aspire to hold a leadership position in a financial institution or even build something of my own in the fintech space.

The IIT ecosystem – from finance clubs to networking opportunities – has given me the confidence to pursue this path. IIT has not only given me academic knowledge but also taught me resilience, adaptability, and teamwork, values I will carry forward wherever life takes me.