Life in an IIT | How curiosity, resilience, and hard work shaped a student’s journey from a modest Maharashtra town

My father, an executive civil engineer with the Indian Railways, had always been a source of inspiration. As a child, I was fascinated whenever he explained how things worked or when I dismantled toy cars to study their mechanics. His passion for engineering shaped my own curiosity. Even today, I miss the calmness of my hometown, Ambernath, a modest town in Maharashtra, the warmth of my family, the laughter of old friends, and the nostalgia of school days.

My preparation journey

Until Class 9, I was introverted, barely social, and hardly involved in extracurricular activities. Things changed in Class 10 when my sister’s excellent Board results made me question my own potential. Determined to test myself, I worked harder than ever and scored a 96 per cent in Class 10 and 95 per cent in Class 12.

Ambernath lacked reliable coaching, so I enrolled in an online program after Class 10 while continuing school at Kendriya Vidyalaya under the CBSE board. My routine became relentless – school from early morning till 1.30 pm, coaching in the afternoons and evenings, dinner, and then assignments and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) preparation late into the night. The long hours were draining, but I knew they were necessary.

There were sacrifices, too. For nearly two years, I stayed away from social media, skipped festivals, and avoided family trips. Fatigue and self-doubt often crept in, but I kept moving forward, fuelled by the promise I had made as a child.

Through it all, my family’s support was invaluable. My mother kept reminding me of my potential, my sister even helped with school assignments, and my father trusted me completely without pressure. My physics teacher pushed me to aim higher, and my friends’ determination kept me inspired. Preparing for JEE was never just my effort – it was a family journey.

I appeared for the JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2024, clearing both on my first attempt. When the results came and I secured IIT Bombay, I knew every sacrifice had been worth it. I chose Civil Engineering – partly due to my father’s influence and partly out of interest. I had also considered Computer Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering at other IITs, but Civil Engineering at IIT Bombay felt like the perfect balance of passion and opportunity.

My life at IIT Bombay

I joined in 2024, living away from home for the first time. Like every fresher, I was nervous – would I adjust, would I make friends? Thankfully, my roommate and wing-mates in Hostel 1 were incredibly supportive, and the transition was smooth. Hostel 1, with its relatively good mess food, became my first home away from home.

My first year was about exploration. I participated in cultural and technical competitions, joined organising teams for Techfest, Mood Indigo, and E-Cell, and immersed myself in campus life. Balancing academics and extracurriculars was tough, but IIT life teaches you time management like nothing else.

Now, in my second year, I have taken on greater responsibilities. I serve as an assistant manager at IIT Bombay Racing, work as a secretary in the Civil Engineering Association, and continue to contribute actively to Mood Indigo and Techfest. These experiences have sharpened my leadership, teamwork, and organisational skills while letting me contribute to communities I value.

The transformation in me has been remarkable. From a shy, introverted student, I have grown into someone more confident, social, and adaptable. The biggest lessons I have learned here are communication and time management – skills that open doors in every direction.

Campus life at IIT Bombay is truly unique. Nights are alive with activity – team meetings, jam sessions, or simply friends chatting into the morning hours. Some of my best memories are late-night tea runs outside campus, long walks by Powai Lake, or impromptu trips to Marine Drive and Juhu Beach at 3 am. It is a world where learning and fun go hand in hand.

Professors at IIT Bombay

Our professors add another dimension. Some are strict, while others are approachable like peers. I will never forget one professor whose classes students eagerly awaited, and another who taught mathematical concepts through songs and Sanskrit verses. Beyond academics, they encourage us to innovate, explore, and grow beyond textbooks.

IIT life also teaches practical lessons – like managing expenses. You learn to stretch every rupee, share resources, and spend wisely. Outside academics, I enjoy playing badminton and cricket, and recently, I have been exploring design as a creative pursuit.

‘IIT Bombay opened doors’

Being a student here has definitely opened doors that would have been much harder otherwise. For example, the institute regularly hosts seminars by renowned personalities, and as a student, I get the chance to directly interact with them, which is a rare privilege.
On one occasion, I even got the opportunity to visit an international company where entry was permitted exclusively for IIT students. These experiences not only broadened my exposure but also gave me access to networks and insights that I might not have had elsewhere.

‘I want to keep exploring’

I have not decided on a specific career path yet. Whether in technology, consultancy, entrepreneurship, or something completely new, I want to keep exploring. What I do know is that I want to challenge myself, keep learning, and create an impact wherever I go.

Looking back, the journey from being an average student to becoming an IITian feels truly transformative. The struggles, sacrifices, and support of my family have shaped who I am today. IIT Bombay has given me not just an education, but a new perspective on life.

As I continue this journey, I carry forward the same spirit that once pushed me to dream big as a child – curiosity, resilience, and the belief that no dream is too big if you are willing to work for it.