Life in an IIT | ‘Economics, leadership and innovation — IIT Kanpur taught me a lot’

My father decided to send me to Gwalior just after class 10 for a two-year classroom programme at a JEE coaching centre. I am originally from Basai, Madhya Pradesh.

New beginnings at IIT Kanpur

After clearing JEE Advanced, I learned that some Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) including IIT Bombay and IIT Kanpur have economics as a branch.

I arrived at IIT Kanpur in 2022, just after the COVID-19 lockdown, having spent one semester online. For a small-town boy, campus life was a major transition, but with the help of IIT Kanpur’s Counselling Service, which pairs each fresher with a student guide, the adjustment was smooth. The orientation programme introduced me to various clubs and societies.

Student election: A turning point

At IIT Kanpur, students have significant power in decision-making, facilitated by a structured system of Student Gymkhana, ensuring that student voices are heard in various aspects of campus life.

My journey at IIT Kanpur took a significant turn when I decided to run for election as a student representative. The experience of campaigning was both challenging and enriching, requiring me to engage with my peers and juniors, understand their concerns, and advocate for their needs. After successfully winning the election, I was honored to be elected as the general secretary of Academics and Career Council.

In this role, I lead a team of over 150 dedicated students, where I spearhead initiatives in academic planning, research endeavors, international collaborations, and career development opportunities. This leadership experience has profoundly transformed my personality, enhancing my management skills and instilling a strong sense of ownership. I’ve learned to navigate complex situations, balance diverse perspectives, and prioritise the collective goals of our student community. Balancing academics with extracurricular activities was challenging at first, but I developed a routine that helped me prioritize tasks and improve my time management skills, which positively impacted my studies.

Daily routine at IIT Kanpur

My daily routine typically starts with attending classes in the morning, where I focus on my studies and engage with my professors and peers. After classes, I dive into my responsibilities as the General Secretary, addressing various campus issues and working with my team to implement initiatives for academic and career development. In the evenings, I love chilling out with my friends at the hostel or Open Air Theatre (OAT) and roaming around the campus at midnight, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and making the most of my time at IIT Kanpur. It’s a perfect balance of academics, leadership, and social life.

Enjoying at “Antragni” Annual Cultural Festival of IIT Kanpur

Inter-IIT Tech Meet 11.0 in 2023

I participated in Inter-IIT Tech Meet 11.0 in 2023 and won a gold medal while representing IIT Kanpur, competing against over 20+ participating IITs. The inter-IIT Tech meet is an event where all IITs compete against each other to tackle various problem statements. It was an incredible experience that showcased our technical skills and fostered a sense of pride and teamwork among us. Additionally, I participated in the Inter-IIT Cultural Meet 5.0 held at IIT Madras as a member of the dramatics club to perform Nukkad Natak, further enriching my time at IIT Kanpur through creative expression and collaboration with fellow students.

Learnings from IIT Kanpur, future planning

Being at IIT Kanpur has profoundly transformed me. The rigorous academic environment has pushed me to think critically and develop a strong work ethic. I’ve gained confidence in my abilities and have become more open-minded, embracing diverse perspectives from my peers. Additionally, my involvement in clubs and leadership roles has enhanced my communication, teamwork, and time management skills. Overall, IIT Kanpur has shaped me into a more resilient and proactive individual, ready to take on future challenges.

I am now preparing for placement drive. I am interested in the fields of management consulting and product management. My long-term vision is to start my own startup, as I have always been fascinated by world of entrepreneurship and the opportunity to solve real-life problems while delivering tangible impact. I’m passionate about leveraging my skills to tackle these challenges and contribute meaningfully to society.