‘IIT opened doors that might otherwise have been harder to access’ | Life in an IIT

In 2022, I appeared for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, securing an All India Rank of 3222 in JEE Main and 2772 in JEE Advanced. When I look back now, those numbers matter less than the journey it took to get there.

Preparing for the IIT dream

I prepared for JEE through online coaching – a choice that came with its own challenges. Studying online meant spending most days alone in my room, staring at a screen, trying to stay motivated while knowing that thousands of aspirants across the country were doing the same. It was difficult to truly feel part of such a vast competition when the struggle was so solitary. What helped me through were a few close friends I met during preparation – people who understood the pressure and stood by me during the toughest phases.

When it came to Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling, I realised how little I actually knew about branches, curricula, or long-term opportunities. My family played a crucial role then, helping me navigate the choices. With their guidance, I opted for Computer Science and Engineering, along with Electrical Engineering as preferences – fields that offered strong academic depth and promising prospects.

Arriving at IIT Mandi

I joined IIT Mandi in October 2022, just after the COVID-19 pandemic. It was my first time living away from home, and surprisingly, the transition was harder for my parents than it was for me. The initial weeks were a strange mix of excitement and homesickness. Everything felt unfamiliar – the mountains, the cold weather, the food, and even the silence of the campus.

Over time, things began to settle. Shared rooms turned into shared lives, and unfamiliar faces slowly became friends. Late nights spent in each other’s rooms, running between classes and club activities, and adjusting to hectic schedules became part of daily life. The scenic Himalayan surroundings helped in ways I hadn’t expected. Gradually, IIT Mandi stopped feeling like a campus and started feeling like a second home.

Finding balance beyond classrooms

In my first year, I joined the Dance Club (UDC), which gave me an outlet beyond academics. Managing studies, clubs, internships, and personal goals wasn’t easy, but I learnt to divide my life into short-term focus areas. Each semester, I set one primary goal – academics, internships, or placements – while keeping everything else running alongside. This approach helped me stay balanced without feeling overwhelmed.

Academically, IIT has been transformative. The peer group here is competitive but deeply supportive, constantly pushing me to do better. One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is to keep experimenting with different paths. IIT gives you the freedom – and the safety – to explore, fail, and recalibrate. Over time, you begin to understand what you want from life and what your next step should be.

Everyday life at IIT

On an average day, I attend two to three classes along with labs. Evenings are usually reserved for upskilling – being a computer science student, I try to spend at least one or two hours a day learning and building something new. Table tennis has been a constant since my first year and is now my main sport. I also run regularly and occasionally play cricket or badminton with friends.

Most of our free time is spent at campus canteens or just walking around the campus, talking about everything and nothing. These small moments – unplanned conversations, shared meals, and laughter – are what truly define life at IIT.

The professors here have left a deep impression on me. What sets them apart is their focus on teaching concepts, not just formulas or fixed syllabi. Research at IIT Mandi is particularly strong, and I was fortunate to be part of multiple research projects, which helped me understand how classroom learning translates into real-world problem-solving.

Opportunities and looking ahead

Initially, my expenses were managed by my parents, but over time, internships helped me become financially independent. One of the most defining experiences of my undergraduate life has been interning at Google in Bengaluru after my third semester. Working at one of the world’s biggest tech companies was exceptional – not just because of the brand, but because of the work culture, people, and exposure. It reinforced my confidence and gave me a clearer sense of direction.

Being a student at IIT undeniably opened doors that might otherwise have been harder to access. From placement support to research resources in machine learning and deep learning, the institute provided both opportunities and the ecosystem to make the most of them. More than anything, it was my peers – constantly challenging and encouraging me – who shaped my growth and helped me reach a point where I feel confident tackling challenges independently.

After completing my BTech, I plan to work in the software industry for a few years before pursuing higher studies abroad. As I near the end of my undergraduate journey, I realise that IIT is not just about getting a degree; it has given me clarity, confidence, and the courage to explore what lies ahead.