Since Class 10, websites and battle bots had always fascinated me, so choosing Computer Science Engineering was in my mind from the very beginning. The fact that the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) is one of the hardest examinations in the world was enough to inspire and motivate me to aim for an IIT.
I appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2023. I secured a rank of 4307 in JEE Main and 5642 in JEE Advanced. I prepared using various books, especially from Cengage Publications, and the modules of my coaching institute. There were several challenges during the preparation phase; however, the most important one was keeping myself away from distractions.
Choosing IIT Mandi
During JoSAA (Joint Seat Allocation Authority) counselling, I also filled in preferences for Data Science Engineering and Electrical Engineering at some higher-ranked colleges, but eventually, I joined IIT Mandi in 2023. Now, I am in my third year at the Computer Science Engineering branch, doing my BTech.
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Settling into campus life
Initially, I had a bit of trouble adjusting to the food, not because it was bad, but because, being from the plains, I prefer spicy food. I am from Arrah, Bihar. The thing that helped me most was my friends – with them around, it did not even take a month for this new place to feel like home.
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I was the coordinator of the Writing Club and currently serve as the Literary Secretary. Studies can easily be managed along with club activities, provided you don’t pile things up until the end of the semester. Just two hours of focused academic study a day is enough to stay in a good place.
Learning beyond books
Being in IIT has definitely brought a change in my personality. I have learned to socialise with people, address gatherings, and handle responsibilities. It has given my personality a new dimension. The best thing I have learned here is how to handle pressure and deadlines, and how to bring out the best in myself.
‘IIT Mandi has given me growth, self-discovery, and friendships that will last a lifetime’
The teachers here are amazing – they explain concepts so clearly that learning feels effortless. They show genuine faith in students. Once, a faculty member assigned us to build a vertical-axis wind turbine from scratch. Initially, we were completely confused about how to start, but he encouraged us to proceed step by step, and in the end, we successfully built a working model.
A day in my life
My typical day starts around 7 am, if there’s no quiz or exam. I have breakfast and attend classes from 8 am to 1 pm. Then I either go to labs, from 2 pm to 4 pm or take a short nap. I study from 4 pm to 6 pm, and then head to the sports complex from 6 pm to 8.30 pm. I return to my room around 9.30 pm after dinner, or hang out with my club members, play games with friends, and watch a movie.
Sports and campus life
I joined the squash team here – ironically, I was introduced to squash only after coming to IIT! I now play it regularly and competitively. Apart from that, I also play badminton quite often, and sometimes online chess.
I usually depend on the pocket money I receive from home, but during the semester, I also participate in various competitions – the prize money from those helps me manage my expenses.
Looking ahead
After completing my BTech, I wish to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. However, apart from this aspiration, I also aim to work in a multinational company after graduation.
Being in IIT has given my personality a new dimension – I’ve learned to handle pressure, take responsibility, and bring out the best in myself.
After completing BTech, IIT Mandi student Harshit Kumar Singh wants to prepare for the Civil Services Examination. 
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