Life in an IIT | ‘Aim to delve deeper into civil engineering, pursue a career in IES’

After appearing for Class 12 exams in 2023, I sat for JEE Main and JEE Advanced, and cracked it. I was interested in civil engineering and therefore decided to pursue BTech, for which I secured a seat at IIT Bombay.

JEE preparation and journey towards self-discovery

I come from Telangana’s Nirmal district. It is famous for its toy-making industry. My father works as a builder, and my mother is a homemaker. Despite facing financial challenges and the limited opportunities available for education in my hometown, my parents decided to shift me to Hyderabad for JEE preparation. I was in Class 7 when they enrolled me in a residential coaching institute.

Skipping Class 7 meant missing out on crucial childhood experiences, but I longed to explore life in a hostel setting. 

Looking back, I now understand the profound lessons learned during those early years away from home. Living independently at a young age sparked a journey of self-discovery, teaching me resilience and independence. Despite the uncertainty at the time, the experience instilled valuable life skills and a sense of maturity which prepared me for the adventures ahead and gave me an early start on my JEE journey.

Life in IIT Bombay

Life at IIT Bombay since 2023 has been fantastic. While adjusting to life away from home in a different state took some time, I quickly adapted to western India’s food, culture and weather.

I have found opportunities to explore new interests and grow. I believe my time at IIT Bombay has transformed me, enhancing my self-confidence, discipline, and overall personal development.

My day at IIT Bombay starts early in the morning with attending lectures, engaging in activities like swimming, and learning from my peers. Over here, friends are like family and even the professors are nice and friendly. I have also enjoyed exploring Mumbai with friends, visiting iconic landmarks including Marine Drive and the Gateway of India, and spending weekends at various clubs. I am living the years lost during my JEE Main coaching here at IIT Bombay, despite the rigorous IIT schedule and commitments associated.

IIT Bombay is one of the best institutes in India, that offers students a vast range of courses for students to pursue their interests. Apart from core engineering, you can opt for courses in entrepreneurship, design, management, AI/ML, digital healthcare and biosciences.

There is so much going on here, be it research or some co-curricular activities. The labs are properly equipped with the latest and top equipment and instruments. The resources at the institute are good and there is a positive environment. The culture here is interdisciplinary which, I feel, is very important in today’s time.

Looking ahead, I aim to delve deeper into civil engineering and pursue a career in the Indian Engineering Services (IES) to serve my country. My journey has been marked by hard work, sacrifice, and the pursuit of excellence, and I am committed to continuing this path of growth and success.