‘Teachers, clubs, NSS — here’s why IIT-Guwahati is the best place to pursue BTech’ | Life in an IIT

I secured an all India rank (AIR) of 1129 in JEE Main and AIR 1673 in JEE Advanced in 2021. I got Electronics and Communication Engineering branch in the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. Though it was good, however, I wanted to shift to Computer Science Engineering (CSE). I worked hard and secured 9.44 CGPA in my first year and shifted to CSE. Currently, I am in my third year and the classes for the fifth semester have just begun.

My life at IIT Guwahati

My day at IIT Guwahati usually starts with labs from 9 am to 12 pm, then we have our lunch break and then classes from 2 pm to 6 pm. After 6 pm, students are free. Until my second year, I would chill with friends, roam around the campus or go out to eat or take part in club activities. I was a part of the coding club and the game development club. But now, I am focussing more on getting internships and doing my projects.

When academics get overwhelming I like to spend my time at the Serpentine Lake or go to the Viewpoint, from where you can have a great sight of the campus. I usually cycle around the campus, it is my favourite hobby. There are three lakes on the campus and the view from each one of them is serene. Students generally go there after classes or during breaks. The other place that is always bustling with activity is the new Student Activity Centre (SAC).

Life in an IIT: Akshit Sharma

My IIT Guwahati experience has been nothing short of amazing — the teachers, the activities, and the opportunities that I have here I don’t think I would have ever got anywhere else.

Family, friends and teachers are a support system

One thing that I really like about the institute is the teachers — always very approachable and helpful. They are supportive and always up for solving any doubts we have. It really helps in gaining confidence and improving our skills.

It is also very important for me as when I was in Class 11, I wasn’t very great at academics and I had this one maths teacher who would always pick on me. He would always make fun of me, never solve my doubts, and always said that I wouldn’t amount to anything. It developed negative thoughts in me. I used to come home and cry. Had my friends and family not been there I don’t think I would have ever been able to cope with it.

I made it a point that I will get selected and prove it to him. It wasn’t that all teachers were bad, the chemistry teacher had a lot of faith in me, He was sure that I would get selected.

Life in an IIT: IIT Guwahati from View Point

At IIT, I am a National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteer. As a part of it, I went to a village to teach computer basics for two days. I went there for two hours each day and it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. We focussed on teaching essential computer skills. Along with teaching, we would play with the students as well, especially on the laptop.

Success comes to those who don’t give up

All in all, my JEE and IIT journey has been an enriching one. I have learnt a lot and understood the importance of family and friends and how their support could help you face any adversity. My most important learning has been that one should never give up, try and try again, you will eventually succeed.