— Satwik Soni

Born and raised in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, I grew up with the constant support of my parents. My father, a government servant, and my mother, a homemaker, have been my pillars of strength. The inspiration to aim for the IIT came from my father, who often spoke about the esteemed institution, nurturing in me the dream of studying there one day.

I was a “dropper”, having appeared for JEE Advanced twice. The first time was in June 2023 when I unfortunately did not qualify. This setback led me to take a gap year to prepare for the exam again. I dedicated the entire year to self-study while also receiving guidance in mathematics from a local coaching centre in my hometown. The support of my teachers and regular mock tests helped me stay on track. With unwavering determination, I appeared for JEE Advanced again in May 2024 and, this time, I made it. My rank was 5,456 CRL, and I was overjoyed to have qualified, fulfilling my dream of getting into an IIT.

Choosing the right institute and branch was the next step. With the help of advice from my relatives —one who is an IIT Roorkee alumnus in civil engineering and the other studying chemical engineering at IIT BHU—I filled out my JoSAA counselling choices. My decision to pursue civil engineering at IIT Bombay was a result of thoughtful advice, and I also applied for mechanical engineering at IIT Bombay. I am in my first year of my BTech civil engineering now at IIT Bombay.

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I joined IIT Bombay in July 2024, marking my first experience of living away from home. Initially, when my parents left, I felt quite alone, but over time, I adjusted and found my place in this vibrant environment. I made new friends, explored the campus, and gradually became accustomed to the new routine.

IIT Bombay’s campus is a world of its own. There’s always something happening—be it music jamming sessions with friends in the evenings or orientations by various clubs and tech teams. Most of my evenings were spent attending these orientations, getting to know the vast opportunities available. I must say the food here at the mess is something I have come to love. Contrary to the usual belief that mess food is not tasty, I have found the meals here to be quite good, especially considering the long hours of work.

The professors at IIT Bombay are incredibly supportive, always encouraging us to not only focus on academics but also to explore extracurricular activities. One memorable experience for me was in my first semester’s mathematics course. My professor would demonstrate mathematical concepts using examples from ancient Sanskrit texts and even old Bollywood songs, which made the class not only informative but also fun and engaging.

One of the best decisions I made was enrolling in the NCC at IIT Bombay. The experience has been enriching, as the motto of unity and discipline aligns perfectly with my energetic nature. Though the first few months were relatively relaxed, I gradually found myself balancing my academic commitments with sports and activities, enjoying every bit of it. The campus offers so much that it is impossible to get bored—whether it is exploring different clubs, attending workshops, or just hanging out with friends.

My days are filled with lectures, sports, and NCC training. The time here moves fast, and before I knew it, I found myself juggling multiple activities. Initially, it was a bit overwhelming, but eventually, I grew accustomed to the busy schedules. Over time, I have learned the art of time management, balancing studies with extracurriculars. I even auditioned for the Inter IIT team, but though I did not make it, the experience itself was valuable.

Now, my routine consists of attending classes during the day, participating in NCC training, or playing sports in the evening. When I find free time, I indulge in my hobbies, such as writing in my diary or reading autobiographies. Sometimes, I just hang out with friends, sharing stories, gossiping, and enjoying the camaraderie of hostel life.

As I reflect on my life at the IIT, I cannot help but feel immense gratitude towards everyone who has been a part of this journey—my parents, teachers, relatives, and friends. I owe everything to them. IIT Bombay is a place that has not only shaped my career but also my character. I see a bright future ahead, whether I decide to dive into a startup venture or take up a job to gain some experience.

To the juniors who aspire to be here, my advice is simple: never give up on your dreams. The path to the IIT is challenging, but the effort you put in will be worth it. The transition to IIT life can be tough initially, but once you get used to it, you will find that it is an environment that pushes you to grow, learn, and thrive. Keep some hobbies and passions alive as well, as the IIT offers all the resources you need to explore them. This place will shape you in ways you never imagined.

Being at the IIT truly feels different. It is a journey of self-discovery, hard work, and immense learning. It is a place where you realise that every ounce of effort is worth it.

Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More