— Sumit Yadav

The thought of becoming an engineer initially sparked in my mind after I cracked the National Talent Search Exam (NTSE) in 2020. The inspiration to take JEE Main and Advanced came from a combination of factors and the reputation and prestige associated with the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) played a significant role.

The IITs are known to provide top-notch education and open doors to promising career opportunities. The prospect of studying at one of the premier engineering institutions in the country motivated me to aim for the IIT.

After clearing JEE Main in January 2023 and JEE Advanced in June 2023, I got admission to BTech in Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. I am in my first year now.

I hail from Surhurpur, a small village in the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh. My father is a state government employee in Uttar Pradesh. After I lost my mother at the age of 13, I found it very hard to cope and life seemed challenging. I appeared for the Central Hindu School (CHS) entrance test in 2018 and cleared it. I completed my schooling at CHS (BHU) in Varanasi.

I first encountered the term IIT at the CHS. The pursuit of excellence and the desire to transform my circumstances also drove me to set my sights on JEE Main and Advanced as stepping stones towards realising my dream of becoming an engineer.

My initial plan was to go to Kota but our financial condition was not good enough to afford the fees there. So, I joined JRS Tutorials, a local coaching institute in Varanasi. I knew that getting admission did not guarantee success, the real struggle began when I started attending the coaching classes.

I faced a lot of difficulties during my initial JEE preparation. I realised that I was far behind the rest. While others were quick to answer the questions, I could not even understand the questions. But it did not demotivate me.

I focused on quality over quantity, prioritising key chapters with higher weightage in the JEE. The coaching institute played a crucial role in guiding me through the JEE preparation process. The city of Varanasi, known for its rich cultural heritage, became the backdrop for my academic journey. With the support of my school, the CHS, as well as JRS Coaching and the educational environment in Varanasi, I dedicated myself to comprehensive preparation for the JEE, covering the extensive syllabus in mathematics, physics and chemistry. The experience not only honed my academic skills but also provided a sense of connection to the vibrant educational community of the city.

I came across several seniors in the CHS BHU who mentored me. Witnessing their achievements and learning from their experiences played a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations and commitment to the JEE preparation.

My school teachers, including Ashutosh Kumar Prajapati, also played an instrumental role in my academic journey. Prajapati sir’s unwavering support and mentorship went beyond the classroom, creating a familial bond that proved invaluable during the challenging preparation for the JEE. His guidance not only enhanced my understanding of subjects but also instilled a sense of confidence and determination.

Upon arriving at IIT Bombay on July 27, 2023, I was allocated Hostel 1. The initial adjustment phase was challenging due to the unfamiliar surroundings and the presence of new faces. The strict anti-ragging policy prevented interactions with seniors initially.

However, the institute facilitated the transition by assigning mentors under the Student Mentor Programme (SMP) where fourth-year students provide guidance. An orientation programme further offered information about the hostel life, academics, clubs and more.

The hostel mess provided good food. Within a month, familiarity with the campus, routines and the assistance of the SMP mentors made the adjustment more comfortable. The support systems in place, including orientation and mentorship, helped in building connections and friendships, leading to a positive overall experience.

I was associated with the organising team of Techfest 2023 and Mood Indigo 2023. Mood Indigo is Asia’s largest college fest. As a civil engineering student, I am also going to work in Aakaar, Asia’s largest civil engineering fest.

I am actively involved in athletics. I won a silver medal in the 12th National Junior and Sub-Junior Athletics Championship 2023 and a gold medal in the 7th UP State Athletics Championship 2023. Currently, I hold the position of Sports Secretary in IIT Bombay’s Hostel 1 Council (2023-24), where I am responsible for fostering a sports-centric environment.

Beyond these responsibilities, I am enthusiastically exploring various clubs within the institute, aiming to broaden my horizons and find avenues that align with my diverse interests. This multifaceted engagement showcases my commitment to both the academic and extracurricular aspects of the IITB experience.

Balancing academics and extracurricular activities is a skill that students develop during their time at the IIT. Time management, prioritisation and effective planning are essential to strike a balance between studies and personal interests

In the first year at IIT Bombay, I have around 5-6 credit courses and 1-2 non-credit courses. The courses cover lectures, labs and tutorials. The competition is with the entire batch, making it relatively manageable. There are four proper working days each week, with lectures typically held from 2 to 5 pm.

On two working days, labs are scheduled from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, totaling around 18 hours of lectures and labs. Wednesdays include tutorial sessions from 2 pm to 5 pm. The overall workload is considered ‘chill’ due to the structured timetable.

My daily routine begins with waking up at 7 am, followed by morning activities and breakfast. Classes start at 8.30 am with a break for lunch from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm. Afternoon classes continue from 2 pm to 5 pm, followed by a snack at the hostel mess. Non-credit course classes are held from 6 pm to 7 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The day extends with labs on Tuesdays from 8.45 pm to 10.45 pm. The routine concludes with bedtime around 1 am. This structured daily schedule balances academic commitments, meals and some personal time.

We have a diverse range of hangout spots, creating a dynamic social life. From spending time in Hiranandani to having night outs on campus, exploring places like the boat house near Powai Lake, climbing Sameer Hill and even venturing out to Marine Drive, our hangouts offer a mix of experiences. This variety ensures that each hangout is unique, providing a balance between tranquil settings and dynamic environments for enjoyable moments with friends.

Life at the IIT has been transformative, providing me with a sense of purpose and calm that I hadn’t experienced before. Getting into IIT marked a significant turning point, evolving me from a scared kid searching for my place to someone who has found a newfound tranquillity.

In the earlier days of the JEE, my concerns revolved solely around studying, without the added responsibilities of daily chores and meals. Fast forward to now, it is an entirely different story – handling everything independently has become the norm.

What makes the IIT truly special is the connections I’ve forged with friends who are not just smart and motivated but also inspiring, pushing me to strive for excellence. The freedom to choose what I want to study, coupled with an invaluable peer group, has been a tremendous resource. Surrounded by individuals who are consistently performing at a high level, there’s a constant drive to improve.

I have embraced a simple yet profound mantra – ‘being better than yesterday’. Despite the challenges, I’ve discovered numerous positives. I’ve learnt to relish independence, effectively manage responsibilities and become a part of a community that fosters growth.

In essence, the IIT life has brought about profound changes, transforming me from a hesitant individual to someone who navigates responsibilities, cultivates friendships and thrives in an environment that not only challenges but uplifts.

I cleared the NTSE exam in 2020. I also got several scholarships, including Aspire Scholarship 2023 by HCL founder Ajay Chaudhari, Reliance Undergraduate Scholarship by Reliance Foundation, Samprada Singh Scholarship by Alkem Foundation, HDFC Bank Parivartan MCM Scholarship by HDFC Bank, Tata Capital Pankh Scholarship, MI Scholarship and Vodafone Scholarship.

After completing my BTech programme, I am contemplating two potential paths for my future. One option is to join the Engineering Services through the UPSC and the other is pursuing a Master’s in Structural Engineering from a foreign university. I am aiming to gain specialised knowledge in civil engineering. I am currently in the process of evaluating these options, weighing the pros and cons to make an informed decision aligned with my career goals and aspirations. For the present, my sole focus is on what I am doing now.