My curiosity for science and technology began during my school years at Greenfields Public School, Delhi (CBSE). Since Class 10, I had decided to pursue engineering as a career. Naturally, aiming for the IITs – among the most premier institutes for engineering in India – felt like the right path.
After two years of online schooling due to Covid-19, I appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2022 and cleared both in my first attempt. Preparing for JEE was difficult, especially because I hadn’t started JEE-specific preparation in Class 11. I had to cover both the Class 11 and 12 syllabi while also preparing for my CBSE board exams.
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I didn’t join any traditional coaching institute and relied entirely on an online ed-tech platform for my preparation. There were several moments of burnout and self-doubt during this phase, but constant encouragement from my teachers and parents helped me keep going.
Choosing my branch and IIT
I have always been interested in computer science and technology. During JoSAA counselling, I considered Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and AI/DS courses at various first- and second-generation IITs. Eventually, I chose IIT Mandi – drawn not only by academics but also by its beautiful hilly campus.
Where I am now
I am now in my fourth year doing BTech in Computer Science Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. I joined IIT Mandi in October 2022, just after the pandemic. It was my first time living away from home. While it was harder for my family initially, I experienced a mix of excitement and homesickness. Everything felt new – the mountains, the weather, the people, and even the food.
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My Roots: Home and family
My hometown is Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. My father is a doctor, and my mother is a homemaker. Both have been my greatest supporters throughout my journey. What I miss most about my city is the sense of belonging that only home can bring.
Life at IIT Mandi
Adjusting to campus life became easier over time. Rooms are shared, people are friendly, and the scenic Himalayan surroundings helped me settle in. The initial winters, academic rigor, and hectic schedules were challenging, but friendships made the journey smoother. We bonded over late-night tea, long conversations, and shared experiences. Gradually, IIT Mandi became my second home, and my friends turned into a new family.
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Learning beyond classrooms
I became deeply involved in the Robotics Club at IIT Mandi. One of my most memorable experiences was being part of the Mars Rover team that represented IIT Mandi at the University Rover Challenge (URC) 2024 in Utah, USA. We built a land autonomous rover, and the experience taught me teamwork, leadership, and perseverance under pressure. I later continued with the project as a lead and now as a mentor. Opportunities like these allowed me to apply theory to real-world practice.
Balancing academics and club activities wasn’t easy at first, but IIT Mandi’s flexible academic system helped. Over time, I learned how to multitask effectively.
How IIT changed me
Being at IIT Mandi transformed me as a person. Living away from home taught me independence, how to connect with people from different backgrounds, and how to handle responsibilities.
The biggest lesson: The most important lesson I learned at IIT Mandi is time management
A Day in My Life
My day usually begins with classes and lab work. Evenings are spent on club activities and self-study. Later, I hang out with friends and make time for my hobby – video gaming. In my free time, we often sit at campus canteens or take long walks through the scenic campus.
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Teachers and mentorship
The student-faculty ratio at IIT Mandi is very good, making professors highly approachable. I have been fortunate to work under multiple professors during courses and club activities, receiving direct guidance. This exposure allowed me to work on impactful problems, ranging from flood detection to assistive robots for differently-abled people.
Managing expenses
Most of my expenses are covered through pocket money from my parents. Living on campus is affordable since most necessities are included in semester fees. Occasionally, I receive stipends from internships or while working as a teaching assistant.
Internships and global exposure
In the summer of 2025, I interned at Google as a Software Engineering Intern. It was an amazing experience that helped me understand software engineering as a career and make a more informed professional decision. Earlier, I also worked with the Robotics Lab at IIT Mandi, where I deepened my knowledge of robotics.
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Being an IIT student opened many doors. I had the opportunity to study Computer Science for a semester at RWTH Aachen in Germany, one of the leading engineering institutes in the country. This experience gave me exposure to life abroad and higher studies. During Christmas vacations, I also travelled to several countries, expanding my cultural experiences.
After completing my BTech, my current aim is to continue working as a software engineer. If there’s one lesson I’ll carry forever, it’s this: “Every step forward counts, even the ones no one sees.”
