IIT Mandi BTech student on why the institute feels like home | Life in an IIT

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As I progressed through my studies, I found myself drawn to the new opportunities I could delve into in general engineering. This interest was further nurtured by the suggestion of my older brother, who had completed his BTech from NIT Bhopal and is a software engineer now at Deutsche Bank.

After cracking the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced in 2023, I got admission to BTech in General Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) in the first round of JoSAA counselling.

My JEE Advanced rank was 10,971. Apart from general engineering in IIT Mandi, I opted for civil engineering at IIT Indore and some BS courses at IIT Kanpur. However, the complexities and the opportunities in general engineering made me choose this programme over other branches of engineering in other IITs and NITs.

I choose general engineering as my BTech branch as this branch provides a solid foundation that allows me to explore different areas and adapt to the evolving needs of the industry. With the rapid advancements in AI, robotics, and other fields including deep learning and machine learning and entrepreneurship, having that flexibility is advantageous in today’s time.

JEE preparation and coaching

My parents shifted from our hometown Itarsi, Madhya Pradesh to Bhopal and enrolled me in a JEE coaching institute in the state capital when I was in Class 9.

During the initial days of my coaching, my classes were held in the evening. So, I used to finish my school hours and then head to the coaching. However, in Class 11 and 12, relaxations with respect to attendance were given in school and I focussed more on JEE preparation.

While preparing for JEE Main and Advanced, I realised that breaking ties with friends is not necessary during exam preparation. I had a small circle of friends with whom I used to share my concerns regarding low marks in my mock tests, frustrations relating to the vast syllabus and all other things related.

My parents were no doubt supportive but it is with friends that we can relate and get our concerns heard. They are now doing BTech at SGSITS Indore, IIT Bombay, IIT Indore and IIT Hyderabad.

‘Transition to a new environment’

I came to IIT Mandi last year. It was my first time away from home. It took me time to adjust to the food, climate and everything in the beginning. However, as I made new friends and joined some clubs and societies in my first semester, things changed rapidly. I learnt how to adapt to the new environment and now IIT Mandi feels like home.

I accepted this transition from my hometown Bhopal to IIT Mandi to be a motivating factor for this new journey.

My day generally starts in the morning with classes from 8 am to 2 pm. After that, our labs start and then in the evening, competitions and workshops are held.

Right now, I am in the core members’ team of the Robotronics Club of IIT Mandi. Along with it, I am also associated with two more clubs – an astronomy club (STAC) and a competitive programming club.

I was a part of the corporate relations team of IIT Mandi’s annual event held this year. I played a crucial role in bringing sponsorships and distributing brochures. I made many connections with alumni and famous personalities during the annual event.

During off days, we go for trekking in and around the city. In my free time daily, I prefer playing badminton and volleyball or hanging out with friends in the institute canteen. Sometimes, I even attend open mics held here during weekends and take part in workshops, jamming sessions and hackathons organised here frequently. These sessions have built my confidence and made me hone my skills.

Learnings from IIT Mandi

Managing academic studies along with these extracurricular activities demands a correct approach to time management and prioritisation. I meticulously have organised my time table by breaking the tasks down into manageable sections and setting some clear objectives and deadlines. The time management and mind management I have learnt in IIT Mandi is a great plus point.

Secondly, the diverse community at IIT Mandi has broadened my perspective and enhanced my understanding of the world. My roommate is from Himachal Pradesh, my classmates are from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana, while the hostel inmates are from the southern part of India. My diverse peers always have something or the other to teach me.

The professors here are very helpful. I feel I have got a huge opportunity to delve into options in research or startup. IIT Mandi offers opportunities to overcome all sorts of constraints.