‘At IIT Bombay, curiosity turned into confidence and questions found direction'

Indian Express

2 days ago

I grew up in the calm and quiet town of Kishangarh, Rajasthan, a place where the sky feels wider, the roads are less noisy, and life moves at its own unhurried pace. That slow rhythm, the simplicity, and the genuine sense of space are things I still miss deeply. After completing my Class 10 there, I moved to Kota – like many others chasing the IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) dream – to prepare for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).
Since childhood, I have had this restless curiosity about science. I was the kid who constantly raised his hand in class, asking 'why' and 'how,' often to the frustration of my teachers. But I rarely found satisfying answers, and that sense of incompleteness became my biggest motivation. That's when I realised JEE preparation was not just a path to an institute – it was a path to deeper understanding.
My time in Kota from 2022 to 2024, though intense, was transformative. I did my Class 11 and 12 while preparing for JEE, staying focused throughout. There were tough patches – like falling ill and going home for two weeks – and disruptions to my rhythm when schedules changed. I also struggled with revision; I always wanted to chase the next big concept instead of revisiting the old ones. But with time, I learned to adapt and found my pace again.
I appeared for both JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2024, during my Class 12. When results came out, I had an All India Rank of 7151 in JEE Main and 3909 in Advanced. I wasn't fixated on any particular branch – I trusted the advice of my mentors, who told me not to judge a branch too early. I was only getting core branches in older IITs and had to decide between Civil Engineering at IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi. I chose IIT Bombay because of its environment and reputation. Civil Engineering appealed to me because it is interdisciplinary and connects with many sectors. I also considered Chemical and Aerospace Engineering at IIT Roorkee and IIT Madras, but they were lower on my preference list.
I took admission to IIT Bombay in the Department of Civil Engineering. I joined in the last week of July 2024. Having already spent two years in Kota, I was used to staying away from home, but IIT Bombay was a different world altogether. The first few days were surreal. Classes were to begin three days after arrival, so I spent time exploring the campus, getting lost in the maze of buildings, and bonding with my roommate and wing mates in Hostel 1 (H1). The mess food seemed okay at first, but like everyone else, I soon turned to canteens and nearby joints to break the monotony.
I did not want to box myself into just one club or activity during the first year. I explored everything. I participated in Enbuzz, a startup pitching competition by E-Cell, the Consult Challenge by the Consulting Club, and even joined SilverScreen IITB to make a short film from scratch. That experience of storytelling, shooting, and editing was incredibly fulfilling. I was also part of the organising teams for Techfest and Mood Indigo, two of the biggest campus events.
Academically, the first year was light and manageable. Professors were approachable and supportive, and while I did not dive into studies all year, I did put in the hours when exams approached. The Civil Engineering course included a fun bridge and water tank building competition where professors acted as mentors, not just judges. That hands-on, collaborative learning left a lasting impression.
Campus life at IIT Bombay is vibrant in a way that's hard to describe unless you've lived it. There's a sense of freedom here – no strict entry or exit times, late-night canteens, a 24×7 shop, and people walking around at 2 am just talking or working on ideas. It's a world full of creative chaos.
My daily routine is quite flexible. I usually start with breakfast, then attend labs and lectures until about 5 pm. Evenings are for gym sessions, chilling with friends, or sketching portraits using charcoal and graphite – something I've loved doing since school. Sometimes, I experiment with the piano, playing around with tunes I enjoy. I've been planning another short film too, though those plans are currently on pause.
Hostel life brings a different kind of joy – sometimes, 10 of us squeeze into one room, laughing, playing games, or just talking for hours. Those late-night hangouts, spontaneous walks around campus, or trips to the Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) building rooftop, Amul store, or the Boat House – they've given me some of the best memories.
I've made it a point to try different things. Whether it's cricket and badminton with hostel friends, organising events, or learning to communicate better — each experience has shaped me. I used to struggle with public speaking, but now, after organising events, coordinating with sponsors, and leading teams, I've become more confident. It's still a work in progress, but I've come a long way.
Living in Mumbai has also changed me. From the calm of Marine Drive to the chaos of Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the city offers something for every mood. I have grown to love its relentless energy and diversity.
As of now, I am still exploring various fields. I might take up a placement offer as a safety net, but my long-term dream is to build something of my own – likely in the tech or Information Technology space. The idea of creating something meaningful, something that solves real problems, really excites me.
My journey from the peaceful streets of Kishangarh to the buzzing life of IIT Bombay has been full of learning, challenges, and self-discovery. It's not just about academics or placements – it's about becoming someone who questions more, learns better, and dares to build.
Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More