‘IIT isn't just an institute; it's a place where people, dreams, and learning come together'

Indian Express

06-07-2025

— Manideep Ram Gunje
My interest in the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) developed gradually. Until Class 10, I was equally inclined towards both mathematics and biology, and initially considered taking physics, chemistry, maths, and biology (PCMB) in Class 11. But I soon realised that it would be more focused and practical to choose a path early. I decided to pursue engineering not just because it aligned with my strengths, but also because it was a more feasible option compared to the long and often expensive journey of becoming a doctor. My biggest inspiration was my software engineer father – I always looked up to him and aspired to follow a similar path.
I did my schooling till Class 10 at DAV Public School, Safilguda, Hyderabad, where I built a strong academic foundation and participated in various co-curricular activities. For Classes 11 and 12, I moved to Pallavi Model School, Alwal. From Class 9 onwards, my focus shifted more towards competitive exams, and I enrolled at Aakash Institute for JEE coaching. Balancing school with coaching was definitely a challenge, but it taught me time management and discipline early on. Those four years, from Class 9 to 12, were crucial in shaping my mindset and academic rigour.
My father is a software engineer by profession and has always been a source of inspiration for me when it comes to logic, technology, and consistency. My mother is a homemaker and the pillar of support for our family. Her encouragement and emotional strength have played a huge role throughout my JEE preparation and beyond. I'm grateful to have grown up in an environment that supported both academic growth and emotional well-being.
As the saying goes, 'No sacrifice, no victory' – My JEE journey truly reflected that. I had a strong academic foundation, having cleared National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) Stage 1 and 2, NSEJS, and other Olympiads by Class 10 – but the real challenge began in Classes 11 and 12. I was enrolled in Aakash Institute under the Centre of Excellence (COE) programme, which is an exclusive batch for top-performing students. I followed a rigorous routine – making detailed class notes, revising them regularly after returning home, and solving a wide variety of problems from Aakash modules. I also referred to multiple reference books for chemistry to strengthen my concepts.
Alongside this intense academic schedule, I made several personal sacrifices. I stayed away from social media, avoided YouTube and casual entertainment, rarely hung out with friends, and didn't even own a mobile phone until after JEE Advanced. My life revolved around one mantra – eat, sleep, study, repeat. Despite many ups and downs, I held on to consistency, discipline, and focus – and that's what ultimately helped me achieve my dream of becoming an IITian.
I appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2023 and secured an AIR 527 in JEE Main and AIR 1288 in JEE Advanced. After contemplating several options, I took admission to the Computer Science and Engineering branch at IIT Guwahati. I am currently in my third year.
I joined IIT Guwahati in August 2023, and yes, it was my first time living away from home. It felt like a major transition – stepping into an entirely new world – but it was also something I had been dreaming about for years. Getting into IIT was a milestone, and with it came the experience of independence and self-growth.
I am naturally an extrovert, so I adjusted quite quickly. I genuinely enjoy bringing people together, making new friends, and creating memories – and campus life gave me the perfect space for that. I had been waiting for this phase ever since I set my goal to become an IITian, and once I got here, I made sure to explore every bit of it.
As for the food, being a South Indian, the shift was noticeable – the meals definitely had a more Eastern Indian vibe, and it took me some time getting used to it. But IITs are quite inclusive in their food options, and the mess plans cover a wide variety of cuisines, so overall, it has been a decent and manageable experience.
Being a Computer Science student, academics can definitely get intense – but in our first year, most of the courses were common across departments, so it was relatively manageable. I was able to maintain a decent grade while actively participating in campus life. I joined the organising teams of various major fests like SPIRIT (sports fest), Alcheringa (cultural fest), and Udgam (entrepreneurship summit). My roles ranged from managing the national-level basketball tournament during SPIRIT to working in corporate relations for Alcheringa and Udgam. I had the opportunity to interact with HRs and startup founders, inviting them for internship drives and speaker sessions.
Outside academics and fests, I regularly played basketball, often with the Basketball Club members, and even chose swimming as my Sports Activity course – so that became part of my routine too. Balancing everything requires discipline, but IIT Guwahati provides the perfect environment for that balance.
One of the biggest lessons I've learned at IIT is that 'you grow the most when you're not the smartest person in the room.' Being surrounded by like-minded, passionate, and disciplined individuals constantly pushes you to improve. The environment here challenges you to think bigger, work harder, and learn from those around you. It is this collective drive that creates an atmosphere of continuous growth and transformation.
We have classes five days a week and lab sessions on two of those days, so my weekdays are fairly structured. I make it a point to attend all my classes and maintain over 90 per cent attendance, as I believe in staying consistent. In the evenings, I always make time for at least one sport – usually basketball, swimming, or sometimes even cricket – to stay active and unwind. After dinner, I focus on studying or practicing coding, depending on what's planned for the week.
Weekends are a mix of fun and productivity. I either go out with my friends, spend time relaxing in each other's rooms, or catch up on my academic goals and coding practice. It's a routine that keeps me both mentally and physically balanced.
IIT Guwahati has plenty of great spots for hanging out and unwinding – from parks and lakeside canteens to core canteens and open-air seating areas. These places are perfect for catching up with friends after a long day of classes. The campus is well-connected to the city too, with regular bus services running in and out, so we often head into Guwahati for food, movies, or just a change of scenery. Occasionally, we also plan short trips to places like Shillong, which is not too far and offers a great getaway from campus life.
The faculty at IIT Guwahati is truly exceptional. As the Class Representative for my batch, I regularly interact with professors regarding course-related concerns and suggestions from students. It's a role I value a lot, as it allows me to exercise leadership and communication skills while helping improve the academic experience for everyone.
Our professors are highly experienced, incredibly knowledgeable, and have numerous research publications to their name. Many of them are leading experts in their fields, and interacting with them is always inspiring. They are approachable, and there's rarely a doubt they can't clear – whether it's related to academics or career guidance. Their depth of knowledge constantly motivates me to aim higher.
The biggest difference is the peer group – at IIT, you're surrounded by some of the brightest students in the country, which pushes you to grow every day. In most other colleges, this level of competition and collaboration is rare. Also, IITs offer superior infrastructure, world-class research opportunities, and strong startup culture, which many other institutions lack. Most importantly, there's freedom to explore – you're not forced to chase just grades; you can shape your own path, be it in academics, innovation, or beyond.
Most of my spending goes on food – with places like Domino's, La Pino'z, and CCD on campus, it adds up quickly. I usually aim to stay within Rs 4,000 a month, though it sometimes goes up to Rs 5,000. At the start of each month, I set aside a reserve amount and try to manage with the rest – only using the reserve if needed. It helps me stay disciplined with my spending.
I really enjoy Domino's pizza, but on most days I prefer pasta or fresh fruits from the canteen and juice centre. There's a wide variety of food options on campus, so I don't have a single favourite – I love trying a bit of everything!
Coming from Hyderabad – a busy city with crowded roads, heavy traffic, and a fast-paced lifestyle – Guwahati feels refreshingly peaceful. I love the natural beauty and calmer environment here. There are also some amazing spots nearby like waterfalls, malls, the zoo, and even a ferry service, which make the city fun to explore. But above all, it's the serene and laid-back vibe that I enjoy the most.
For me, life at IIT Guwahati has been near perfect. I haven't really faced anything that made me feel that something needs to change. Everything – from academics to campus life – has been smooth and fulfilling so far.
I've always been good at sports and considered myself an all-rounder since childhood. My strongest games are basketball, swimming, cricket, and badminton, but I genuinely enjoy playing almost every sport whenever I get the chance.
From where I am right now, I see myself working at a good software job after two years. Depending on how my journey goes, I might pursue an MTech or a Master's degree later to deepen my knowledge. Ultimately, I aim to be well-settled as a skilled software engineer, contributing meaningfully to the tech world.
One of the most special things I've experienced at IIT Guwahati is the true unity and diversity of India. I always believed that people from different states live in harmony – but here, I've truly lived it. I have friends from every corner of the country, and there's no sense of division – just pure friendship, mutual respect, and brotherhood. The faculty members, too, come from all over India, not just Assam, which reflects the inclusivity and richness of the IIT ecosystem.
This journey feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I'm genuinely living my dream here. I'll always be grateful to my parents – none of this would have been possible without their endless support – and of course, my teachers, who guided me every step of the way. IIT isn't just an institute; it's a place where people, dreams, and learning come together in the most beautiful way.
Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More