Medicine or engineering: ‘How I found my perfect path at IIT Madras'

Indian Express

27-04-2025

— Minkuri Ridhima Reddy
My journey towards IIT began with a deep interest in both engineering and medicine. In 2023, I wrote Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, JEE Advanced, National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG, Undergraduate Entrance Examination (UGEE), Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT), and Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE). I got 99 percentile in JEE Main and around 590 marks in NEET-UG. My JEE Advanced rank was around 10,000. I had multiple options — to join Apollo Medical College or any Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
I was struggling to decide between engineering and medicine, as both were very interesting fields. That is when I found out about the Medical Sciences and Engineering department at IIT Madras, which felt like the perfect blend of medicine and engineering, and that is exactly what I want. So I decided to write the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research's (IISER) Aptitude Test which is also known as IAT.
I did not particularly prepare for IAT as such. I was preparing for JEE Advanced and studying biology for NEET-UG, so that helped for IAT. One challenge, I would say, is that the resources for preparing for IAT are quite less compared to what we have for JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET UG, and other exams.
I fared well and grabbed a seat in the Department of Medical Sciences and Engineering, IIT Madras. I am now in my second year.
My hometown is Hyderabad. I studied in Tejasvi Vidyaranya till Class 10 and at Johnson Grammar School during Class 11-12. I do miss my parents, friends, and the food in my city and hometown.
I came to IIT Madras in 2023. It was my first time staying in a hostel away from home. There is a lot to learn when you stay by yourself. It was a bit difficult to get used to everything, especially the change of food and the tastes, but with time and with friends, this place started to feel like home.
I am part of the iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) team at IIT Madras. It is a beautiful team passionate about genetics and research. We work on a genetic engineering-based project every year and present it at the Grand Jamboree in Paris. Apart from this, I was also part of the Media Club and Writing Club.
Being at an IIT has taught me to communicate and collaborate more effectively with people. By participating in clubs, technical teams, and organising events, I have grown more social, confident, and at ease in stepping out of my comfort zone.
One of the most valuable things I have learned at IIT is the importance of reaching out and talking to people. I realized that I don't have to do everything alone — and in fact, I shouldn't. Whether it is collaborating on a project, seeking help when I'm stuck, or simply having a conversation, I have found that every interaction brings something valuable. I have discovered people who are just as passionate and driven, willing to invest time and effort into ideas. Being around them has shown me how powerful shared energy and collaboration can be.
On a typical day, I wake up around 7 am and attend classes. Afterward, I head to the Centre for Innovation (CFI) to work on my academic tasks and spend the rest of the day focused on our iGEM project. I try to incorporate yoga into my morning routine whenever possible. In my free time, I enjoy painting occasionally and playing the ukulele, usually on weekends or as a way to unwind before bed.
I usually hang out with my friends at CFI, since that is where my iGEM team works. Coincidentally, most of my close friends from first year also ended up on the iGEM team, so it is a fun and productive space for all of us to spend time together.
The professors at IIT are some of the most passionate and skilled individuals I have ever met. Despite their incredible achievements, they remain grounded and driven purely by their love for science. One person who truly stands out is Prof R Krishna Kumar, the founder of our department. Though originally a mechanical engineer, he took the time to master physiology and teaches it with more clarity and passion than anyone I have known. Even in his 70s, he brings incredible energy to every lecture — his pure enthusiasm for science and lifelong learning is deeply inspiring. Honestly, every professor in our department reflects that same spirit: active, curious, and genuinely passionate about what they teach.
Campus life at IIT Madras is quite different from that of many other colleges, including National Institutes of Technology (NITs) and non-IIT institutions, based on what I have seen through my friends. One major difference is how everything here is student-centred. Students don't just participate in clubs—we run them. We are actively involved in institute governance, decision-making, and even contribute to policy-making. This level of responsibility helps us grow as leaders and decision-makers, and I believe it plays a crucial role in shaping who we become, both professionally and personally.
In my first year, I was part of the Student Legislative Council, which taught me a lot about leadership, communication, and standing up for what I believe in. It gave me the confidence to voice my opinions clearly and contribute meaningfully to discussions. Experiences like this, where students are given real responsibility, make IIT Madras unique and help us develop skills that go far beyond academics.
I manage my expenses with the pocket money I get every month. When it comes to food, I have to say — I love the sandwiches and Maggi at Usha Cafe. That's definitely what I binge on campus!
I really like the beaches in Chennai. They are very calming and soothing. Having such beautiful beaches close to the city is nice.
After completing my BTech programme, I see myself either actively pursuing research in the field of medical technology or working on a medical device prototype with the goal of launching a startup. I also plan to further my education by pursuing a Master's and PhD in the field of health sciences and technology.