Learning to balance, lead, and grow: Lessons beyond the classroom at IIT Guwahati
After my Class 10, I had to choose either science, commerce, or humanities. As someone who likes science, I was left with two major options – either the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG). I chose JEE not because of something I loved, but because of something I hated. My strong dislike for biology during school naturally pushed me towards the other subjects. Even though I had no clue about JEE at the time, I decided to move ahead with it, keeping in mind my comfort and interest in subjects like physics and mathematics.
Later, I started finding physics interesting, which helped me prepare well. In addition to other teachers in my coaching institute, Rajesh Sir and Naveen Sir, who were IITians, shared stories about their life at IIT. These stories highly motivated me to aim for a seat and experience such a wonderful life at an IIT.
Schooling and JEE preparation
I did my schooling in DAV Public School, Hyderabad. My focus wasn't solely on academics; I took part in various school activities, including sports like volleyball and kho-kho. Due to the pandemic, my Class 10 exam was conducted online, and I missed making good memories of my final year in school. Later, I joined a coaching institute in Hyderabad. I completed my Class 11 and Class 12 in Sri Chaitanya Junior College. Even though my house was located in Hyderabad, I had to stay in a hostel to focus on my JEE preparation. As a person who gets distracted easily, I feel that the environment was suitable for me.
I appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2023 and secured a rank of 4278 in JEE Advanced and 6592 in JEE Main.
I chose JEE simply with the wish to pursue engineering, not with any particular IIT in mind. Later, I decided that I wanted to get into one of the top seven IITs. After carefully evaluating all the options I had, the best ones were Chemical Engineering at IIT Madras and Mechanical Engineering at IIT Guwahati (IITG). Due to my interest in physics, I chose Mechanical at IITG. I'm thankful for this decision — not just academically, but also because it led me to meet my amazing friends.
My days at IIT Guwahati
I came to IIT Guwahati in July 2023. This wasn't exactly my first time away from home, as I had lived in a hostel during my JEE preparation. But this time, it truly felt like being away — since I had moved to the other side of the country and couldn't just go back whenever I wanted. I felt homesick for a day or two, but eventually, I made some amazing friends, and after that, I didn't think about home as much.
Honestly, it wasn't very difficult for me to adjust here. We had classes for about three hours a day and three labs per week, each lasting three hours, with Saturdays and Sundays off. This schedule gave me the chance to explore other things. I made good friends in my class and hostel as well. Even today, I hang out with my hostel friends – it's like a mandatory part of the day.
The schedule wasn't hectic for me to manage; it felt well-balanced between academics and extracurriculars. But one thing that did take time to adjust to was the food. It didn't taste like home-cooked meals, and that was a bit tough initially, but eventually, I got used to it.
I used to play volleyball during my school days, but due to my JEE preparation, I didn't get time to play. So, after coming here, I started playing volleyball again in the evenings from 6 to 9 after classes with my friends. Then, I got into the volleyball club and also joined the cultural fest, Alcheringa team. I was also elected as the Branch Representative (BR).
It was not hectic in the first semester since we had very little academic pressure and enough free time. From the second semester, I joined the Consulting and Analytics Club, the AI Club, and the Techniche team. When exams are near, I reduce the time I spend on non-academic activities like playing volleyball for an hour instead of three. I completely focus on my academics when I sit down to study and keep distractions as far away as I can.
What I have learned at IIT Guwahati, my future plans
Comparing the person I was before and who I am now, my personality has developed a lot.
By interacting with people coming from various states across India, I understood different cultures and mindsets, which helped me become more open-minded.
As a BR, I developed leadership qualities in order to act upon my branch-mates' concerns and communicate them effectively to the professors, along with guiding my juniors when they were new to the campus.
As a team member of fests, I learned formal communication and coordination across different teams. Going ahead, now in my third year, I got a wonderful opportunity to be the Overall Coordinator of the Students' Welfare Board, where I manage the seven clubs under the Welfare Board.
And as a student, I learned how to utilise my time efficiently, prioritise the things I have to do, and fulfil my responsibilities. Overall, I became a better version of myself and wish to improve even more.
There is a stereotype that IITians only study, but trust me, students here are very good at living their life — managing and doing everything they want to.
Being here for two years now, one of the biggest things I've learned is to enjoy what I'm doing. At IIT, there's always something going on – fests, hostel events, club activities, classes, exams – all happening at the same time. In the beginning, it was overwhelming, but slowly I understood that it's all a part of the journey.
Managing so many things together, without letting my academics fall behind, was definitely tough. But in the process, I started learning how to manage my time better, how to prioritise, and most importantly, how to stay calm even when things get hectic.
One of the best experiences has been being part of the organising teams of Alcheringa and Techniche. Alcheringa, especially, is very close to me. I've been a part of it for two years now. It's honestly one of the most memorable parts of my college life. Enjoying a fest is one thing, but being on the other side and organising it is a whole different experience. Those sleepless nights during the fest, back-to-back team meetings, last-minute chaos, working with over 200 people – it's tiring but also the most exciting and satisfying thing.
Looking back, these are the moments that make college life special. We learn so much in the process – how to work in a team, how to solve problems on the spot, how to take responsibility. But above all, we make memories that'll stay with us forever. Hence, this is my learning: do what you like and enjoy doing it. In the process, we learn something valuable – something we only realise when we look back.
After my BTech, I wish to get a placement in one of the big tech firms as a software developer. Recently, I've also been exploring non-tech fields, so I would love to see myself in a non-tech role as well, if the opportunity feels right. In the long run, I aspire to build something of my own – a startup or a project I'm truly passionate about.
Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More
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