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– Nayani Om Swarup I have been passionate about science and mathematics since my childhood. This interest was further nurtured by my mother teaching me extra concepts in mathematics. My mother taught me concepts of Class 8 and Class 9 maths when I was in Class 6 and Class 7. My mother, who is an electrical engineer herself, has now retired from her service. My father, also a mechanical engineer, is a DRDO scientist. Aware of the significance of the JEE exams and the role of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in shaping a student’s life, I embarked on a gradual preparation journey. After cracking JEE Advanced in 2023, I got admission to BTech in Electrical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). I also filled IIT Madras electrical engineering, IIT Kanpur electrical engineering, IIT Kanpur mathematics and computing, IIT Guwahati mathematics and computing, and IIT Hyderabad mathematics and computing. It was my first attempt at JEE Main and JEE Advanced. I got into the race quite early, from Class 8. The program I was enrolled in Class 8 was more focused on maths and science olympiads and National Talent Search Examinations (NTSEs). I was enrolled in a three-day per week, evening coaching program in my Classes 8-10. After getting a good scholarship from the institute, I got admission to the same school for Class 11 and Class 12. I got admission into an integrated program wherein I was taught the school syllabus and was provided JEE coaching. I did not feel it a burden as I was anyhow interested in maths and science and problem-solving always intrigued me. I came to IIT Kanpur in August 2023. This was my first time being away from home and living independently. When I reached IIT Kanpur, the absence of my parents was a significant burden, which made adjusting to the new environment challenging. It took me a lot of time to adjust. IIT Kanpur has a nine-day-long orientation period. During that, I made a lot of new friends. The wing-based system of IIT Kanpur also helped me make friends fast. Two-three people are categorized in the same wing. Tasks were given to the wings during the orientation and students had to complete those. The orientation in the institute made me familiar with the entire IIT Kanpur culture and made the transition easier. In the beginning, the food in the IIT Kanpur mess was very good but gradually, the quality declined. I, therefore, had to search for other places like the canteen and multiple shops nearby. I embraced my meals with a willingness to adapt to this aspect of campus life. Also, exploring the campus and surrounding areas played an important role in my adjustment process. At IIT Kanpur, clubs are of three kinds – science and technology, media and cultural, and sports. Although I play badminton as a hobby, I am not enrolled in any sports club. I am really interested in photography and therefore, I got myself enrolled in the media and cultural club’s photography club. I also took part in the fresher’s photography tournament. It was here when we had to present our shots to the jury in a four-day continuous competition. I was shortlisted for the second phase where I came second. In science and technology, I am in the electronic club. The electronic club hosts winter camps in December during the first 10 days of the winter holidays. The selection process includes a test where I was selected from a pool of 20 students. The 10-day period was very intensive. We used to reach the camp at around 10 am and come back at 7 pm. In the camp, I learned multiple concepts in electronics and allied fields. I am also associated with the robotics team of IIT Kanpur. To manage both my academic studies and extracurricular activities effectively, I adopted a strategic approach to time management and prioritization. I carefully organized my schedule, breaking tasks into manageable segments and setting clear objectives and deadlines. If we follow the classes regularly, it is not quite a big task before the exam. We are also provided with tutorial classes on the weekends. Professors help us in the tutorial classes to solve problems. Even if we miss some classes during the week and only follow the tutorials properly, the preparation for quizzes and exams becomes easy. The curriculum is not too tough if we do not push everything to the last date. A decent grade, however, requires only 10 days of preparation for mid-semester exams and for quizzes, a seven-day preparation time is enough. I think we must be mindful enough to not waste more time on mobile phones and games. IIT Kanpur is a really good place where we can get a very good return from the time invested. As a student of IIT Kanpur, hanging out with friends in Kanpur offers a plethora of options to explore and enjoy – watch cinemas, go to canteens, and roam on the campus. Since arriving at IIT, my confidence has significantly grown. The exposure I have gained here is invaluable. I also interned as a Product Inventor at Invention Factory 2024, hosted by the Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF) at IIT Bombay. This six-week innovation program aimed at empowering students like me to innovate, develop prototypes, and secure patents with the guidance of professors, industry experts, and patent attorneys. I met many students from several IITs there. Professors in IIT Bombay helped us in designing the product, refining our product, and prototyping it. I am glad I chose IIT Kanpur over any other near my hometown in Hyderabad. I still haven’t decided what I will do after my BTech is over. I also haven’t ruled out the option of pursuing a PhD. Many electrical courses are yet to be completed in my second year. On the basis of how much interest I get in those, I would like to decide. I might also go for a doctorate. I might also explore software engineering. As of now, I am keeping all options open. Mridusmita Deka covers education and has worked with the Careers360 previously. She is an alumnus of Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University. ... Read More None
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