"Becoming an IITian was My Dream – Life at IIT Delhi Was Everything I Hoped For"

From the small town of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh to the crowded classes of IIT Delhi, this is the story of a student who made his failures stepping stones. In this heart-warming interview, an MTech student of Chemical Engineering recounts to us his inspirational story — from being denied an IIT seat during his bachelors to doing it at last through pure will power and perseverance in GATE 2023.

He talks of the pressure of competitive exams, adapting to a new culture of North India, finding joy in small campus moments, and the sense of achievement that came with winning a decades-old aspiration. From what he narrates, we get a glimpse of the life at one of India's premier institutes — beyond the books and classroom lectures — where friendships, food, sports, and determination make the true IIT experience.

Q: Take us back to where your IIT journey actually began.

I was intrigued by figures, reactions, and the elegance of equations since a kid. By Class 11 and 12, I was certain I wished to be a chemical engineer. Even though I couldn't crack IIT for my BTech, I studied the subject at SASTRA Deemed University. But the IIT dream did not disappear. A research internship at IIT Bombay reasserted it. The atmosphere there – charged and charged – was unfamiliar to me. And that is when I realized I must attempt once again.

Q: What motivated you to attempt once again?

My family members in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. My father is a government school teacher, and my mother is a housewife. I was motivated by their sacrifices. I realized that achieving success in IIT would make them proud. GATE 2022 failure was tough, but I worked harder through mock tests and past year papers and finally achieved an AIR 301 in GATE 2023. That helped me get into IIT Delhi for MTech in Chemical Engineering.

Q: What was your life like in IIT Delhi?

Adjustment was not easy – the climate, the food (potatoes aplenty!), and the tempo. But the friends made everything feasible. TT sessions at midnight, placement buzz, and late-night canteen snacks in IIT are memories that I will have throughout my life.

Q: How did you manage expenditure and studies?

The Rs 12,400 monthly allowance covered PG and food. I was judicious with expenses and fasted occasionally during phases, both for health and economy. Besides the academic burden, I also became a member of the Placement Cell and the Telugu community club. It was like home.

Q: How do you feel now, looking back?

IIT Delhi was not a degree. It taught me perseverance, gave me friends for life, and most importantly, made me an IITian. I would not alter anything.