When I stepped into IIT Kanpur, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Civil Engineering was not something I was looking for, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Later, I chose to specialize in Environmental Engineering, which helped me understand that sustainability is not just as a buzzword, but a practical field with tangible tools and solutions.

The Dream Since Early Days

Along with two close school friends, we dreamt of building a city that redefines sustainability and infrastructure, one that not merely offsets emissions, but gives back more than it takes.

But I soon realised that to build a city, one needs capital. And to generate capital, I started taking finance seriously since Class Xth. I have had a keen interest in the stock market, and when I entered IITK, one casual conversation about finance during my first semester led someone to say, “Can you advise me?” That was the start of me managing my own portfolio and a focus on spreading financial literacy among students on campus.

Landing in Civil: A Journey of Chance

IIT Delhi was my first choice - the city, the vibe, the daily reminder of crossing it en route to coaching, it all called to me. Fate brought me to IIT Kanpur’s Chemistry, where I initially tried branching to Chemical Engineering, and eventually landed in Civil Engineering.

In hindsight, it was serendipity. All the things that fascinated me - urban planning, infrastructure, systems thinking - they found a home in Civil. And I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. The hands-on lab sessions where we were required to build real things- cement, walls, models - those are moments specially cherished.

Running behind Internships and Marathons

Steering away from the usual path, my first internship in my first year involved mentoring JEE aspirants at a startup founded by an IITK alum, followed by a stint at a firm called Golden Touch in Pune which gave me taste of office environment. Last summer, I interned at Citibank as an investment banking intern - a gruelling experience, but one that stood out. I went in with a mission to open more doors for the juniors, succeeding to elevate the intakes from two to five. So, mission accomplished!

Outside of academics, I love running. I am currently training for a marathon, one more thing I hope to check off my list soon. Photography has been a creative outlet. Reading, chilling with the boys, and trying to create small changes that may have a ripple effect is a full-time engagement.

Learning through leadership

Being the Pool Captain for Takneek gave me firsthand experience in coordination and decision-making. I was also part of a self-organized initiative with friends where we discussed the financial markets, not as a formal club but more like a curious crew.

One of the most fulfilling moments for me was seeing the national flag hoisted on campus near the PE Ground - a small idea that took multiple rounds of meetings and follow-ups but finally came to life on Independence Day. It fills me with a sense of pride whenever I pass by it.

Advice to JEE Aspirants and Juniors

To every student aspiring for IIT:

1.       Life is simple, don’t complicate it.

2.       Put your phone away.

3.       Study for three full hours a day every day.

Looking Back with No Regrets

IIT Delhi might have been Plan A, but Kanpur was the better choice. It gave me the room to dream and build. Here, the students’ family tree bond lasts forever, where seniors care and ideas grow.

Now, if I had to take JEE again, I would pick IIT Kanpur first. And I am proud to say that I have managed to convince many a family to choose IITK and benefit from the experiences that the institute has to offer.