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My Journey to IIT Mandi: Late Nights, Scenic Walks, and Mastering Time Management

My Journey to IIT Mandi: Late Nights, Scenic Walks, and Mastering Time Management

Dreaming of studying at one of India's top engineering institutes? If you're preparing for JEE Main 2026 or JEE Advanced 2026, stories from current IIT students can offer real inspiration and practical insights. Here's my personal experience as a fourth-year BTech Computer Science Engineering student at IIT Mandi – from cracking the JEE in my first attempt to thriving in the stunning Himalayan campus.
From School Curiosity to JEE SuccessMy passion for science and technology started back in school at Greenfields Public School in Delhi. By Class 10, I knew engineering was my calling, and aiming for an IIT felt like the perfect goal. The COVID-19 pandemic meant two years of online classes, which made JEE preparation even tougher.I appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2022 and cleared both on my first try – no traditional coaching, just an online ed-tech platform. Starting late (I hadn't focused much on JEE-specific prep in Class 11), I juggled Class 11 and 12 syllabi alongside board exams. There were plenty of burnout moments and self-doubt, but support from my teachers and parents kept me motivated.If you're gearing up for JEE 2026, remember: consistency beats intensity. Focus on understanding concepts deeply rather than rote learning.

Why I Chose IIT Mandi

I've always loved computer science. During JoSAA counselling, I weighed options like CSE, Electrical Engineering, and AI/DS at various IITs. What sealed the deal for IIT Mandi? The academics, of course, but also the breathtaking hilly campus nestled in Himachal Pradesh.Joining in October 2022, right after the pandemic, was my first time away from home in Ghaziabad. The mix of excitement and homesickness hit hard – new mountains, chilly weather, different food. But shared rooms, friendly peers, and those epic Himalayan views made adjustment easier.Daily Life at IIT Mandi: Balancing It AllLife here is a beautiful blend of rigor and relaxation. A typical day starts with classes and labs, moves to club activities or self-study in the evenings, and often ends with hanging out with friends or gaming (my favorite hobby).We bond over late-night tea sessions, deep conversations, and long walks around the scenic campus. The initial winters and hectic schedules were challenging, but friendships turned IIT Mandi into a second home.

Extracurriculars and Real-World Learning

I dove into the Robotics Club, and one highlight was joining the Mars Rover team for the University Rover Challenge (URC) 2024 in Utah, USA. Building an autonomous rover taught me teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. Now, as a mentor, I guide juniors on similar projects.Balancing academics with clubs wasn't easy initially, but IIT Mandi's flexible system helped me master multitasking. Professors are incredibly approachable thanks to the excellent student-faculty ratio – I've worked on projects from flood detection to assistive robots.Key Lessons: Time Management and IndependenceIIT Mandi transformed me. Living independently taught responsibility, connecting with diverse people, and handling challenges. The biggest takeaway? Time management – essential for juggling classes, clubs, internships, and downtime.I interned at Google in summer 2025, gaining invaluable software engineering insights, and even studied abroad at RWTH Aachen in Germany. These opportunities opened doors I hadn't imagined.

Advice for JEE Aspirants

To future JEE Main 2026 and JEE Advanced 2026 takers: Stay persistent through tough phases. Prioritize health, seek support when needed, and remember every small step counts. IIT life isn't just about studies – it's about growth, friendships, and experiences that'll last a lifetime.As I near graduation, my plan is to pursue a career in software engineering. If there's one quote I live by: "Every step forward counts, even the ones no one sees."What about you? Are you preparing for JEE 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments!
(Inspired by real student experiences at IIT Mandi. For more on JEE preparation tips, campus life, and JoSAA counselling, stay tuned!)
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