Arpan Malakar’s Post

How do you make the most of your IIT life? Here's what I have to say as a final-year student at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi 1. Explore Clubs and Find Your Interests Early In your first year, join as many clubs as you can. It’s a time when you have the energy and flexibility to explore a variety of interests, so dive into the options available and see where your passions lie. Gradually, in the next years, select fewer clubs to balance with the increasing academic load. 2. Work on Projects with Professors Aim to complete at least two projects during your tenure as a student under the guidance of your professors. They’re not only highly experienced but were selected to teach you because of their expertise, often holding PhDs from top institutions. Beyond academics, use free time to engage with them - ask about their experiences, the future of their field, and the possibilities in academia. 3. Embrace Extracurriculars It’s common to hear that extracurriculars are secondary, but for me, mine turned out to be my true passion. Design started as an ECA but eventually became my main focus. While academics are essential, use your college years to find what genuinely excites you. Being at an engineering college is a unique opportunity to explore interests beyond just your coursework. 4. See Positions of Responsibility (PoRs) as Learning Grounds Treat PoRs as learning experiences, not just resume boosters. They act as a real-world simulation where you have significant responsibilities, yet if you make mistakes, the consequences aren’t as severe. This environment allows you to learn and grow in ways that prepare you for future challenges. 5. Utilize the College Library Fully I know what you’re thinking – "Library? Seriously?" but the library isn’t just about engineering textbooks - it’s filled with books on design, business, sociology, self-help, and more. Physical books offer a break from screens, making reading a more immersive experience. This wealth of knowledge, available to you for free, is rare. Dive into it while you have the chance. 6. Work at a Startup or Start Your Own College is the lowest-risk environment you’ll have for entrepreneurship. Being at an IIT surrounds you with talented people, many of whom live in the same hostel or campus. Starting or working at a startup exposes you to various roles and fast-paced learning, helping you discover what you truly enjoy. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll get paid for this experience! 7. Take Advantage of Free Access to Research Publications As an IIT student, you have free access to numerous online research publications, which often require expensive licenses. If you’re curious about a topic, you can dive into the research available at your fingertips. These tips come straight from my journey - feel free to add your own insights on making the most of IIT life!

Getting into an IIT is a dream for many Indian students. The prestigious tag, world-class education, and potential career prospects make it a worthy goal. But is it the ultimate goal? Sure, acing the entrance exam and securing a seat in your dream IIT is a fantastic accomplishment. It reflects years of hard work, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge. But think of it as the launchpad, not the final destination. Why? → IITs open doors to a world of possibilities. You'll be surrounded by brilliant minds, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge research opportunities. This is your chance to explore new fields, develop your passions, and discover exactly what ignites your spark. → The IIT experience is much more than textbooks and exams. It's about building strong relationships, participating in vibrant extracurriculars, and developing well-rounded leadership skills. → The IIT tag gives you the credibility and network to chase your wildest dreams, be it founding the next unicorn startup or tackling global challenges. Some ways to think beyond the IIT tag: → Explore different subjects, delve into research projects, and participate in hackathons. → Take up leadership roles in clubs, participate in debates, or volunteer for a cause you care about. → Connect with professors, alumni, and industry leaders. Build relationships that will open doors to future opportunities. → Don't let anyone limit your ambitions. The IIT education empowers you to make a real difference in the world. The point is, IIT is a springboard. The direction you take your career is entirely your own. So, celebrate your accomplishment, but remember, it's just the beginning of an exciting journey. Chase your dreams, explore your options, and make the most of the incredible opportunities that lie ahead. #IIT #IITian #story

From 6-Point GPA to Lifelong Lessons: Reflections from IIT Roorkee: There’s this race, right? This fierce, all-consuming competition among students to get into THE Institution that supposedly guarantees success. Growing up, we’re taught that getting into a pedigree institution is the only way to make it in life. I was no exception. My target was IIT. It felt like the holy grail of success—and I made it. But now, more than 12 years since leaving those iconic walls of IIT Roorkee, I look back and wonder: What did those four years really give me? Was it the grueling course structure? The cutthroat competition? Or the lifelong friendships that shaped me in ways no textbook ever could? For me, it has been a bit of everything. But let’s be real—academics? Not my strong suit. I scraped by with a 6-pointer GPA (yes, survival at its finest 😅). So, no, I didn’t leave with academic laurels, but what I did gain was priceless life skills. Here’s what truly stood out: 🔹 Getting sh*t done under pressure – When you have an assignment due at midnight and you start working on it at 11:45 PM, you learn the art of working with speed and precision. Deadlines were brutal, but they taught me how to perform under fire. 🔹 Thriving amidst fierce competition – When every peer around you is brilliant, you realize quickly that the key isn’t just about being smart—it’s about persistence, adaptability, and sheer grit. 🔹 Friendships that transcend time – The bonds we built during those late-night chai breaks, chaotic campus life, and hostel pranks have stood the test of time. Those friends, forged in the pressure cooker of IIT life, are still some of my closest people today. 🔹 Inspiring batchmates doing incredible things – Fast forward a decade, and my batchmates are doing some truly phenomenal things—building startups, leading companies, or just excelling in their own right. Watching their journeys continues to inspire me to push boundaries every day. So, here’s the takeaway: Getting into a top-tier college isn’t the only path to success. Yes, IIT played a pivotal role in my journey—but not just through academics. It taught me how to build relationships, work under pressure, and find inspiration in those around me. Life isn’t about where you start; it’s about the network you build, the lessons you learn, and the friendships you cherish. And sometimes, the most valuable part of the journey is figuring out that success is much bigger than just a degree or a GPA.

200+ IIT Students from Marginalised Backgrounds Secure Job Placements Through Free Mentoring Program A groundbreaking free mentoring program designed to empower IIT students from marginalized backgrounds has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing placements for over 200 students in just 20 months. The program called 'The Mentor Circle', initiated in May 2023, has been instrumental in providing essential guidance, skill development, and networking opportunities to talented students who often face significant barriers to entry in the competitive job market. Key Program Highlights: * 2023 Batch: 20 successful placements, all secured through off-campus opportunities. * 2024 Batch: A staggering 140 placements, demonstrating the program's growing impact. * 2025 Batch: 54 ongoing placements, with the momentum continuing to build. Dheeraj Singh, Lead Mentor and Founder Global IIT Alumni Support Group, expressed his pride in the program's achievements: "We are thrilled to witness the transformative impact of this initiative. By providing these talented students with the necessary support and resources, we are not only helping them secure promising careers but also contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future." As the program continues to expand its reach, the organizers are committed to empowering even more IIT students achieve their full potential. The IIT Mentor Circle In the wake of heartbreaking losses of Darshan Solanki (IITB), Ayush Asna (IITD) and Anil Kumar (IITD), the Global IIT Alumni Support Group has established the IIT Mentor Circle. Through mentorship, we hope to address the unique challenges faced by students from marginalized communities and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable IIT ecosystem. Global IIT Alumni Support Group The Support Group is a thriving network of over 1,000 IIT alumni from Constitutionally marginalized Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Our mission is to foster academic, professional, and social progress among our members, while advocating for diversity and inclusion in higher education. Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for IITians. Media and Allies: https://t.ly/7vbU2 Alumni: https://t.ly/LeuQR Students: https://t.ly/h4tBJ Dharmendra Pradhan Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati Thank you Niraj Pandit and Hindustan Times https://lnkd.in/gwDmS49s

Getting into IIT doesn’t really matter if you can’t make the best of it. When you come from a small town with limited resources, the stakes are higher. You aren’t just working for yourself—you’re working for a generational shift. That mindset stayed with me throughout my time at IIT Bombay. Looking back, I can hardly believe what my final year there looked like. I took on more responsibilities than I ever imagined, but I knew this was my moment to push my limits. In an year alone, I: ↳Represented both MSc batches as an elected Master’s Representative. ↳ Served as the Academic Representative in the Post Graduate Academic Council (PGAC, IITB). ↳ Played a key role in organizing Genvision, the annual biotech festival of IITB. ↳ Organised Department Reunion Convocation for the batch graduating during COVID lockdown. ↳ Organised one more Department Convocation for our immediate seniors in the same year. ↳ Participated in cricket tournaments, despite an overwhelming academic commitments. ↳ Coordinated Ramadan Sehri for the fasting students at IITB and engaged in other cultural events. ↳ Successfully built and led Alig Mentors, during my time at IITB. ↳ Stayed at IITB during winter and summer break to give myself more time to explore research. ↳ Immersed myself in technical and cultural programs wherever it happened in the campus. All this while maintaining a 9.23 CPI. Because I knew it matters too barring few instances. But of course, all of this came at a cost. Weekends were tightly packed, and I had many sleepless nights to manage my academics alongwith everything I did. Was it worth it? Absolutely. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. The experiences and growth far outweighed any temporary discomfort or sacrifice. Did I want more time at IIT? Yes, without a doubt. The year flew by, leaving me wishing for more—more opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to that incredible community. Here’s what I walked away with: ↳ Invaluable exposure and experiences. ↳ A network of peers, mentors, and industry professionals. ↳ Time management and prioritization skills that comes so handy. ↳ Better self-awareness and an understanding of my potential to perform more than I could imagine. ↳ The satisfaction of making a positive impact through leadership roles within the academic community. The lessons and growth from that time have stayed with me. I'm don't regret the sacrifices and the missed weekend, as they laid the foundation for who I am today. What about you? Can you share an experience where pushing through discomfort led to your biggest growth? I’d love to hear your story. Image: A moment from the Farewell Program. (I'd to repeat a dialogue).

Just in: IIT Delhi Expands Globally with New Abu Dhabi Campus: The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has inaugurated its first international campus in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s global expansion strategy. This new campus represents a strategic effort by IIT Delhi to enhance its international footprint and foster global collaborations in education and research. Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi's knowledge and innovation district, the campus aims to provide a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, reflecting IIT Delhi's commitment to delivering world-class education beyond its borders. The initiative underscores the growing educational ties between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reflecting a broader trend of increased academic cooperation in the region. The Abu Dhabi campus will initially focus on engineering and technology programs, leveraging IIT Delhi’s renowned expertise in these fields. The campus is expected to offer specialized courses in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and renewable energy, aligning with global industry trends and regional needs. This expansion is part of IIT Delhi’s broader strategy to globalize its education and research initiatives, aiming to attract international students and faculty. Dr. R. K. Shevgaonkar, the Director of IIT Delhi, emphasized the importance of the Abu Dhabi campus in the institute’s internationalization efforts. He noted that the campus will serve as a hub for innovation and research, fostering collaborations with local industries and academic institutions. This move aligns with the UAE’s vision of becoming a global leader in technology and innovation, supporting the country's ambitious goals in the educational sector. The establishment of IIT Delhi’s Abu Dhabi campus is also expected to strengthen educational ties between India and the UAE, building on the existing bilateral cooperation in various sectors. The UAE, with its rapidly growing focus on educational excellence and innovation, provides a conducive environment for IIT Delhi’s expansion. This initiative reflects a mutual interest in enhancing academic and technological partnerships between the two countries. As part of the inauguration, a series of workshops and seminars were held, highlighting the campus’s role in advancing research and education. These events featured prominent academics and industry experts, discussing the future of technology and its impact on global challenges. The campus is designed to facilitate such interactions, creating a vibrant academic community that bridges different cultures and perspectives. The launch of this international campus also aligns with IIT Delhi’s broader strategy to enhance its global presence. By establishing a foothold in Abu Dhabi, IIT Delhi aims to tap into the growing market for higher education in…

200+ IIT Students from Marginalised Backgrounds Secure Job Placements Through Free Mentoring Program A groundbreaking free mentoring program designed to empower IIT students from marginalized backgrounds has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing placements for over 200 students in just 20 months. The program called 'The Mentor Circle', initiated in May 2023, has been instrumental in providing essential guidance, skill development, and networking opportunities to talented students who often face significant barriers to entry in the competitive job market. Key Program Highlights: * 2023 Batch: 20 successful placements, all secured through off-campus opportunities. * 2024 Batch: A staggering 140 placements, demonstrating the program's growing impact. * 2025 Batch: 54 ongoing placements, with the momentum continuing to build. Dheeraj Singh, Lead Mentor and Founder Global IIT Alumni Support Group, expressed his pride in the program's achievements: "We are thrilled to witness the transformative impact of this initiative. By providing these talented students with the necessary support and resources, we are not only helping them secure promising careers but also contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future." As the program continues to expand its reach, the organizers are committed to empowering even more IIT students achieve their full potential. The IIT Mentor Circle In the wake of heartbreaking losses of Darshan Solanki (IITB), Ayush Asna (IITD) and Anil Kumar (IITD), the Global IIT Alumni Support Group has established the IIT Mentor Circle. Through mentorship, we hope to address the unique challenges faced by students from marginalized communities and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable IIT ecosystem. Global IIT Alumni Support Group The Support Group is a thriving network of over 1,000 IIT alumni from Constitutionally marginalized Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Our mission is to foster academic, professional, and social progress among our members, while advocating for diversity and inclusion in higher education. Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for IITians. Media and Allies: https://t.ly/7vbU2 Alumni: https://t.ly/LeuQR Students: https://t.ly/h4tBJ Dharmendra Pradhan Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee Thank you Hemali Chhapia and The Times Of India https://lnkd.in/gCdxMyJ4

Fascinating IIT and NIT Culture 🙂 IITs along with NITs and IIITs are the strongest pillars to create a robust tech and entrepreneurial ecosystem in India. College festivals are the lifelines of these premier institutes and they produce stunning opportunities to draw up the upcoming real world management challenges. The student events ensure that along with the engineering and research acumen, students should also be equipped with management, problem solving and entrepreneurial skills. After two online years under difficult circumstances and facing a culture break, these college events made an offline return in 2023 and how students worked together with magnificent elan to carry out gigantic events after a long gap is another successful comeback story. Couple of years back when students started fresh in an offline mode, along with IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi and NIT Bhopal, IIT Madras conducted an incredible avant-garde E-Summit. Though IIT Madras is leading the NIRF Engineering and Overall rankings for the past few years, it’s amazing to see how it’s maintaining the NIRF rank 2 in innovation as well. Having worked with E-cell, IIT Bombay during my college days and then with AICTE, MoE, we always motivated college students to think more about start-up through various events. In the last decade, I have been part of several such IIT, IIM and NIT events as an investor, speaker and mentor. Few months back while addressing the wonderful students of Indian Institute of Technology Madras, I discerned their inclination towards sustainable growth in a disciplined way. It was great to see how these young founders are balancing their way into bona fide entrepreneurship with the rigorous IIT Madras academics. In last year’s E-summit, I saw tremendous participation and an amazing student co-ordination. The beautiful green campus, culture, humility and bravado of the students were remarkable. Glad to share that again this year I will be a mentor at E-Cell, IIT Madras for their accelerator program BootCamp 2025. It will be an astonishing opportunity for students and early-stage startups to avail mentorship and resources for refining their business strategies, optimize product development, and address growth challenges effectively. While these sector-specific mentorships for early stage startups are vital for gaining the tools, knowledge, and perspectives needed to navigate competitive markets and achieve sustainable growth. In the coming future, it would be interesting to see how these marvellous student’s events are going to shape the agile start-up ecosystem of India. #iit #iitmadras #nit #educationforall

In an age where tech startups and digital celebrities are making headlines, does an IIT degree still have the same impact? With alternatives like coding bootcamps, online courses, and entrepreneurial ventures on the rise, is the IIT degree losing its edge? Are we seeing a new trend where traditional education no longer guarantees success? Is the IIT degree losing its exclusivity and becoming just another degree in a sea of options? Are young professionals opting for paths that promise quicker returns and more excitement? Is the IIT brand struggling to keep up with the pace of change in today’s dynamic job market? Or is it that the IIT name will forever stand strong, despite changing trends? Can the IIT legacy adapt to modern demands, or is it slowly becoming a relic? What’s your take? Does IIT still matter, or is it time to rethink its role in our careers? #IIToverrated #careerchoices

200+ IIT Students from Marginalised Backgrounds Secure Job Placements Through Free Mentoring Program A groundbreaking free mentoring program designed to empower IIT students from marginalized backgrounds has achieved a remarkable milestone, securing placements for over 200 students in just 20 months. The program called 'The Mentor Circle', initiated in May 2023, has been instrumental in providing essential guidance, skill development, and networking opportunities to talented students who often face significant barriers to entry in the competitive job market. Key Program Highlights:  * 2023 Batch: 20 successful placements, all secured through off-campus opportunities.  * 2024 Batch: A staggering 140 placements, demonstrating the program's growing impact.  * 2025 Batch: 47 ongoing placements, with the momentum continuing to build. Dheeraj Singh, Lead Mentor and Founder Global IIT Alumni Support Group, expressed his pride in the program's achievements: "We are thrilled to witness the transformative impact of this initiative. By providing these talented students with the necessary support and resources, we are not only helping them secure promising careers but also contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future." The program's success can be attributed to its comprehensive approach, which includes:  * Personalized Mentorship: Experienced professionals offer tailored guidance and advice.  * Skill Development Workshops: Targeted training in technical and soft skills.  * Mock Interviews and Resume Reviews: Practical preparation for the job application process.  * Networking Opportunities: Connections with industry leaders and alumni. As the program continues to expand its reach, the organizers are committed to empowering even more IIT students achieve their full potential. The IIT Mentor Circle In the wake of heartbreaking losses of Darshan Solanki (IITB), Ayush Asna (IITD) and Anil Kumar (IITD), the Global IIT Alumni Support Group has established the IIT Mentor Circle. Through mentorship, we hope to address the unique challenges faced by students from marginalized communities and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable IIT ecosystem. Global IIT Alumni Support Group The Support Group is a thriving network of over 1,000 IIT alumni from Constitutionally marginalized Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Our mission is to foster academic, professional, and social progress among our members, while advocating for diversity and inclusion in higher education. Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for IITians. Media and Allies: https://t.ly/7vbU2 Alumni: https://t.ly/LeuQR Students: https://t.ly/h4tBJ Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay Indian Institute of Technology, Madras Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati Thank you Pallavi Smart and The Indian Express https://t.ly/pd4yI