The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are a dream for many students aspiring to excel in engineering and technology. To get there, students must clear the JEE exams—JEE Main for NITs and JEE Advanced for IITs.
I still remember how disappointed I felt in 1998 when I didn’t get into NIT Trichy, even though I had skipped 12th grade. I ended up securing a Computer Science seat at PSG Tech, one of the top-10 institutes in India at the time. Yet, I wasn’t entirely happy. Interestingly, my professors had advised me against joining NITs back then due to ragging issues, similar to what you might see in movies like Munna Bhai MBBS.
After college, I joined HP, moved to a startup, and later worked at Citrix, where I managed and mentored IIT graduates on my team. For a long time, I didn’t fully grasp the craze and brand value of IITs—until my daughter entered 11th grade. Suddenly, I noticed how society viewed children who weren’t aspiring for IIT as “less capable.”
If you’re a parent, ask yourself: what if your child is a gifted musician, dancer, or someone with a heart for helping others? Would that be any less valuable than an IIT degree? And if you’re not an IIT or NIT graduate, do you regret it? In my humble opinion, life is much bigger than the name of a college.
If you’re a student preparing for JEE, take a moment to think about the friends who’ve supported you so far—those who helped with your homework, lab assignments, or even accompanied you to special classes. Their contributions matter, even if they don’t show up in your scorecard.
The Role of Schools and Pressure on Students
Schools often celebrate top scorers, displaying their photos and marks on noticeboards or advertisements. But they rarely acknowledge the pressure these students face—sleepless nights, endless studying, and the sacrifices they make, often at the cost of spending time with family or helping others.
Unfortunately, the race for marks often overshadows qualities like compassion, humility, and teamwork. Many children feel the weight of constant comparison and competition, which can be overwhelming.
The next time you see a school showcasing top scorers or coaching institutes advertising with student photos, take a moment to bless all the children. Also, spare a thought for the kids who may not be in the spotlight but have shown kindness, resilience, and hard work in their own ways.
My Perspective
I am not an IITian or NITian—I skipped 12th grade and still built a successful career, managing teams that included IIT graduates. These individuals were not arrogant; they were kind and humble. But in the rush to achieve academic success, some parents and schools forget to instill values and character in their children.
What we truly need are compassionate, understanding human beings—not just money-makers or people who chase status.
To all the children switching to “exam mode,” I wish you the very best. Remember, your worth is not defined by a score or a college name. You are much more than that.
