For 21-year-old Ritwij Kumar from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, the journey to becoming a confident engineer began long before he understood the significance of competitive exams. His childhood fascination with understanding how things worked naturally evolved into a deep passion for physics and mathematics, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati.
Early Beginnings and JEE Preparation
Ritwij's academic journey started in Dhanbad, where he studied at DAV Koyla Nagar before moving to Kota for Classes 11 and 12. His family played a crucial role in his development - his father serves as a police inspector with Jharkhand Police, while his mother was a teacher who made the significant sacrifice of leaving her job to accompany him to Kota for JEE preparation.
The COVID-19 lockdown presented unexpected challenges, striking right after his Class 10 examinations. Beginning JEE preparation through online platforms initially robbed him of the momentum and energy that students typically need during those crucial initial months. However, when he finally reached Kota for Class 12, his preparation gained serious traction.
Chemistry emerged as his most challenging subject, while physics and mathematics remained his strengths. This self-awareness became pivotal during JoSAA counselling when he made the deliberate choice to pursue BTech in Engineering Physics at IIT Guwahati, a program that allowed him to dive deep into his passion while keeping strong career options available.
Transformation at IIT Guwahati
Joining IIT Guwahati in October 2022 marked the beginning of a profound personal transformation. While he had previously lived away from home, this was the first time his mother wasn't accompanying him. Instead of apprehension, Ritwij embraced the experience with pure excitement, having heard enough college stories from his siblings to understand the unique opportunities for growth.
The adjustment proved surprisingly smooth. Having an old friend from Kota as his roommate and the immediate sense of community in hostel life made the transition effortless. The campus food, described in typical student fashion as "eatable," became secondary to the meaningful friendships formed around mess tables and during late-night walks.
IIT Guwahati taught me to manage everything - from health and finances to time and academics, Ritwij reflects. Before joining the institute, he hadn't even washed his own clothes, but today he confidently manages all aspects of his life independently.
Beyond Academics: Clubs and Leadership
During his first year, Ritwij immersed himself in various technical clubs, including robotics and Montage Photography. Photography became a lasting passion that he continues to pursue, carrying his camera everywhere on campus. However, he soon learned the importance of prioritization for personal growth.
After his first college festival, Ritwij realized that working as a fresher wasn't particularly fulfilling. He made the strategic decision to step away from most clubs in his second year to focus on internships and applied for positions of responsibility. Becoming the events head of the Technical Board proved instrumental in developing his leadership capabilities, time management skills, and planning abilities - competencies he now relies on daily.
One of his proudest achievements came when he participated in Inter IIT Tech Meet 13.0 at IIT Bombay in 2023, where his team achieved IIT Guwahati's first-ever podium finish across all formats.
Campus Life and Future Prospects
What distinguishes IIT Guwahati from many other institutions, according to Ritwij, is the remarkable freedom it offers students. The absence of hostel in-time restrictions and the peaceful, green campus environment create an ideal learning atmosphere. His typical days blend academics with badminton, gym sessions, meaningful conversations with friends, gaming, and spontaneous tea breaks at Khokha.
The institute's location in Guwahati provides additional advantages, serving as the gateway to Northeast India's stunning landscapes that are easily accessible for weekend trips. When mess food becomes too routine, students can treat themselves to specialties like the biryani at Lohit Mess.
Financially, Ritwij manages his expenses comfortably through a remote internship, maintaining a budget while appreciating that most socializing happens in hostel rooms or at Khokha, keeping costs manageable. His placement at Rippling in Bengaluru through a Pre-Placement Offer has provided clear financial direction for his future.
As he prepares to graduate, Ritwij aims to apply the analytical foundation from Engineering Physics and the leadership lessons from IIT Guwahati to work on impactful, cutting-edge projects. The most significant transformation he acknowledges is the confidence gained from interacting with people across India, learning to communicate effectively in any situation - a skill that proved invaluable during internships and placement processes.
If IIT taught me one thing, it is that I can live, travel, adjust, and grow anywhere, he concludes. I came to IIT Guwahati as a student, but I leave as an independent adult, ready for whatever comes next.
