Introduction: How IIT Can Transform More Than Academic Life
Getting admission to an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is considered a major achievement for thousands of engineering aspirants across India. Every year, students dedicate months and sometimes years to preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), hoping to secure a place at one of the country’s prestigious engineering institutions.
For many students, however, entering an IIT represents much more than academic success. It can become the beginning of a personal transformation involving confidence, independence, friendships, professional exposure, and the discovery of new interests.
The journey of Manushree Sonawane, a fourth-year BTech student in Chemical Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar, offers an interesting example of this transformation.
In a student account published by The Indian Express on November 1, 2026, Manushree reflects on how her personality changed during four years at the institute. At the age of 15, she found it difficult to raise her hand in class because she worried about giving incorrect answers. By the time she reached her fourth year at IIT Gandhinagar, she had developed the confidence to communicate with professionals, coordinate major events, participate in research, and explore opportunities beyond her academic curriculum.
Her story demonstrates that personal development often happens gradually. Confidence does not always emerge through one dramatic achievement. Sometimes it develops through small experiences, unfamiliar responsibilities, new friendships, and opportunities to step outside one’s comfort zone.
From the excitement of entering an IIT campus to managing academic responsibilities, participating in student activities, exploring research, and enjoying hostel life, the IIT experience can shape students in ways that extend far beyond engineering textbooks.
Manushree’s journey provides a valuable perspective on what life at an IIT can mean for students who want to develop academically and personally.
From a Quiet School Student to a Confident Engineering Student
One of the most memorable aspects of Manushree’s journey is the contrast between her school personality and her confidence during college.
At 15, she often hesitated before asking questions in class. She was concerned about whether her answers were correct and whether other students might judge her for speaking.
This experience is familiar to many students. Being academically interested does not always mean being comfortable expressing opinions publicly.
Some students understand difficult concepts but hesitate to participate in classroom discussions. Others avoid asking questions because they fear making mistakes in front of classmates.
Over time, this hesitation can limit opportunities to learn, communicate, and develop confidence.
Manushree’s experience shows how a different educational environment can encourage students to become more expressive.
At IIT Gandhinagar, she found opportunities to interact with classmates, approach professors, participate in extracurricular activities, and take responsibility for projects.
These experiences gradually changed her relationship with communication.
Rather than worrying excessively about whether every answer was perfect, she learned to participate in conversations and express her ideas more naturally.
Her development is an important reminder that confidence is not necessarily something people are born with. It can be developed through experience, encouragement, and repeated opportunities to participate.
For students preparing for competitive examinations, this is an especially meaningful lesson.
Cracking an entrance examination may help someone enter a prestigious institution, but the experiences that follow can contribute significantly to personal development.
Choosing Chemical Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar
Manushree Sonawane is from Pune, Maharashtra, and her parents are both engineers. Engineering was therefore a familiar career option in her family.
However, selecting a particular engineering discipline required more consideration.
She completed her schooling at Pawar Public School in Pune through Class 10 and subsequently moved to a CBSE school for Classes 11 and 12.
In 2023, she appeared for JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
During the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) counselling process, she did not make her decision based entirely on the reputation of an institution or department.
Instead, she explored the curriculum pages of different engineering departments and examined the actual subjects included in their programmes.
At IIT Gandhinagar, she considered Electrical Engineering and Materials Science alongside Chemical Engineering.
Her decision was influenced by the subjects she had enjoyed during school.
Chemical Engineering eventually became her preferred choice because its curriculum aligned with her academic interests.
This approach highlights an important lesson for engineering aspirants: choosing a branch should involve understanding the subject itself rather than focusing exclusively on the perceived popularity of a department.
Engineering disciplines offer different opportunities, research areas, and career directions.
Students should therefore explore course structures, practical learning opportunities, faculty interests, and potential career paths before making important academic decisions.
An IIT degree can open many doors, but choosing a discipline that genuinely interests a student can make the learning journey more meaningful.
The Foundation Programme: Building Friendships Before Academic Pressure Begins
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One of the first experiences that made IIT Gandhinagar memorable for Manushree was its foundation programme.
Unlike a conventional academic orientation focused mainly on introducing departments, rules, and course requirements, the institute’s foundation programme offers incoming students opportunities to participate in activities and sports competitions before regular academics begin.
According to Manushree’s account, the programme lasts approximately four weeks and brings the incoming batch together.
This creates an environment where students can meet classmates, develop friendships, and become familiar with campus life before the pressure of lectures and examinations begins.
For students arriving from different cities, schools, and family backgrounds, the first few weeks of university can be both exciting and intimidating.
Some students may already know people on campus, while others arrive without knowing a single person.
An introductory programme can make this transition easier by encouraging interaction through shared activities.
For Manushree, the experience was especially valuable because many of the friendships that remained important throughout her four years at IIT Gandhinagar began during these initial weeks.
This highlights something important about university life: friendships are not simply an enjoyable part of education. They can also become an important source of emotional support, academic cooperation, motivation, and personal development.
Students who feel comfortable with their peers may find it easier to participate in discussions, ask questions, join activities, and explore unfamiliar opportunities.
The foundation programme therefore represents more than an introduction to the institute. It helps create a social environment in which students can begin building their college experience together.
Student Activities: Learning Beyond the Classroom
One of the most exciting aspects of IIT life is the range of activities available outside regular academic programmes.
Engineering education requires considerable attention to lectures, laboratory work, examinations, and assignments. However, students also need opportunities to explore their interests, develop leadership abilities, and interact with people outside their academic departments.
Manushree became involved in several student-led initiatives during her first year.
She explored activities associated with:
- Cultural festivals.
- TEDx events.
- Student Leadership Conclaves.
- Technical festivals.
- Student-organized programmes.
Rather than committing immediately to one activity, she used her first year to understand how different initiatives operated.
This gave her an opportunity to experience different aspects of campus organization.
Student-led events often require considerably more work than participants initially realize. Organizing a successful programme involves planning, coordination, communication, sponsorship, scheduling, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Students may need to contact external speakers, coordinate with volunteers, manage budgets, communicate with sponsors, and ensure that different teams complete their responsibilities.
These experiences can help develop professional abilities that are difficult to learn through textbooks alone.
They also allow students to discover interests that may influence their future career decisions.
For someone who once hesitated to speak in class, participating in these activities offered repeated opportunities to communicate, interact, and take responsibility.
The broader lesson is that university students should not treat extracurricular activities as distractions from education. When managed thoughtfully, they can become valuable parts of the learning experience.
Becoming a Core Member of TEDxIIT Gandhinagar
Manushree’s involvement in student activities became more substantial during her second year when she joined the Finance and Curation team at TEDxIIT Gandhinagar.
This responsibility introduced her to a different level of coordination and professional communication.
TEDx events bring together speakers from different backgrounds to share ideas, experiences, and perspectives with an audience.
Organizing such an event requires more than arranging a stage and inviting guests.
The team must identify speakers, coordinate schedules, communicate expectations, manage finances, prepare the programme, and ensure that all participants have a positive experience.
Manushree’s role involved coordinating with speakers, sponsors, and different organizing teams.
Among the speakers the team worked with that year were Dutee Chand, Manish Gupta, and Gaurav Juyal, as described in the published interview.
These interactions provided an opportunity to communicate with people who had established themselves in different professional fields.
For a student who had once worried about raising her hand in a classroom, these conversations represented a significant change.
The experience also demonstrates how extracurricular participation can help students develop confidence through real responsibilities.
Instead of learning communication only as a theoretical concept, students practise it while handling actual situations.
They learn how to introduce themselves, ask appropriate questions, communicate professionally, coordinate responsibilities, and respond when plans change.
Such abilities can become useful in future internships, interviews, research collaborations, and professional careers.
TEDx participation also offers an opportunity to understand how ideas are developed and presented.
Students hear different viewpoints, encounter unfamiliar subjects, and learn how people from different industries approach challenges.
For engineering students, exposure to these perspectives can make education more interdisciplinary and interesting.
Faculty Support and an Open-Door Learning Environment
Another important part of Manushree’s experience at IIT Gandhinagar was the relationship between students and faculty members.
For many students, entering an advanced academic institution can initially feel intimidating.
Professors may have extensive research experience, specialized knowledge, and demanding academic expectations. Students who are accustomed to conventional classroom environments may hesitate to approach them with questions.
However, an approachable faculty culture can make a significant difference.
Manushree describes the institute’s environment as one where students can approach professors with questions, including ideas that are not yet fully developed.
This is an important feature of a productive academic environment.
Learning is not always about immediately knowing the correct answer. Often, it begins with recognizing that something is unclear and asking the right question.
Good mentorship encourages students to explore their understanding rather than simply memorize information.
In Manushree’s case, her project mentors encouraged her to examine the fundamental problem behind a research project.
Instead of limiting discussions to progress reports and completed tasks, they pushed her to consider whether she was investigating the correct question.
This approach helped develop a habit of thinking from first principles.
First-principles thinking involves breaking a complicated issue into fundamental concepts and understanding how those concepts connect.
For engineering students, this can be particularly useful because practical problems frequently involve several interconnected scientific and technical principles.
A student who understands why something happens may be better prepared to investigate unfamiliar problems than someone who only remembers a standard procedure.
Faculty mentorship can also help students identify research interests, explore career possibilities, and develop confidence in their academic abilities.
The experience shows why a supportive relationship between students and professors can be an important part of university education.
Flexible Academic Structure: Balancing Education and Extracurricular Activities
A major challenge of university life is balancing multiple responsibilities.
Students must attend classes, complete assignments, prepare for examinations, participate in projects, and make time for personal interests.
When extracurricular responsibilities increase, maintaining academic performance can become more difficult.
Manushree found IIT Gandhinagar’s academic structure helpful because it offered flexibility in distributing academic credits across semesters.
She used this flexibility deliberately.
During semesters when TEDx and other activities required additional attention, she could maintain a lighter academic workload. During periods when she had fewer extracurricular commitments, she could focus more heavily on coursework.
This approach helped her balance different priorities across her college journey.
The lesson is not that extracurricular activities should always take priority over academics. Instead, students should understand their workload and make realistic decisions about time management.
A flexible approach can help prevent unnecessary pressure and allow students to participate in activities that contribute to their development.
However, flexibility also requires responsibility.
Students must understand course requirements, academic regulations, deadlines, and the consequences of distributing credits differently.
Planning ahead is therefore essential.
Good time management involves identifying important commitments, setting priorities, and recognizing personal limitations.
University life offers freedom, but freedom becomes useful only when combined with accountability.
Research at Cornell University: Exploring the World of Semiconductors
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One of the most important academic experiences in Manushree’s journey came during the summer after her third year, when she completed an internship at Cornell University in the United States.
Her internship focused on semiconductor research, an area of science and engineering that plays a central role in modern computing.
Semiconductors are materials whose electrical properties can be controlled and used to build electronic devices. They form the foundation of microchips, processors, memory devices, and many other technologies that support the modern digital economy.
Manushree’s research involved using computer simulations to model the behaviour of electrons at the interface between two materials inside a device.
The interface between different materials can significantly influence how a semiconductor device performs.
The arrangement of atoms at this boundary affects the behaviour of electrons, which in turn influences important electronic properties.
Her work therefore involved connecting several levels of scientific understanding.
She explored how individual electrons behave, how atoms arrange themselves within materials, and how those microscopic interactions influence the performance of a device.
What made this research particularly interesting to her was the opportunity to understand the complete relationship between fundamental scientific behaviour and practical technology.
This experience also illustrates the importance of research opportunities in engineering education.
Classroom learning provides the theoretical foundation needed to understand scientific concepts. Research projects allow students to apply those concepts to questions that may not have straightforward answers.
Through research, students learn to examine evidence, use specialized tools, interpret results, and develop explanations for complex phenomena.
International research internships can provide additional exposure to different laboratory environments, academic cultures, and research approaches.
However, students should remember that meaningful research opportunities are not limited to international universities. Strong research experiences can also be developed through projects, faculty mentorship, internships, and laboratory work at Indian institutions.
The most important factor is curiosity and the willingness to investigate difficult questions.
Understanding Semiconductor Research and Its Importance in Modern Technology
Manushree’s internship also highlights the growing importance of semiconductor research.
Semiconductors are essential to almost every major area of modern technology.
Smartphones, computers, communication equipment, medical devices, industrial automation systems, and artificial intelligence infrastructure all depend on semiconductor components.
As technology advances, manufacturers need increasingly sophisticated materials and devices.
This creates research challenges involving energy efficiency, processing performance, heat management, material properties, and the reliability of electronic components.
Understanding how electrons behave at material interfaces can help researchers investigate ways to improve device performance.
The subject also demonstrates how different engineering disciplines overlap.
Semiconductor research may involve materials science, electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computational modelling.
For a Chemical Engineering student, exploring this area provides an example of how an engineering education can lead to research opportunities beyond the most obvious career paths associated with a particular branch.
This is an important lesson for engineering aspirants.
Choosing Chemical Engineering does not mean that every future opportunity must involve conventional chemical manufacturing. Similarly, students from Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Materials Science may discover interdisciplinary research interests.
University education can provide the scientific foundation needed to explore several directions.
Students who remain curious and willing to learn can discover opportunities that they may not have considered before entering college.
A Typical Day in Manushree’s IIT Gandhinagar Life
Campus life is not made up entirely of exciting events, international internships, or major achievements.
Much of a student’s experience consists of ordinary routines that gradually create discipline and structure.
Manushree describes a schedule that balances academics, research, physical fitness, and relaxation.
Her usual routine involves spending time in the library or working on research between academic responsibilities.
Evenings are generally reserved for the gym.
She previously participated in track events during college and later shifted more toward strength training.
After dinner, she often returns to research work.
This routine demonstrates the importance of creating a sustainable balance between intellectual and physical activities.
Engineering programmes can be demanding, particularly when students are managing multiple projects and academic responsibilities.
Regular physical activity can provide a useful break from prolonged periods of studying and screen time.
It can also help students maintain consistency, improve general fitness, and create a healthier daily routine.
However, university life should not become an endless cycle of studying and working.
Students also need opportunities to relax, socialize, enjoy hobbies, and spend time with friends.
Manushree’s account reflects this balance through her interests outside academics.
She enjoys cooking, playing the guitar, and watching murder-mystery thrillers.
These activities offer a different kind of satisfaction from academic achievements.
They provide opportunities to explore creativity, develop personal interests, and enjoy everyday campus life.
Hostel Life: Friendships, Conversations, and Everyday Memories
For many students, hostel life becomes one of the most memorable parts of attending an IIT.
Living away from home introduces a new level of independence.
Students must manage their schedules, organize personal responsibilities, interact with roommates, and adapt to living with people who may have very different habits and backgrounds.
At first, this transition can feel unfamiliar.
However, shared experiences often create friendships that remain important long after graduation.
Manushree describes spending time with friends in hostel rooms, where students can relax without needing to organize elaborate plans.
These informal gatherings are often where some of the strongest college memories are created.
A conversation after dinner, a spontaneous visit to a friend’s room, a shared meal, or a late-night discussion can become a memorable part of university life.
Hostel environments also create opportunities for learning outside the classroom.
Students exchange knowledge, discuss academic problems, share career information, and learn about different perspectives.
Living with people from different parts of the country can also improve cultural understanding and communication.
However, hostel life requires mutual respect and consideration.
Students need to understand that different people have different sleeping schedules, study habits, personal boundaries, and expectations.
Successful hostel living depends on cooperation and the ability to adjust.
For incoming students, it is useful to approach hostel life with an open mind.
Building friendships takes time, and there is no requirement to become comfortable with everyone immediately.
The most meaningful relationships often develop naturally through repeated interactions and shared experiences.
Exploring IIT Gandhinagar Campus: Tea Post, Skywalk, and Laal Minar
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An educational institution is also shaped by its physical environment.
The campus becomes the setting for everyday routines, friendships, relaxation, and personal reflection.
In her account, Manushree mentions several places at IIT Gandhinagar that she enjoys visiting.
Tea Post
Tea Post is one of the places she mentions when describing opportunities to take a break from academic responsibilities.
A familiar campus gathering spot can become an important part of student life, offering opportunities for conversations and informal meetings.
The campus skywalk
The skywalk is another favourite location, particularly around sunset.
Walking through campus after a demanding academic day can provide a refreshing change of environment.
Laal Minar
Manushree also mentions Laal Minar, which is located at the top of a short hike.
From there, students can enjoy a view of the campus below.
Such places provide opportunities to appreciate the campus environment away from classrooms, laboratories, and hostel buildings.
Hostel rooms
Interestingly, some of the most enjoyable moments do not require visiting a special campus location.
Manushree says that friends often gather in someone’s hostel room because it requires little planning and provides an easy way to spend time together.
These details highlight an important aspect of college life: memorable experiences are not always associated with expensive activities or major events.
Sometimes, the simplest routines create the strongest memories.
For students entering an IIT, exploring the campus and discovering personal favourite places can become part of the excitement of university life.
Personal Growth: Learning That There Is More Than One Way Forward
One of the most meaningful lessons Manushree shares is about changing expectations.
Earlier, she believed that if things did not go according to plan, the original goal itself might need to be questioned.
Over time, her experiences helped her understand that a goal can remain the same even when the route changes.
This is an important lesson for students navigating competitive education and professional careers.
Students often develop highly specific expectations about their future.
They may plan to study a particular branch, join a particular company, pursue a specific research area, or secure a particular internship.
When an opportunity does not work out, disappointment can make them feel that their entire plan has failed.
However, career development rarely follows a perfectly predictable path.
An unsuccessful application may lead someone to discover a different research opportunity. An unexpected academic project may introduce a new interest. A change in responsibilities may reveal strengths that were previously unnoticed.
Manushree’s experiences demonstrate the value of remaining flexible while maintaining a sense of direction.
Her research interests became clearer through exposure to new academic opportunities.
Her communication abilities improved through student activities.
Her professional confidence developed through interactions with speakers, mentors, and fellow students.
These developments were not necessarily part of a single predetermined plan.
They emerged through exploration and participation.
For students, this is a powerful reminder that progress should not be measured only by whether every planned milestone happens exactly on schedule.
Sometimes, changing direction is part of moving forward.
What Makes Life at an IIT Different From School?
The transition from school to an IIT can be significant because the expectations and responsibilities are different.
School education generally provides a structured environment in which teachers guide students through subjects, assignments, examinations, and daily schedules.
At an IIT, students are expected to take greater responsibility for their academic and personal development.
Some important differences include:
| School experience | IIT experience |
|---|---|
| More structured daily schedules | Greater personal independence |
| Teacher-directed learning | Increased emphasis on self-learning |
| Mostly classroom-based activities | Lectures, labs, research, and projects |
| Limited extracurricular responsibilities | Extensive student-led activities |
| Familiar classmates and surroundings | Diverse peer groups and new environments |
| Defined academic pathways | Opportunities to explore different interests |
This transition can be exciting, but it also requires adjustment.
Students may initially struggle with independent learning, time management, academic competition, or balancing multiple responsibilities.
They may also experience uncertainty when surrounded by classmates with different strengths and experiences.
However, these challenges can become opportunities for development.
Learning to manage independent responsibilities, communicate with faculty, collaborate with peers, and explore unfamiliar subjects can help students become more confident.
It is important to recognize that not every student’s IIT experience is identical. Different institutes, departments, academic programmes, and campus environments offer different opportunities and challenges.
Manushree’s account is specifically about her experience at IIT Gandhinagar, rather than a universal description of every IIT.
Important Lessons for Students Preparing for JEE
Manushree’s journey offers several lessons for students who are preparing for JEE Main and JEE Advanced.
Getting admission to an IIT is a major milestone, but students should also think about the kind of person they want to become during their college years.
Here are some valuable takeaways.
Choose a branch based on genuine interest
Students should explore engineering curricula and understand the subjects involved before making their final decisions.
Do not be afraid to ask questions
Asking questions is an essential part of learning. Students should not allow the fear of making mistakes to prevent them from participating.
Explore extracurricular activities
Technical festivals, cultural events, student clubs, and leadership programmes can provide valuable experiences outside academics.
Build meaningful friendships
College friendships can provide emotional support, encourage collaboration, and create memories that last for years.
Develop relationships with faculty
Approachable professors and research mentors can help students discover academic interests and explore opportunities.
Take research seriously
Research internships and academic projects can help students understand how theoretical knowledge is applied to real-world challenges.
Maintain physical fitness
Exercise and healthy routines can help students balance demanding academic schedules.
Remain flexible
Career plans may change as students gain experience. Being open to different opportunities can lead to unexpected discoveries.
Most importantly, students should understand that they do not need to become completely confident or socially active overnight.
Personal growth is a gradual process.
How Parents Can Support Students Entering an IIT
The transition to an IIT is also an important experience for parents.
Families often invest considerable time, energy, and resources in supporting their children’s education and JEE preparation.
After admission, parents may naturally expect students to focus entirely on academic performance and career opportunities.
However, college is also a period of emotional, social, and personal development.
Parents can support this transition by encouraging students to explore their interests rather than focusing exclusively on grades.
Allowing young adults to make decisions, manage responsibilities, and learn from mistakes can help them develop independence.
It is equally important to maintain open communication.
Students may experience academic pressure, homesickness, uncertainty, or difficulty adjusting to a new environment.
Parents should provide encouragement without making every conversation about examinations, internships, or placements.
They should also recognize the value of extracurricular activities, friendships, physical fitness, and personal hobbies.
A supportive family environment can help students develop confidence while navigating the challenges of university life.
The Importance of Women in Engineering and Research
Manushree’s experience also provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of women’s participation in engineering and scientific research.
Engineering offers opportunities across numerous fields, including chemical processing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, electronics, biotechnology, energy, materials science, and environmental technology.
Women students can contribute to all these areas through education, research, entrepreneurship, and professional careers.
However, entering a competitive technical environment can sometimes require students to overcome social expectations and personal hesitation.
Confidence, mentorship, supportive friendships, and access to meaningful projects can make an important difference.
Manushree’s involvement in research, student leadership, and professional events illustrates the value of encouraging students to explore opportunities beyond traditional classroom responsibilities.
Her story also demonstrates that academic success and personal development can complement one another.
Students should not feel that they must choose between being academically serious and participating in wider university activities.
With thoughtful planning, both can become important parts of an enriching educational experience.
The Future After IIT: Research, Careers, and New Opportunities
As Manushree approaches the completion of her BTech programme, her experiences at IIT Gandhinagar have provided exposure to several possible directions.
Her interest in semiconductor research developed through academic exploration and her internship at Cornell University.
This illustrates how university experiences can influence professional interests over time.
For engineering graduates, potential pathways include:
- Higher education and advanced research.
- Semiconductor and electronics industries.
- Chemical and materials engineering.
- Technology and software companies.
- Product development and innovation.
- Entrepreneurship and startups.
- Research and development laboratories.
- Consulting and management.
The appropriate direction depends on individual interests, skills, opportunities, and long-term goals.
An IIT education can provide a strong foundation, but students still need to develop specialized expertise and gain practical experience.
Internships, research projects, professional networking, and industry exposure can help graduates understand different career environments.
Manushree’s journey also shows that professional development is not limited to technical knowledge.
Communication, leadership, teamwork, confidence, and the ability to adapt can be equally useful when entering professional environments.
These abilities develop through participation and experience, which makes university life an important period for building them.
Conclusion: IIT Is Not Just About Getting a Degree, It Is About Discovering Yourself
The journey of Manushree Sonawane demonstrates how four years at an engineering institute can influence much more than academic knowledge.
At 15, she hesitated to ask questions in class because she worried about making mistakes. At 21, she describes experiences involving student leadership, professional communication, research, international academic exposure, and personal independence.
Her transformation did not happen overnight.
It developed through friendships, the foundation programme, extracurricular activities, faculty mentorship, research opportunities, and everyday experiences on campus.
Her time at IIT Gandhinagar also highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between academics, hobbies, fitness, and social relationships.
From coordinating TEDx events to exploring semiconductor research at Cornell University, her experiences show how opportunities outside the classroom can contribute to a student’s overall development.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson from her story is that success does not require following a perfectly planned route.
Students can maintain their ambitions while remaining open to unexpected opportunities and new directions.
For JEE aspirants, Manushree’s journey offers an encouraging perspective: getting into an IIT may be the beginning of an important educational achievement, but the experiences that follow can shape confidence, independence, curiosity, and professional identity.
