My journey to ICFAI University, Dehradun: Samarth Agarwal

ICFAI, Dehradun

I decided my aim quite early, which made it easier for me to choose my subject after class 12.

I was in class 8 when I watched the live telecast of launching of a launch vehicle “PSLV” by ISRO. That live telecast gave me goosebumps.  I had decided to join “ISRO”. But don’t know how?

 When I grew up, I came to know about the Aeronautical Engineering in BTech course. Aeronautical Engineering is taught at IIT or IIIT only, in India. For admission to either if the institutes, I had to not only clear JEE Mains but also JEE Advanced, that too in General category. Since I am very weak in studies, I decided to drop the idea of Aeronautical Engineering but not BTech. I did some research about job opportunities in ISRO and concluded that Electronics and Communication Engineering branch also have good scope in that area. I decided to pursue my BTech in ECE only.

The journey of entrance exams

In class 11, I did coaching for 6 months but left it later as I was unable to find time for elf-study. Even in class 12,I followed the same and did not go for coaching even for a single subject or for any entrance exam. I suggest to all my readers to rely on self-studies much more. After 12^th I did not even filled the form of JEE Mains and continued the preparation for UPSEE and SRMJEEE. I was unable to qualify the UPSEE but cleared SRMJEE. However, the college that was allotted to me was not up to my need. So I searched on net for another colleges, I came across ICFAI University, Dehradun. I got the details regarding fee structure, infrastructure, placements, faculties that makes feel fine to me. The most important factor is that the fees should comprise only tuition fee and nothing else.

Getting through ICFAI

I got the admission on basis of interview. Since my percentage in class 12was above 70% so I was exempted from written test. I had chosen ECE branch of Engineering. I think taking admission in this university proved to be beneficial to me as I currently getting scholarship too on basis of my percentage, which helped my parents in financially as we are financially not too strong. All other labs like Robotics, RF microwave etc. is present and well equipped.

First day in college

I remember the very first day of my college; it was July 24, 2017. I was quite excited because I became a college student. The first lecture was on Mathematics followed by the Computer Science, Fundamental of Civil Engineering, etc. The faculty members are very knowledgeable and have experience of minimum 6 years. Some hold Doctorate Degree from the IITs. They are very cooperative and make us comfortable in the new environment of college. Our seniors are also very helpful. They make us understand the atmosphere of college, exam pattern and provided the books & other resources.

After few weeks, I came to know about the reality of the placements. The details provided on sites were all not true. In colleges students are placed but the packages offered were not great.

In all other aspect, I am very satisfied. In second semester, I did attend the two workshop and one in the IIT Roorkee too. After my first year, I completed my training on Embedded System.

As I am a second year student currently so I am not going to write much as I am too experiencing the phase of graduation and enjoying each and every moment.

At last, I would like to suggest that students must do hard work and try to appear in national level exams. I made a mistake of not appearing in any. I did not appear for the exam as I did not have the confidence that will be able to score more than the cut-off marks.

Student can take coaching but they must not depend totally on it. Self-study is the key. Have self-confidence, focus, and concentrate on studies. Also try to participate in extra-curricular activities whether in sports or in studies. Choose the college whichever you want but, remember that you are the one who can make your future not the college. Also, try to gather authenticate details of college in which you are taking admission. Utilize your time effectively and wisely. Attend more workshop, seminars, and competition as did in my first year. It will help you in future. Enjoy each every moment of your school life, college life. Choose the right path, and field of interest. Have faith in yourself, do not be in under pressure in any situation.

BEST OF LUCK!!

About the Author:

I’m Samarth Agarwal. I’m in second year BTech at The ICFAI University, Dehradun. I completed Class 10 from Ramanujan Public School with 9.2 CGPA in 2015 and Class 12 from Allahabad Public School with 72% in 2017. My hobbies include reading books and diary writing. My interests include Robotics, Embedded Systems and VLSI.