I believe I have taken the right decision: Amit Sharma

When I was in class X, I had very less knowledge of computers. I was just having the basic knowledge like MS Office and used to play video games only. I was also not a very bright student but an average one. After class X, I had to choose either Science or Commerce. So, in my case it was obvious that I had to take Science because all my family members, relatives told me to take it since it has more avenues and opportunities. In 11^th & 12^th I chose Science (PCB) Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. After passing my intermediate I wanted to do my graduation in Botany Honors. When I was in the last phase of admission at LPU, I was informed that Botany course was abrogated. The university staff called me and informed that they would return my money back because the course was closed for that year. This news made me take an alternate decision and I chose B.Sc. Agriculture. Before admission in LPU, I went to many colleges like Chitkara University, Chandigarh University, Graphic Era, etc. for inquiry. When I visited Lovely Professional University and experienced the infrastructure and campus I was surprised and happy to see such a good campus.

In the first and second semester, I faced problems in Mathematics and some other subjects, but I passed in all the subjects with God’s grace and hard work. I think I have taken the right decision because of my inquisitiveness towards agriculture. Now I recommend others also to take agriculture because it contributes to an important role in our country’s GDP.

I cracked LPUNEST which is an admission entrance exam. The exam was not so hard to crack. One can easily achieve a good score. LPU also conducts its own exam to provide various scholarships to the students. In the LPU entrance exam result, I was listed in the top 25% which is the minimum eligibility for attaining a scholarship. So, I was offered a scholarship of Rs.39,500/- per semester. When I took admission the normal fee for my course was Rs.59,500/- per semester. In the LPUNEST entrance exam I chose Science, English and Agriculture subjects and scored well. Also I stood 11^th in the list. Therefore, I got admission as well as a scholarship.

Apart from LPUNEST I gave various entrance exams in both private and government colleges like JKCET (Jammu and Kashmir Common Entrance Test), State Agriculture university exams etc.

I didn’t join any coaching classes for preparation and was completely reliable on self-studies. I just bought sample question papers, books with answers. I visited some colleges like Chandigarh University, Chitkara University, Sher-e-Kashmir State Agriculture University and Thapar University. I found Chandigarh University good because of its placements and average fees. Later on when I explored LPU I took my final decision to take admission. For admission into LPU we need to have more than 60% in class 12^th. The same criterion is applied to get a decent scholarship.

I spend most of my time in the classroom. Our course is designed for 23 hours of lecture per week i.e. from Mondays to Fridays. In addition to this, I have placement classes on Saturdays which is assigned for 3 hours. That makes a total of 26 hours of classes/week. However, I had registered for placement services and paid an extra of Rs.2500. The remaining time I spend in my hostel. When I get free time after class hours, occasionally I hang out with my friends. Our university has its own Uni-Mall so during free time this is the best place to roam. Furthermore, there are many activities, programs, events happening in the campus throughout the year thus these activities engage us.

We have a separate division known as Student Welfare block, this is just meant for the students to do extra-curricular activities ranging from dance, art, singing, teaching, etc. I am personally not interested in these activities but I have worked as a student co-ordinator in a club called Heartfulness and have done CSR activities too. If I would have been given a chance then I would love to learn dancing but I can’t spare time for this activity since my focus is more on academics. Also, I would love to join our university gym i.e. Fitness Edge gym but due to its high fee which is Rs.18,000/- per year I didn’t join. I am not financially strong to join it. Hence, I rather prefer jogging and exercising in the ground.

Most of my time is spent in the lab because I’m interested in practicals. I like to attend the Horticulture classes. My experience in the college has changed me a lot. When I was in the 1^st year I was so focused on studies and least bothered about my health and other activities. After my first year, I started to improve my health and started giving more time to extra-curricular activities. LPU has changed me a lot. Earlier I was shy and was unable to talk in front of anyone. But now I have experienced many things and have felt a positive change in me.

About the Author:

My name is Amit Sharma and I’m 22 years old, doing B.Sc. Agriculture in Lovely Professional University. This course is very enjoyable for me because as I’m from Agriculture background, therefore learning this subject is interesting for me. I am from a nuclear family. My hobbies are listening to music, reading books and cooking. I also like to do exercise. Sometimes I write answers on Quora. My aim in life is to become an Agriculture scientist and I want to help the under-privileged people.