‘Numbers, logic, & garden of ideas’: My Journey from Pune to IISc Bangalore

I am from Pune — a calm, beautiful city surrounded by hills and known for its laid-back charm. I studied till Class 10 at a CISCE school and then joined a CBSE school where minimum attendance was required in Classes 11 and 12 so that I could focus on the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) preparation.

I scored 98.2 per cent in Class 10 and 95.2 per cent in Class 12. Both my parents work in the IT industry, and their analytical approach to life definitely rubbed off on me.

How I prepared for JEE Advanced

In 2024, I appeared for JEE Advanced and secured an All India Rank of 1461. Taking the exam felt natural — I was already deeply invested in math, and JEE was just an extension of that passion. I prepared at Bakliwal Tutorials in Pune, founded by Vaibhav Bakliwal Sir, and I’ll always be grateful for the positive, encouraging environment he created.

JEE is one of the toughest exams in the world, and each student’s journey through it is unique. I never forced myself to follow anyone else’s method. I studied in my own way, at my own pace, which gave me a sense of control and peace.

Still, the journey wasn’t all smooth. Around October, just before JEE Mains, I hit a low point. I was making too many silly mistakes in math — the very subject I loved most. I began to doubt myself, but my parents were a huge source of strength. Together, we analysed my mistakes and worked systematically to improve. By the time Mains came around, I was confident again.

When it came to choosing a branch, the decision almost made itself. I loved mathematics, but my parents also encouraged me to explore computer science since I enjoyed logical puzzles. My mother was the one who discovered that the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore offered a BTech in Mathematics and Computing — a unique combination that immediately felt perfect.

Even though I got the same branch at IIT Delhi, I chose IISc instead. Looking back, I know I made the right decision. Here, we study computer science at a fundamental level, with a strong research focus that really resonates with me.

I am now in my second year of BTech Mathematics and Computing at the IISc Bangalore.

My days at IISc Bangalore

I arrived at IISc in the monsoon of 2024, when the campus is lush, green, and drenched in rain. It was my first time staying away from home for so long, and though everything felt exciting — the clubs, the classes, the huge campus — I began missing home after the first month.

Thankfully, I had a supportive roommate and a friend from my coaching days, and we helped each other through that phase. Now, in my second year, I’ve truly found my rhythm. Home food is still missed dearly, but the campus feels like my second home.

I joined the Basketball Club and the Databased Club soon after joining IISc. I am now the convener of the basketball club and a core member of Databased — the undergraduate computer science crew that runs various exciting campus events. Balancing academics and club work can get tricky, but I believe in having clear priorities and boundaries. There’s always more to study and more to do, but you can only give your best when your mind is calm.

Coming from two years of JEE prep — which felt like living in a cocoon — IISc was like spreading my wings in a vast garden. The campus is intellectually alive, filled with people from all over India, and I’ve learned so much just by interacting with them. I’ve also learned to balance my time, manage stress, and protect my mental space.

One of the biggest lessons IISc has taught me is that there’s no end to competition. If you keep trying to be “the best,” you’ll lose peace of mind. I’ve learned to make peace with my own strengths and weaknesses, to accept imperfections, and to find validation within myself.

My daily routine

My daily routine is quite simple. I wake up by 7 am, get ready for my 8:30 classes, and finish by around 1 pm. Afternoons are for assignments, club work, and sometimes long calls with my parents. Evenings are for study or basketball practice, and I try to sleep early. On weekends, I go cycling to Malleshwaram — a nearby locality that’s peaceful and full of small joys: sweets, flowers, coffee, and the hum of a busy bazaar.

Within campus, I love spending time near the main building, watching the sky change colours, or walking under the Gulmohar trees that carpet the paths with orange petals in spring. The professors here are brilliant — each with a distinct teaching style and immense depth of knowledge. They’re approachable and happy to guide you toward research material or projects if you show interest.

I play basketball regularly, do yoga, and sometimes go to the gym. I haven’t done an internship yet, but I attended a summer camp at ICTS in mathematics and statistics, which was truly eye-opening.

What’s next

Being at IISc has opened doors I didn’t even know existed — from interacting with top researchers to meeting peers who inspire me daily. It’s been transformative in every way.

The BTech in Mathematics and Computing is a relatively new programme here, and even the first batch hasn’t graduated yet. But its potential is immense. After graduating, I plan to gain some work experience, though higher studies also remain an option. Whatever I choose, I know it’ll keep me close to research — because that’s where my curiosity truly comes alive.