Grounded Grit: How an IIT BHU Student Found Purpose Beyond Engineering

In a heartfelt reflection that’s resonating across campuses and coaching centers, 20-year-old Shivam Kumar Sah from Guwahati, Assam, shares his journey through the hallowed halls of IIT BHU Varanasi. His story, recently featured in a student spotlight, is not just about cracking the JEE or switching branches—it’s about finding meaning, staying grounded, and making a difference in small but powerful ways.  

Key takeaways from Shivam’s IIT experience  

- Shivam began his JEE preparation in 2021 during the COVID-19 lockdowns, facing the challenges of online learning and isolation  
- He secured an All India Rank of 13,846 in JEE Advanced 2023 and initially enrolled in Industrial Chemistry before switching to Mechanical Engineering  
- Inspired by a childhood fascination with gadgets and motors, his dream was to pursue Aerospace, but he found fulfillment in Mechanical Engineering’s hands-on problem-solving  
- His first few weeks at IIT BHU were filled with exploration, bonding, and adjusting to hostel life, which he describes as a jungle of fearless minds  

The making of an engineer with heart  

Shivam’s story begins not with formulas or rankings, but with curiosity. As a child, he dismantled CD players and motors—not to break them, but to understand how they worked. That spark led him to dream of IIT after a visit to IIT Guwahati in Class 9.  

His preparation journey was far from linear. Class 11 slipped by in the haze of online classes and lack of peer competition. But Class 12 brought offline coaching, renewed motivation, and a rhythm that carried him through the exams.  

Though he didn’t land his dream branch initially, Shivam’s switch to Mechanical Engineering was a turning point. He embraced the discipline’s real-world applications and joined clubs like Robotics and Programming, eventually becoming an active member of the Training and Placement Cell.  

Life beyond lectures  

- Shivam describes IIT life as a blend of academics, creativity, and community  
- He attends classes regularly to stay ahead, but also dedicates time to building bots, organizing fests, and bonding with friends  
- Weekends are packed with hackathons, guest lectures, and spontaneous adventures around campus  
- He finds solace in late-night walks to the Vishwanath Temple and the ghats of Varanasi, soaking in the city’s spiritual energy  

Lessons in independence and identity  

Living away from home has transformed Shivam’s perspective. He now manages his own routine, setbacks, and responsibilities. He credits his growth to the people around him—friends, professors, and club members—who push each other to improve without competition.  

One quote that guides him is from M S Dhoni: “I want to be remembered more as a good human being than a good cricketer.” Shivam echoes that sentiment, striving to be not just a good engineer, but a good person.  

His days are filled with tea breaks at Limbdi Corner, samosas with friends, and poetry written in quiet moments. He’s also developed an interest in politics and hopes to work in a space that blends AI and engineering to solve real-world problems for common people.  

Looking ahead  

Shivam’s story is a reminder that IIT isn’t just a launchpad for careers—it’s a crucible for character. His grounded approach, inspired by Dhoni’s humility and his own desire to contribute meaningfully, offers a refreshing counter-narrative to the high-pressure IIT stereotype.  

Whether he ends up in aerospace, AI, or public service, Shivam’s journey shows that success isn’t just about being the best—it’s about believing in yourself, staying curious, and lifting others along the way.  

Sources: Indian Express, IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd, Mridusmita Deka