Some highly intelligent individuals who graduated from the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) are currently at the helm of major global technology companies. While the prospect of receiving a substantial salary after completing an IIT education may be alluring, gaining admission to an IIT is no easy feat.
The process involves navigating through several challenging stages, with the entrance exam being particularly formidable. Many students invest years in rigorous preparation for the IIT-JEE exam, yet only a select few manage to secure a spot at their desired IIT.
One such student, Chitraang Murdia, achieved the top rank in the IIT-JEE exam in 2014 and initially pursued Computer Science at IIT Bombay. However, after a year, he made the unconventional decision to follow his passion for Physics and enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
His choice to leave IIT Bombay puzzled many, including his friends, who were skeptical of his decision. Despite societal expectations and the lure of lucrative engineering careers, Chitraang chose to prioritize his love for Physics.
Chitraang believes that his decision to depart from IIT and pursue his passion can serve as an inspiration to other students. He hopes to motivate those who are interested in pure science but may feel compelled to pursue engineering due to familial or financial pressures.
Notably, Chitraang Murdia completed his undergraduate studies in Physics at MIT in 2018 and later attained his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in 2023. His academic journey reflects a commitment to following one’s passion and breaking away from conventional career paths.