Adarsh Pugalia (ES12B1001)
Hi,
I am Adarsh Pugalia, final year Undergraduate pursuing Engineering Sciences with specialization in Computer Sciences and Engineering. Three years into the first batch of a new department in the country, but to begin with lets go back to the JEE days!
I messed up my JEE paper, but everyone does that, and if you are reading this, probably you did too! In those days, I had made up my mind for either Computer Sciences or Electrical, one because I enjoyed Computer Sciences in my intermediate and the other I enjoyed Physics during my preparation! So, that was about it, and I wanted to pursue one of those disciplines, but at my rank I was not getting into any of the 'older' IITs. I began browsing through the JEE brochure and I read about this branch. It intrigued me at the first glance itself. I gave it a thought and felt this was my best shot to pursue both my interests and get to know what I wanted to actually do. The best part of it was I could choose my field after studying them and not regret of landing at a place I didnot like. I researched a bit as this was a new course and a bit different one at that, talked to my peers, and then decided to go for it, and yes, after three years, I can say for myself that I made the right choice!
The first year is similar to all other branches, as we study the same basic science and engineering courses together. It is the second year that the real sense of the department kicks in. You get to do courses from all the departments including Computer Sciences, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical and even Material Sciences. This was the most crucial and a little tough phase. Sometimes, everything felt chaotic, sometimes it felt fun! We were experimented with, as we were the first batch. It was hectic as we had to do a lot of courses with varied disciplines, but today when I see it, it was worth.
At the end of second year, you get to choose your area of discipline which you would be pursuing for the next two years. I chose Computer Sciences, because in the two years at Engineering Science, IIT Hydearabad, I enjoyed Computer Sciences and I became sure that Electrical Engineering was not my cup of tea! I was glad that I did not make it to Electrical and chose Engineering Sciences instead, as I would have really regretted that decision otherwise. Once you choose your specialization, you are then sitting with the same bunch of people in that department, and do things the same things as they do! Yes, the competition is tough, and it takes a short time to settle, but then it becomes better, as you are finally doing what you actually like to.
My piece of advice for the freshers, who are choosing or thinking about Engineering Sciences at IIT Hyderabad would be not to be apprehensive about opportunities or facilities here. There are lots of opportunities waiting for you, until you are ready to give in your efforts. Also, from my short experience in the department and my stay at IIT Hyderabad, I would suggest to explore your interests and hobbies in the first year, delve deeper into all the branches equally in the second year and get to know what really interests you. You should be sure of your interest and the field by the end of fourth semsester, and then pursue the same for the next two years.
Wish you all the best for making the best decision! All the best, and if you have made up your mind for Engineering Sciences or IIT Hyderabad, Welcome! See you soon!
Adarsh Pugalia