My Career Journey Through Engineering Exams and Financial Constraints

I am Sushant from a middle-class family in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. I completed my 10th and 12th grades from DAV Public School, Kusunda, under the CBSE board. Like many students, I dreamed of becoming an engineer and pursued admission in B.Tech with a specialization in Computer Science Engineering (CSE). However, my journey was fraught with challenges, particularly financial constraints, which shaped my path significantly.

After completing my 12th grade, I dedicated myself to preparing for various engineering entrance exams, hoping to secure admission in a reputed college.

Here’s how I prepared:

• Structured Schedule: I created a daily and weekly study schedule, balancing between school subjects and entrance exam topics.
• Focused Subjects: I paid special attention to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, as these were crucial for all engineering entrance exams.
• School Books and Notes: I relied heavily on NCERT textbooks and notes from school teachers, which provided a solid foundation.
• Coaching Classes: Despite financial constraints, my parents enrolled me in a local coaching center to help with JEE Main preparation.
• Online Platforms: Websites and apps like Khan Academy, Unacademy, and YouTube were invaluable for understanding difficult concepts.
• Past Papers and Mock Tests: I practiced extensively with past exam papers and mock tests to familiarize myself with the exam pattern and improve my time management skills.
• Regular Revision: Consistent revision was crucial. I made summary notes and regularly revised important topics.
• Group Studies: Studying with friends helped clarify doubts and provided moral support.
• Time Management: Balancing school studies and entrance exam preparation required effective time management and prioritization.

I appeared for multiple engineering entrance exams, each with its unique challenges:

Anxiety and Excitement: The pressure was immense as JEE Main is one of the most competitive exams.

Exam Strategy: I started with subjects I was confident in and marked difficult questions for review later.

WBJEE, KIITEE, SAAT, and CUET – Adaptability: Each exam had a different format and level of difficulty. Adapting to each was a learning experience.

Focus and Calmness: Staying calm and focused during the exams helped me tackle tricky questions without panicking.

Financial Constraints and Decision

Despite performing decently in these exams, the high tuition fees of private engineering colleges were a significant barrier. As a middle-class family, we couldn’t afford the exorbitant fees of private institutions. Therefore, I decided to take admission in a tier 3 college and pursue a B.Sc. in Computer Science.

Insights and Reflections

Here are some insights from my journey:

• Financial Realities: Understanding and accepting financial constraints early on helped me make pragmatic decisions without undue stress.
• Importance of Government Colleges: The affordability of government colleges underscores their importance for middle-class families. Unfortunately, my rank wasn’t enough to secure a spot in these coveted institutions.
• Alternative Paths: Opting for a B.Sc. in Computer Science at a tier 3 college provided me with a feasible alternative to pursue my passion for technology within our financial means.
• Perseverance and Adaptability: Throughout this journey, perseverance and adaptability were key. Every challenge was an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Support System: The unwavering support from my family, teachers, and friends was invaluable. Their encouragement kept me motivated through tough times.