How an introvert from Bengaluru cracked JEE and found a second family at IIT Guwahati | Life in an IIT

Naga Jeshwanth Sreeram, an introvert from Bengaluru, cracked the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and found a second family at IIT Guwahati. Upon arriving at the institute, he expected academic performance to demand all his attention, but soon realized that focusing on the present moment and being fully engaged in what one was doing was the real skill IIT taught its students.

Jeshwanth is a final-year student majoring in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, having completed his schooling in Bengaluru before joining IIT Guwahati in 2023. Before his arrival, he had played the role of Marketing and Finance Head for a TEDx event, served as a member of the institute's dance club, and participated in various clubs, sports, and leadership roles.

Growing up in Bengaluru, Jeshwanth's father worked in the semiconductor industry, while his mother was a homemaker. He enjoyed the city's pleasant weather, diverse food options, and adventure sports. However, he misses South Indian breakfasts and filter coffee from Bengaluru, which he finds difficult to replicate in Guwahati.

After appearing for JEE Main and JEE Advanced in 2023, Jeshwanth secured AIR 2218 in JEE Main and AIR 2029 in JEE Advanced. His success can be attributed to a positive mindset, where he focused on potential success rather than failure. This shift in perspective helped him stay calm during exams and perform better than he anticipated.

When Jeshwanth first moved away from home to IIT Guwahati, he found the transition easier than expected, thanks to the friendships he developed quickly. The institute's diverse student body, comprising people from various states, languages, and cultures, exposed him to new experiences and broadened his worldview. Even though he was initially an introvert, IIT pushed him to participate in activities like managing TEDx events, joining the institute's dance club, and being part of the Electronics, Athletics, and Techniche clubs.

One of the most valuable lessons Jeshwanth learned during his four years at IIT Guwahati was the importance of giving full attention to one task at a time, rather than dividing his focus between multiple things. He credits the approachable and knowledgeable faculty members, especially one professor who framed core engineering concepts as opportunities for discovery rather than mere career paths, for motivating him during his academic journey.