My degree was like prison time: IITian says he endured engineering only for IIT tag
"I served my time and ran as far away from my major as I possibly could." That's how IIT (BHU) alumnus Akash Sampurnanand Pandey describes
"I served my time and ran as far away from my major as I possibly could." That's how IIT (BHU) alumnus Akash Sampurnanand Pandey describes his engineering degree. Calling his four years at the prestigious institute "prison time" for his brain, Pandey said he barely studied engineering, did just enough to graduate, and instead devoted himself to history, economics and politics. Read Full Story His candid reflection has reignited debate over whether people should follow their passions, whether an elite degree should define an entire career, and how much privilege plays a role in choosing an unconventional path. 'IT FELT LIKE PRISON': AN IITIAN'S CANDID CONFESSION Akash Sampurnanand Pandey, an Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) graduate now based in New York, recently went viral after sharing an unfiltered account of his life as an engineering student. In his post, Pandey described himself as a "last bencher," a "waster," and a "lukkha." He admitted that he attended classes only because IIT (BHU) enforced a mandatory 75 per cent attendance rule. "My degree was like prison time of four years for my brain, academically. That was the price I paid for the IIT tag," he wrote.
MORE INTERESTED IN HISTORY THAN METALLURGY As professors discussed metallurgy and the science of alloys, Pandey said he was often absorbed in books far removed from his engineering syllabus. He spent his free time reading novels, essays, and works on modern Indian history, economics, political science, and international affairs, many borrowed from his roommate, who was studying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. By his own estimate, he read seven to ten books every semester, most of them unrelated to his engineering degree. DOING JUST ENOUGH TO PASS Pandey said he rarely opened a metallurgy textbook until about 24 hours before an examination. "It would suck my soul," he wrote, explaining that he did only the bare minimum required to graduate. He maintained a GPA of around 7.5, not out of academic ambition, but simply to stay eligible for campus placements. Beyond the classroom, however, Pandey devoted his time to interests he says ultimately shaped his career far more than his engineering degree. WALKING AWAY FROM ENGINEERING After graduating, Pandey joined the corporate world through a consulting role. But once he completed his degree, he said he deliberately distanced himself from engineering.
"I served my time. Took up a consulting job. And once I was a free man, I ran as far away from my major as I possibly could," he wrote. He concluded his post with a message that has resonated with many professionals who have changed careers "Don't let a 4-year degree dictate a 40-year career," he said. Pandey's confession quickly divided opinion online. Pandey's post drew mixed reactions on social media. Many praised his honesty, saying his story resonated with students and professionals who discovered their true interests only after enrolling in engineering or other conventional degree programmes. Others shared their own experiences of switching from fields such as engineering and medicine to careers in consulting, technology, public policy, writing, entrepreneurship, and other domains. Not everyone, however, viewed his journey positively. Some users argued that taking up an IIT seat despite having little interest in engineering may have deprived another deserving candidate of the opportunity to study at one of the country's premier institutions. Others pointed out that IIT education is heavily subsidised, contending that students who secure admission carry a responsibility to make the most of that opportunity.e. A WIDER CONVERSATION ABOUT CAREERS Pandey's post has reignited a broader discussion about education and career choices in India.
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