DIARY OF AN AVERAGE IIT(M)
IAN : | ||
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I
semester |
The fresher feels that IITM is indeed a worthy reward for all that slogging for JEE. Everything good anyone said about IIT seems to be true if not better. He makes a vow to try for a branch change, i.e., if he's not already in his dream branch (usually, CS or ME). The near absence of the fairer sex disconcerts him. So do the exhausting drills at the Workshop and NCC. | |
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II
semester |
In the hols when he meets his friends, he realises that hostel life at IITM sucks compared to other IITs. "We don�t even have basic amenities like CABLE TV !" Back in the insti, he learns that his identity in IITM consists of the 3 digit number called CGPA. On the plus side, the grandeur of SAARANG (IITM culfest) overwhelms him. He gets to see the other (better?) half of humanity from B'lore/ B'bay etc. during GFKR (Baski tourney) and Saarang. | |
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III
semester |
He makes the critical decision regarding which of the 4 fields - academic/ literary/ sports/ organization (co-ordinators/secretaries)- he will concentrate on. (An above average IITian excels in 2 or more fields.) He also begins to explore the world outside the four walls that enclose the IIT campus. He discovers the magic of Taram�s Sp Tea. (Tarams is a village outside IIT backgate.) | |
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IV
semester |
He becomes a full time member of his branch. The sem is marked by a surge in hostel spirit. He learns the importance of the ultimate PR exercise called 'licking' or 'soaping'. Hostel elections are around the corner. | |
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V
semester |
He makes important career decisions; the options being GRE, CAT or S/W job, preferred in that order. For the first time, he finds academic freedom in the selection of electives. The disillusionment with the entire wretched IIT system begins to build up. | |
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VI
semester |
A really hectic period with GRE and Insti elections dominating the show. He shows hajaar enthu in classes because (1) it is his last chance to boost his CGPA before apping/job interview etc., and (2) he has to get the prof's reco letter next semester. | |
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VII
semester |
The placement circus takes place, where the toppers get hep jobs they are never going to take up and bottomers dont get even the ordinary jobs they so desperately want. (The companies end up being the clowns, as they get nothing.) CAT and apping are the main activities of the sem. Ennui begins to set in. | |
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VIII
semester |
The grand old man puts fundaes on everything under the sun to his juniors, whether they want it or not. Most guys loaf about having nothing to do, while a few try to clear the backlog so that they can get out in four years. The last three weeks are spent on the project on which he is supposed to have worked the whole semester. | |
- Sujith Paul, IIT M