April 10th 2008, I got a letter from IISc (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore) that I have to attend a test at IISc campus on 21st April for admission to M.Tech. course offered by CEDT (Center for Electronic Design & Technology, IISc Bangalore). This came to me as a surprise since IISc is known for calling only the top rankers of the GATE exam and my rank being 349 this was least expected. But this letter put me in confusion of what to do, whether to go to Bangalore or not, whether to waste my money and time because I was almost sure of not getting selected. But since I had nothing to lose, I decide to go for the test and convinced myself that I'll get to see the Bangalore too.
As much time wasn't there, I rushed through a few forums on internet regarding the exam pattern of CEDT and got a little idea. Collected 2-3 books from friends like Engineering Drawing and Electrical Machines. Prepared very basic things and left for Bangalore on Saturday 19th April.
When I reached Bangalore it was a summer Sunday afternoon but temperature was quite cool (much cooler than Pune). Next day i.e. on 21st April I reached at IISc campus at around 8.30 AM. IISc campus is very much green. Fully covered by trees, lawns and gardens. Most of the buildings are old and new buildings are also built in the similar fashion. The ambiance is very quiet though it is situated in the heart of the city.
Around 500 students from Electronics and Communication Engg, Electrical Engg and Instrumentations Engg had came for the test. The test began at 9 AM. It was a 90 minutes test. It contained varied questions divided into 5 sections. There was a funny thing about the first section. First section had maximum i.e. 20 questions and marking system was like 2 marks for correct answer, -1 mark for wrong answer and -2 marks for each un-attempted question :) . But overall the test was easy. I did well and was hoping to clear it.
The results were to be declared at 5 PM on same day. So I decided to explore the campus in the mean time. After a long wait of 6-7 hrs the result time came......the list was put up and as expected..........my name was there in the list. Selected candidates had to appear for an interview scheduled to be on next day. 160 people out of 500 were selected for interview.
Next day i.e. on Tuesday I appeared for the interview. It was conducted by panel of 4 Profs. They asked me about hardware projects I had done and very basics of electronics. It was neither great nor bad type. That day I did a little bit of sight seeing and left for Pune.
After coming back to Pune, I was checking the result everyday on internet. When I checked it on 8th May it showed that I have been called for joining M.Tech. course in CEDT..........I was just thrilled (Since only 30 people are selected). For a few moments I couldn't realize what actually happened.
It took me 2-3 days to adjust with the fact that I'll be joining IISc. But as now it is finalized, I can surely say that "journey is more fun than getting there". All the events like trip to Bangalore, test, interview and everything was truly a great fun. And I am looking forward to much more fun after joining IISc.
I'll write separate post about IISc and CEDT once I get there.
~~ Adhiraj
After overcoming the procrastination of a few months, finally I have started writing (Hurray!!!). I couldn't think of any better title for my first post than श्री गणेशाय नमः.
It is also in line with the common Indian tradition of starting any good work with Lord Ganesh's name. Actually I can name it with my own name too, since Adhiraj is one of the Lord Ganesh's names. The idea of writing a blog is inspired from my friend Deepak. Also recently the Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan have started blogging, what a coincidence!
Another choice before starting blogging was that of the blogger. As I am also like many other millions a google fan, so I chose google's blogger. Thanks Mr. Page and Mr. Brin.
Thats all for the day. Will always try to be true to myself while writing all the future posts. And I hope that writing activity will bring a hidden writer and maybe a poet out of me.
~~ Adhiraj
L to R: Chetan's wife, Chetan Bhagat, Atul Agnihotri.
Sharman Joshi (center)
I too got a chance to get a snap with Chetan.