Any student who dreams of becoming an engineer hopes to crack the IIT JEE exam and get admission into the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). The result of joining IIT is that students often get a guaranteed opportunity to be hired by multinational companies with high-paying salaries. There are numerous known benefits of joining IIT, which is why it comes as a surprise when someone decides to leave IIT and follow their passion. Today, we will tell you about one such student who passed the IIT JEE exam, secured AIR 1 in JEE Advanced 2014, but then left it all in a year to follow his passion. We are talking about Chitraang Murdia, a student from Rajasthan.
The Journey to IIT Bombay
Chitraang Murdia’s story is one that many aspiring engineers can relate to. After securing AIR 1 in JEE Advanced 2014, he joined IIT Bombay, one of the most prestigious engineering institutes in India. For many, this would be the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a promising career in engineering. However, for Chitraang, this was just the beginning of a journey that would take an unexpected turn.
The Decision to Leave IIT Bombay
After spending a year at IIT Bombay, Chitraang made the bold decision to leave the institute to study Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This decision shocked everyone around him, including his friends and family. Speaking about his decision to leave IIT Bombay, Chitraang Murdia states, “Everybody was shocked by this decision, and that included even my friends. People used to say that you are a kid and don’t know how to take important decisions in your life and you will be earning in lakhs after receiving the Engineering degree from IIT.”
Despite the external pressure and the guaranteed lucrative career path that an IIT engineering degree promised, Chitraang chose to follow his passion for Physics. This move highlighted his courage to pursue what truly interested him, rather than following the conventional path.
Academic Pursuits at MIT and Beyond
Chitraang Murdia’s journey did not end with leaving IIT Bombay. He went on to complete his graduation in Physics from MIT in 2018 and subsequently earned his PhD from the University of California, Berkeley in 2023. His academic journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for the field of Physics.
An Inspiration to Follow One’s Passion
Chitraang Murdia’s decision to follow his passion is sure to inspire many students who wish to pursue their dreams. He said, “I have seen the students who are good in physics and maths following the herd to seek admission to courses such as computer science and electrical engineering. It will definitely boost up the morale of those students who wish to pursue their interest in pure science but couldn’t do that because of family pressure or money.”
Chitraang’s story underscores the importance of following one’s passion, even if it means deviating from the conventional path. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is not defined by societal expectations but by personal fulfillment and dedication to one’s true interests.
Chitraang’s story conveys the importance of following one’s passion and interests rather than succumbing to societal pressures and conventional paths. Chitraang Murdia’s journey from securing AIR 1 in JEE Advanced to leaving IIT Bombay and pursuing Physics at MIT is a remarkable story of following one’s passion against all odds. His determination and success serve as an inspiration to many students to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.
