Choosing an NIT Over IIT in JoSAA 2019: My Experience

When it comes to selecting a technical institute through the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced and the JoSAA (Joint Seat Allotment Authority) process, many students face a tough decision between IITs and NITs. In my case, I chose an NIT over IITs, and in this article, I share my journey and the reasoning behind my decision.

My Rankings and Background

I secured decent ranks in both JEE Main and JEE Advanced. My scores were AIR 4424 in JEE Main and AIR 7001 in JEE Advanced for the general category. I had prepared diligently for these exams, and after months of hard work, I finally got my scores. My family and close friends were equally supportive throughout the process.

Evaluating IITs and NITs

After discussing with various people and researching online, I realized that the most important factor in life is how I feel about my actions. I had the chance to secure seats in several IITs for fields like Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. However, I had a strong interest in Computer Science (CS) and Electronics and Communications Engineering (ECE).

NITs, especially the ones ranked higher, offered CS and ECE, which I felt were more aligned with my interests. I was aware of the newer IITs like IIT Goa, IIT Dharwad, IIT Jammu, and IIT Palakkad, which were established in 2015-16. While their placements and infrastructure were generally good, I wasn't as confident about their reputation and resources compared to the older, more established IITs.

Decisive Factors

To get into ECE, a higher rank was necessary (around 1000), but my scores did not meet this criterion. Therefore, I decided to choose an NIT where I could study my preferred subjects with confidence. Many people objected to this decision, labeling it as a mistake, but pursuing the subjects I was passionate about outweighed these concerns for me.

The Final Decision

Despite objections, I got overwhelming support from my family and close friends. I ended up joining an esteemed NIT ranked 6th in the country according to the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) rankings, and 1st in the northern region of India. This choice was based on the belief that one’s interests and passions are the most significant in shaping one's life and career.

Conclusion

It’s essential to pursue a field that excites you, rather than succumbing to societal pressure or conforming to conventional choices. My decision to choose an NIT over IITs ultimately led to a fulfilling academic journey where I could study my favorite subjects and thrive in my pursuits. This experience is a testament to the value of personal passion and conviction in career decisions.