IIT Bombay Fresher Says Institute No ‘Golden Gateway To Supreme Education’

Exposing the grading system and expressing dissatisfaction with the teaching methods at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, a first-year undergrad of the university shared his experience at the prestigious college on Reddit. He stated that his experience has not been great so far, and he is feeling lost and lacking the enthusiasm that he had during his JEE days.

The IIT student shared his agony on Reddit and wrote, “From professors finishing one chapter in a single lecture to the flawed grading system, it has taken a toll on me. I feel lost and do not have the enthusiasm in the same manner that I had during my JEE days. The grading system here is so heavily dependent on the subjectivity of the TA’s (teaching assistants) that it defeats the whole purpose of education.

The IIT Bombay undergrad went on to share the reason he is ranting about this course even more. He wrote that he submitted his assignment for a design course and got the lowest grade possible in his group, whereas his friend (in another group) who had submitted the exact same assignment got the highest grade possible.

The Redditor then said that many people outside of this college, including his parents, believe that IIT is the “golden gateway to supreme education,” but the reality is exactly the opposite.

“I had a very bad start to my day today, hence this post. It’s a very sinking feeling, and the college feels like ‘a school more than a school’. Honestly, I just don’t know what will make of me in these four years (it feels like a lot of stress, or maybe I am just exaggerating). I just want to get my degree as soon as possible and be out of this situation,” added the Reddit user.

Take a look at the first-year student’s post below:

The share posted on Reddit went immensely viral within a few days of being shared. Since then, it has accumulated 203 upvotes and a plethora of comments from users who found it relatable.

“I am doing civil in an old IIT, and I feel the same. I don’t even remember why I used to study during JEE times. I don’t know who it was that I wanted to prove my worth to. Everything feels very useless all of a sudden,” commented a Reddit user.

An individual posted, “I guess it’s the community of students that makes an IIT so sought after. Nevertheless, I get why you’re feeling the way you do. I was in the same boat but was from a Tier 2 college.”

“As a teaching assistant, I’ll tell you, just show some effort in your assignments. They’ll give you better grades. I have seen people not even do the bare minimum and I know it’s not your fault, but be selfish and write your assignments without copying,” expressed a user.

Another user chimed in and wrote, “Relatable. Some professors here are so bad that they literally make me lose motivation to study. Our linear algebra professor is so bizarre that the entire electrical and engineering. The physics branch is on the brink of failing, while mechanical guys who got good professors are literally scoring absurdly high marks.”

“I am from one of the old five IITs and grades matter most to those who may want to pursue higher education, as US professors do care about your CGPA. If you are not inclined to higher studies, then do the bare minimum to keep your CG above 7.5. Not a single company cares about your grades in college,” added another.