Exchange Diaries
Antroy Roy Chowdhary | Electronics and Electrical Communication Engg.
Ph.D. at University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A.
Motivation
I joined IITKGP with the ambition of being a researcher in the future. In my sophomore year, though I became a little shaky hearing about different companies’ illusory packages, I contemplated my ultimate professional goal. I became resolute on the decision to pursue a PhD. and started preparing accordingly from the end of my sophomore year.
Though I had to go through several ups and downs (which is common in any path leading towards a feat), my regular spiritual practices kept me motivated and stable throughout the journey. I was fortunate enough to study Bhagavad Gita under superior guidance, which immensely helped me realize myself, understand the purpose and importance of human life, avoid distractions or unnecessary waste of time, being determined towards my goal, and being shrewd while making decisions.
Preparations
To secure PhD. from a good university, I started molding my preparations from the end of 2nd year. I started working under Prof. Pradip Mandal of ECE, until I graduated. He is accommodating, caring, and supportive of all his group members, and I'll be forever indebted for his expert supervision. Sticking to the same guide played a significant role, and as a result, I could publish three research papers in reputed international journals and conferences. I could simultaneously manage my research and academics because I could avoid unnecessary distractions and keep my mind focused on my goal. That's how I could acquire 10 SGPA in 3 semesters, and finally, I'm graduating with a CGPA of 9.78/10 holding rank-2 in the ECE dept.
After my 3rd year and 4th year, I did research internships at the University of British Columbia in Canada, and Purdue University, USA. CGPA, research paper, and research internship are three different pillars for getting an excellent PhD. to admit.
Role of CGPA and Department Rank
To secure PhD. from top universities, CGPA and department rank play significant roles. As I already mentioned, CGPA, research paper, and research internship are the three pillars for acquiring a good PhD. Universities like MIT, Stanford, UC Berkeley give first preference to this. However, for moderate universities, research experience sometimes dominates over CGPA. As I’ve seen, having a CG greater than 9.2 is sufficient to get PhD. from mediocre universities.
Role of IITKGP
IIT Kharagpur played a vital and holistic role in my success. The courses offered at KGP are concise and supportive of building the knowledge base, which helps in doing research fluently. Professors of our ECE department are experts and have been very helpful throughout almost all the courses. During the time of my PhD. application, whomever I approached for the letter of recommendation smilingly agreed and provided very supportive LORs.
KGP not only supported me academically, but it also transformed my heart, vision, and personality. There is no doubt about the requirements of continuous and strenuous efforts for shining academically and in research simultaneously. To be able to have the determination and put in efforts incessantly, being always happy, cheerful, and motivated are the most important criteria. And I trust spirituality is the solution. By the will of the providence, I got the valuable association of several other spiritually-minded KGPians who not only provided me emotional support, but I could refresh myself by visiting beautiful places like Sri-Dham Mayapur, Jagannath Puri, etc. with them—seeing those places used to surcharge me from inside and could concentrate on my studies more intensely after returning. Being a topper doesn't mean to be a machine. We should also have human and friendly relationships with our family, friends, and superiors.
Apart from that, I feel the reputation of IITKGP played an essential role while applying for both research internships and PhD.
Managing Finances
The university fully funds my PhD program.
Impact of Covid-19
The lectures will be held online. I will be able to finish all my course-work and assignments through a laptop.
Application
As I applied only to US universities, I can only share the procedure for US grad schools. To apply for US universities, we just need to fill up an online application form providing all our details and an application fee. I mailed most of the professors before I submitted the applications. It helps us get highlighted because they receive so many applications from all over the world. After they review the applications, they’ll shortlist and take interviews of shortlisted candidates. Some universities gave me an offer without any interview, but they were rare.