Exchange Diaries  

Swastik Bhallav | Physics

University of Central Florida, United States of America

1. While you were in college, what was your motivation to go for higher studies and in which
year did you get that motivation? How did you manage your academics with your preparation?
- “I was in second year when I developed interests as I was keenly interested in lab work. In the
third year, I got my research paper work as well which motivated me to pursue higher studies. I
got to explore myself and read tons of research papers. That was where I was motivated for
research”.

2. How did you manage your academics with your preparation? What are the factors that you
considered for selecting the universities you are going to apply for?
- “When you’re going for core, you don’t have to manage as such, because they coincide with
each other, so you can easily do it. The first thing you need to be very careful about is the
professor. You need to know which professor is working well in their respective field. In my
experience the name value of the college doesn’t matter, we have to be very choosy in selecting
the professor.

3. Did you apply to multiple universities? If yes can you please elaborate on the differences in
the selection process of the universities? In universities in which you were not selected can you
please share what you felt you lacked, and what could you have done better?
-”I applied to 6 universities. There are many processes for applying. The main thing is to have a
good SOP, good publication ratio, it would be very helpful. It’s also good to have a talk with the
professor before applying as they would also know your field of interests in research. Also
talking with your guide would be helpful.

4. How are you planning to manage your finances? Have you applied for any scholarships?
What were their procedures?
-”PhD programs are funded. We get finances in the form of stipends. The stipends are decent to
live there. Also I would be sharing rooms with my friends so I think it’s quite manageable. In

UCF , you’ve to apply before 15 January, which varies from department to department. You’ve
to apply through their official website.

5. Is CGPA a factor while considering higher studies at foreign universities?
-”According to me CGPA doesn’t matter, if you have good knowledge in that field, or good
publication so it would be very helpful.

6. Have you taken up any research project at your bachelor/master's level under any professor
here at IIT KGP? How did you manage your college studies and worked for your research?
-“I’ve done four research projects till now. I’ve done research projects under Prashant Kumar
Dutta (HoD of Physics Department). I used to read a lot of research papers related to the
subjects I liked thereby increasing my knowledge in that subject. Time management was a key
factor there. I took on long projects, during summer vacation we get enough time to do so.

7. What were the other difficulties you faced on taking this path and how to overcome them?
-”Just keep focussing on yourself. You’ll see your friends getting placement and all, and you’re
going for a different path, so sometimes you might feel regret, about whether you’ve chosen the
right path or not, but don’t worry too much just keep focusing on yourself, things will eventually
go according to it. “

8. How did IIT KGP benefit you in your journey?
-” The most important was the IIT tag and brand value associated with it. I’ve done lots of
research work as well as publications. The good thing about IIT KGP is they give very good lab
components, so you learn to make your own setups by being experimental.”

9. What are the opportunities after the PhD course?
-”The opportunities are mainly in academia (There might not be as much money as that in
corporate jobs but still decent enough to get a smooth life). Also you can have your own startup.
10. What are the suggestions that you would give your juniors who want to pursue higher
studies? Could you please give a rough roadmap to ease their journey?
-”Second year summer vacation is the best time to do some projects and research work. Don't
waste it. Try to publish at least 1-2 papers, this would be really helpful when you’ll apply for

other universities. You should decide on a pathway for your research. The path should be
motivated by your interest, the number of people going into that field and the future scope of
development in that subject.