I am currently working as a Deputy Director and Scientist-C at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. My work involves ensuring that products and systems across industries meet the highest quality and safety benchmarks. It is a role that combines technical precision with a deep sense of national responsibility. But reaching here was not easy, my journey has been one of persistence, failures, learning, and eventual success.

My story began at Manipal Institute of Technology where I pursued Mechanical Engineering. Like every student, I joined college full of dreams, to learn, to grow, and to secure a good job through campus placements. But when the placement season came, things did not go as planned. Despite giving my best, I could not get placed. It wasn’t due to lack of intelligence, but due to lack of confidence. Watching my friends celebrate while I was left behind was disheartening. Those days were tough, but they also gave me clarity. I decided that whatever I do in life, I will give it my best and one day, people will admire my achievements.

After graduation, I moved to Delhi to prepare for the GATE exam, one of the toughest exams for engineers in India. My days were filled with coaching classes, long study sessions, and constant self-doubt. I stayed in small, damp rooms with very little sunlight. The environment was competitive and sometimes suffocating. Everyone was chasing the same dream, and it often felt like a race with no finish line.

Despite my hard work, I failed to clear GATE 2018. That failure hit me deeply. But instead of quitting, I decided to be honest with myself, to identify my weaknesses, and to work on them with full dedication. I realized that no one else could change my story, only I could.

The next year, I began preparing again but with a completely different mindset. I focused on discipline, consistency, and self-belief. I learned that success is not about studying endlessly, but about studying smartly. Slowly, my concepts became stronger, my speed improved, and my confidence returned. When the results came, I had secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 83 in GATE. I still remember that day clearly, not the exam hall or the computer I used, but the feeling of answering each question calmly and confidently. Seeing my parents’ happiness was the most rewarding moment of my life. Soon, I joined BIS as a Scientist, and that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my journey.

Lessons From My Struggle

Many students ask me how I prepared for a reputed organization like BIS. The truth is, my preparation was not just academic, it was also mental and emotional. I managed time wisely, focused on understanding concepts instead of rote learning, and practiced problem-solving daily. But above all, I built resilience, the ability to keep going even when results were not immediate.

To those who feel they are average students, I can say this with confidence, you do not need to be a topper to succeed. What you need is discipline, consistency, and honesty. Be true to yourself. You can fool others, but never yourself. Create a realistic study plan, revise regularly, and surround yourself with people who motivate you.

There are a few qualities I believe every aspirant should develop. Self-confidence is as important as technical knowledge. Patience is necessary because success takes time. Continuous learning is vital because you must never stop improving your skills. Adaptability is crucial, as you must learn from your mistakes and keep evolving. Every failure I faced taught me something invaluable. Those lessons shaped who I am today.

Why You Should Choose BIS ?

Working at BIS has been a life-changing experience. I have learned that communication is key and that there is no substitute for hard work. From understanding how technical standards shape industries to contributing to projects that ensure safety and innovation across India, my journey here has been both enriching and inspiring.

It makes me proud to know that my work plays a role in strengthening the country’s infrastructure and improving lives. A person should work hard to join BIS not just for a career, but for the opportunity to serve the nation through science, technology, and policy. The exposure you get here, whether at the national or international level, is unmatched. Meeting pioneers from various fields and being respected for your ideas is something truly special about BIS.

When I look back today, I feel proud, not only of my achievements but of the journey itself. From a student who couldn’t crack campus placements to becoming a Scientist at BIS, I have learned that hard work and self-belief can turn any setback into success. To every student reading this, don’t fear failure. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Because success that comes after struggle is far more satisfying than success that comes easy