ARNAB HAZRA – NPTEL STAR
Curiosity often sparks the kind of growth that textbooks alone cannot deliver. For Arnab Hazra, now a software engineer at Accenture, that spark was ignited in his second year of engineering at R.N.S. Institute of Technology, Bangalore, where he was pursuing a B.Tech. in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Introduced to NPTEL by his professors, he began exploring the platform as a way to go beyond the prescribed curriculum.
What started as a flicker of curiosity soon grew into a defining passion. His very first course – Industrial IoT – not only opened his eyes to opportunities far beyond classroom learning but also planted the seed for his final-year healthcare IoT project. That single step marked the beginning of a sustained journey which, by the time he graduated in 2021, had already shaped his professional life and enabled him to successfully complete around 25 NPTEL courses.
Unlike many who sought the NPTEL platform merely to acquire basic knowledge or boost their credentials, Arnab viewed it as a laboratory of ideas.
Every concept he absorbed in a virtual NPTEL lecture found its way into experiments and projects, with his healthcare IoT project standing as a prime example. It drew directly from the skills he gained from NPTEL courses on cloud computing and artificial intelligence, building upon the foundation laid by his very first course – Industrial IoT. This hands-on approach, where theory consistently intersected with practice, became his hallmark.
One course that left a lasting impact on him was Prof. Deepak Khemani’s course on Artificial Intelligence, which not only strengthened his technical foundation but also shaped his approach to problem-solving. For Arnab, such courses were more than lectures; they were sparks of inspiration that pushed him to think critically and apply knowledge creatively.
Arnab attributes a significant part of his success to courses like these from NPTEL.
His NPTEL certifications were more than credentials; they were proof of a deep, practical understanding that set him apart. In the nerve-wracking interview rooms, while others spoke in generalities, Arnab confidently delved into the finer aspects of his projects. His ability to apply complex concepts naturally drew interviewers into discussions about his work, turning each interview into a live demonstration of his expertise.
The tangible rewards of his NPTEL journey became most apparent during his placement season: Arnab found himself in the enviable position of having multiple offers from major MNCs, including Accenture, TCS, Cognizant, and Infosys.
Arnab’s commitment to NPTEL has also earned him significant recognition. He has been honored with multiple badges, including Believer, Motivated Star, and Scholar, and has completed domain courses in Data Science and Psychology. He was also felicitated at the IIT Kharagpur event for his achievements.
His journey with NPTEL is far from over. Even as a working professional, he continues his pursuit of knowledge, currently undertaking courses in Cyber Security and AI. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a Master’s degree, and NPTEL is once again his ally, with its GATE portal providing a structured path for his preparations. In his own words, NPTEL has been “a cornerstone” in his learning journey, building not only his academic foundation but also his career. For any aspiring student or professional, Arnab’s journey sends a clear and powerful message: pursue knowledge with curiosity, apply it with passion, and let it transform you into a living, breathing portfolio of your capabilities.
– written by Satyam Shukla