Sayantan Dam – NPTEL STAR
For Sayantan Dam, a Kolkata native, the path into engineering was far from conventional. Despite not clearing competitive exams right after Class 12, he refused to let that setback define his journey. Like many students who discover new academic avenues, Sayantan underwent a significant shift, transitioning from a background in biology to the unfamiliar and challenging world of computer science.
Through determination and focus, he secured a rank of 1988 in the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination in 2021, earning a seat in computer science engineering at the Government College of Engineering, West Bengal. It was there, amidst unfamiliar territory, that a new chapter unfolded one where NPTEL would become a cornerstone of his growth.
Sayantan credits a friend for introducing him to NPTEL, a platform he now fondly describes as his “happiness dose.”
His very first course, ‘The Joy of Computing using Python’ by Prof. Sudarshan Iyengar, sparked something profound within him – a joy for learning that helped him overcome the initial challenges of a new stream. That course was just the beginning of what would soon become a transformative academic pursuit.
During his engineering journey, Sayantan focused on resolving his IT-related doubts and building expertise by completing an impressive 31 NPTEL courses.
From Operating Systems, DBMS, Networking, NLP, and Deep Learning to Cyber Security, he explored a wide range of subjects. Sayantan adopted a strategic approach: watching video lectures, thoroughly reviewing course material, completing weekly assignments, and, most importantly, revisiting both correct and incorrect answers to reinforce his understanding. He often found the content so comprehensive that he rarely needed any textbooks or external resources.
His consistent effort bore fruit in multiple ways. In 2023, Sayantan earned his first NPTEL Star certification, a moment he recalls as “amazing.” Since then, he has collected 13 Certificates and various NPTEL badges, including Believer, Motivated Learner, Enthusiast, Evangelist, and Champion. Now, he has his sights set on the coveted “Mega Star” badge.
One of the highlights of his NPTEL journey was an internship opportunity at IIT Ropar, which he secured based on his NPTEL performance – a milestone many college students strive for. The offer itself strongly validated the academic credibility NPTEL courses brought him.
Among the many courses he completed, several left a lasting impact: “Introduction to Operating Systems” by Prof. Chester Rebeiro gave him a deep technical foundation. The balance and purpose in his learning were brought by “Yoga and Positive Psychology for Managing Career and Life” by Prof. Ashish Pandey, which also helped him reflect on personal well-being and career clarity.
Sayantan’s academic journey is marked by a series of milestones that reflect his dedication and growth.
After graduating, Sayantan cleared the GATE exam and secured admission at IIEST Shibpur for a Master’s in Computer Science and Engineering – a course he once dreaded. He firmly believes that NPTEL courses played a significant role in his GATE preparation, providing in-depth coverage of technical subjects crucial to the exam.
Sayantan is currently pursuing new NPTEL courses such as Theory of Computation, Graph Algorithms, Ethical Hacking, and Privacy and Security in Online Social Media – all closely aligned with his passion for computer science. Beyond coursework, he attended the NPTEL Star event at IIT Kharagpur Research Park and is set to attend another, reflecting both his commitment and the recognition he has earned.
Drawing inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, Sayantan urges fellow learners to embrace both setbacks and comebacks, and to persist in pursuing their passion. He calls NPTEL a “gold mine” and encourages students to leverage it to its fullest potential.
Sayantan Dam’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of accessible, high-quality education. From a hesitant beginner to a recognized NPTEL Star, his story underscores how passion, persistence, and the right platform can transform not just careers – but lives.
– written by Satyam Shukla