VM Shivani
Sometimes, the beginning of a journey is simply the courage to try something unfamiliar.
For VM Shivani, a final-year B.Tech student in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering at JCT College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, that first step was an NPTEL course she enrolled in during her first year. She knew little about the platform then. Eventually, her engagement with NPTEL began influencing both her academic ambitions and the students around her.
One of her professors first introduced her to NPTEL. Initially hesitant about taking a course taught by IIT faculty, Shivani was concerned about the examination pattern and balancing online classes alongside her regular coursework. Nevertheless, she decided to give it a try.
Her first course was ‘Medicinal Chemistry’. The experience proved reassuring. She found herself understanding concepts more clearly and discovering ideas that complemented her college studies. “After writing the first exam, I felt, yeah, it’s okay, it’s good. I have got more ideas and some clearer concepts on many topics,” she recalls.
Gradually, NPTEL became part of Shivani’s routine. She began dividing her study hours between college subjects and online lectures. Although internal assessments, semester examinations, and other activities, at times, made her schedule demanding, she learnt to make room for both.
She has now completed eight courses and enrolled in two more, earning recognition as an NPTEL Motivated Star. Since her first year, she has also been preparing towards her goal of attempting GATE, with NPTEL helping her strengthen her understanding of core subjects alongside her undergraduate studies.
One course that particularly influenced her was ‘Molecular Biology’, taught by Prof. Vishal Trivedi of IIT Guwahati. As a biotechnology student, Shivani understood the importance of practical experience. She appreciated how the professor demonstrated experiments with his students through videos. Even without direct access to the laboratory, she could observe the procedures and outcomes, making abstract concepts easier to visualise.
Her journey has extended beyond her own learning. Initially, her family and classmates knew little about NPTEL. As she shared her experiences, her friends grew interested and began enrolling in courses themselves.
A particularly memorable milestone came when she visited IIT Madras for the NPTEL Star felicitation. She was the first student from her college to attend the event. Being recognised on a campus she associated with academic excellence filled her with pride. Her achievement also encouraged students across her college, including first-years, to explore NPTEL.
Shivani gratefully acknowledges the encouragement and support of Dr. K. V. Sleva Kumar (HOD) and Dr. G. Gnanavel (Professor), who motivated her throughout her journey.
The recognition opened up further opportunities, including conference participation and access to GATE preparation resources and mock examinations. Shivani hopes similar support could be extended to CSIR-UGC NET aspirants, particularly life sciences students who may have fewer accessible preparation resources.
She also believes that every NPTEL course reflects the considerable effort faculty put into creating its learning materials. Seeing students copy answers from AI tools for assignments disappoints her, as it undermines both the instructors’ efforts and the opportunity to engage with a subject and understand it independently.
For Shivani, NPTEL began with a course she was nervous to attempt. It has since strengthened her confidence, supported her ambitions and encouraged others to begin their own journeys.
As she prepares for the next stage of her education, she carries forward the curiosity that led her to that first course, now with the confidence to inspire others to take their first step, too.
~written by Sania K J
