At the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore, college life is rarely confined to classrooms. For Neha and Ketaki, fifth-year Integrated M.Tech students in Computer Science, it has been a journey shaped equally by code, music, mentorship, and resilience.
From the beginning, campus life meant more than lectures and labs. Both became active members of the Music Club and Lean In, a community that works toward building a strong support system for women in tech. Through Lean In, they organized sessions, shared experiences, and later mentored juniors navigating the pressures of academics and placements. Ketaki also served on Square One, the induction committee that helps freshers transition smoothly into college life, an early sign of their willingness to contribute beyond themselves.
Music, however, has been a constant rhythm in their journey. Ketaki has been playing the tabla for nearly a decade, and also enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and writing her own songs. Neha, with over ten years of experience on the harmonium, also plays the keyboard and is currently learning the flute. Together, they form a natural duo, tabla and harmonium blending effortlessly. Practice sessions, performances, and shared creative energy became an anchor during stressful academic phases.
Their technical explorations mirrored this same spirit of collaboration. In a Sony-conducted hackathon, they teamed up with students across disciplines to build a guitar that simplifies chord formation using touch sensors and a microprocessor, an innovative intersection of music and engineering that earned them first place. Later, they participated in a Morgan Stanley hackathon, dedicating six intense days to problem-solving and emerging as winners once again. These experiences were not just about competition, but about pushing boundaries and trusting teamwork under pressure.
The early semesters demanded adjustment. The shift from entrance-exam preparation to college-style learning required them to rethink how they studied, manage sleep schedules, and experiment with productivity patterns. There were phases when extracurricular enthusiasm outweighed academic discipline and moments when they had to recalibrate. Over time, through trial and error, they found balance.
When placement season approached, preparation became structured and intentional. They relied heavily on course projects to build depth and variety in their resumes, particularly in subjects that exposed them to real-world applications. Consistent coding practice and systematic revision of core subjects strengthened their foundation. They openly acknowledge that placements can be emotionally taxing, especially when peers begin receiving offers, but emphasize the importance of a supportive circle and mock interviews in building confidence.
Beyond personal milestones, what stands out most is their approach to mentorship. Through Lean In, they guided juniors not just on preparation strategies but on mindset. Interviews, they believe, are conversation opportunities to think aloud and collaborate, not tests designed to intimidate. One particularly memorable piece of advice they shared was to walk into interviews with the confidence of someone who already belongs there, a small mental shift that can make a significant difference.
Neha and Ketaki’s journey is not defined by a single accomplishment. It is defined by harmony between academics and art, ambition and balance, individuality and companionship. As twins navigating the same campus corridors, as musicians sharing the same stage, and as mentors guiding others forward, they embody the spirit of learning that extends far beyond textbooks.