UPSC Plan B for those who Want To Build Career In Tech Industry | GTI Ft. @Shatakshi.Sharma

Summary

The speaker shares a personal journey of failing the IIT-JEE exam twice and the societal pressure that follows such failures in India. They introduce 'alt IIT,' an initiative aimed at supporting those who didn't succeed in IIT exams, focusing on upskilling in future 2030 skills like artificial intelligence and tech product management. The program emphasizes community, support, and inclusivity, offering an alternative path to success for 'dark horses' at a fraction of the cost of traditional IIT education.

Takeaways

• 🎓 The speaker emphasizes the societal pressure and stigma associated with not cracking the IIT-JEE exam in India, which is perceived as a determinant of future success.
• 🏫 Despite the high failure rates in the IIT-JEE, the speaker argues that an IIT education is not the only path to a successful career, citing examples of individuals who thrived without it.
• 💡 The script introduces 'alt IIT', an initiative aimed at providing an alternative path for those who did not succeed in the IIT-JEE, focusing on skill development and community support.
• 🌟 The importance of a strong peer network and role models is highlighted as crucial for success, which alt IIT seeks to provide alongside technical skills.
• 🚀 The initiative is technology-focused, targeting future skills like artificial intelligence and tech product management, which are expected to be in high demand by 2030.
• 🤝 The script stresses the value of community and collaboration over competition, aiming to recreate the supportive ecosystem found in IITs for alt IIT participants.
• 💼 The program is designed for those who want to pivot into tech roles, are starting at non-IIT colleges, or are budding tech entrepreneurs needing technical knowledge.
• 📈 The speaker shares personal experiences and statistics to highlight the limited opportunities for the majority of engineering students in India who do not attend top-tier institutes.
• 📅 The first cohort of alt IIT is planned for May 2023, with a limited number of participants and a highly subsidized fee structure for the initial batch.
• 💰 The cost of alt IIT is significantly lower than traditional IIT or international programs, aiming to make high-quality education accessible to a broader audience.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video regarding the IIT-JEE exam?

The video emphasizes that failure in the IIT-JEE exam does not define one's future success or potential. It challenges the societal belief that not getting into IITs at a young age leads to a predetermined failure in life, and instead encourages viewers to believe in their ability to achieve success through alternative paths.

What is the significance of the 'alt IIT' mentioned in the video?

Alt IIT is an initiative aimed at providing an alternative path for those who did not succeed in getting into IITs. It focuses on upskilling individuals in future 2030 skills, particularly in technology domains like artificial intelligence and tech product management, to help them succeed in their careers.

Why does the speaker believe that the IIT-JEE exam has enormous value in society?

The speaker acknowledges that the IIT-JEE exam has transformed millions of lives by providing access to quality education and prestigious institutes. However, the video also points out that the exam's importance can lead to undue pressure and a narrow view of success.

What are the key features of the alt IIT program according to the video?

The alt IIT program is designed to provide high-quality education, access to a strong network, and a supportive community. It focuses on upskilling in future 2030 skills, particularly in technology, and aims to create a collaborative ecosystem to help participants succeed in their careers.

How does the speaker describe the experience of someone who fails the IIT-JEE exam?

The speaker describes the experience as disheartening and filled with societal pressure that labels the individual as a failure. They mention the emotional and financial investment made by the person and their family, and the subsequent disappointment when they do not succeed.

What is the role of community and networking in the alt IIT program?

Community and networking play a pivotal role in the alt IIT program. The program aims to replicate the collaborative and competitive environment found in IITs, where students learn and grow both inside and outside the classroom through interactions, debates, and collaborations.

Why does the speaker think that technology is a key focus area for alt IIT?

The speaker believes that technology is a key enabler for the workforce and the country's growth. They argue that upskilling in technology, especially future 2030 skills, is crucial for creating jobs and advancing India's growth story.

What are the eligibility criteria for joining the alt IIT program?

The program is open to those who are stuck in their career due to not getting into IITs, those who want to pivot into tech roles, late-stage school students looking for a strong start in their academic journey, and budding tech entrepreneurs who need to upskill in technology.

How does the speaker plan to ensure the success of the alt IIT program?

The speaker plans to ensure success by focusing on a specific set of future 2030 tech skills, creating a strong community and support system, and providing a curriculum that is in line with the needs of the industry. They also emphasize the importance of self-motivation and self-time management among participants.

What is the cost structure of the alt IIT program?

The cost of the alt IIT program is heavily subsidized for the initial cohort, making it significantly more affordable than traditional IIT or international programs. The speaker mentions that the program will be priced at less than 0.1 percent of the cost of programs like those at MIT or Stanford.