Kolkata: Arnab Paul, a final-year biotechnology student at Heritage Institute of Technology, bagged the top spot, nationally, in the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) examination. He wants to pursue bioprocess engineering at IIT Madras.
Paul had aimed for a sports career as he is a national-level athlete. But last year, a bike accident prompted him to shift focus to studies.
Paul said, "GATE is the gateway to a Master's. I always wanted to be an engineer. Pursuing a Master's from IIT would be the best option, so I prepared. I was not satisfied with the exam results because my scores in the mock tests were better. It's my good luck that I secured the first position nationally."
The Nava Nalanda School alumnus had also been the school topper from class V to X. But he shifted focus to sports in class IX and neglected his studies for a while. "It was because of my twin brother, who is pursuing medicine at NRS, that I got a chance in engineering," he added.
Heritage Institute of Technology principal Basab Choudhury said, "This is inspiring news for our students."