Supreet is all smiles, for this is one of his happiest days. "It feels great to top my batch and win this award. The good thing is being here once more and sad part is leaving this place forever," says Supreet.

Supreet, who hails from Dharwad in Karnataka, is excited about his new job at Texas Instruments.

IIT experience

IIT has been an amazing experience. The quality of life here has been outstanding.

I made great friends here. We have good professors and the environment is very challenging. Here the environment is such that you can always excel. You don't have to make an effort, it come naturally. It also helps us develop entrepreneurial skills.

My mantra for success

Hard work comes first. Then good focus, concentration in everything I do. And I also have the strong will to excel.

Advice to IIT aspirants

There is no short cut to success, one has to be smart and sharp, dedicated and determined to face the most difficult tasks.

Next move

Have just joined Texas Instruments in Bangalore as design engineering. I'm enjoying my work.

Photograph: Supreet Joshi (right) with a friend