For many Indian students, securing a top rank in the JEE Advanced exam is the golden ticket to IIT—and a dream come true. But for Mohammad Sahil Akhtar, the boy who secured All India Rank 99 in JEE Advanced 2023, it was just the beginning of a different journey.
Despite achieving a near-impossible feat, Sahil surprised everyone when he withdrew from IIT counselling and chose to join the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA instead.
A Bold Move Fueled by Vision
Raised in Kolkata, Sahil had set his sights on IIT from Class 10. But everything changed when he participated in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) in Georgia and bagged a gold medal. That moment sparked a realization: the world had much more to offer than the IITs.
Sahil applied to MIT, aced the Standard Admission Test (SAT), and impressed the admission committee with his stellar academic record, personal essays, and recommendation letters.
Why MIT Over IIT?
In his own words, Sahil explained:
“MIT offered what IIT couldn’t—flexibility, global exposure, and intense research opportunities. It was never about just a rank; it was about what came after.”
His parents initially suggested IIT Bombay for its reputation in Computer Science. But Sahil followed his gut—and the world took notice.
Life at MIT & Beyond
Currently pursuing his studies at MIT, Sahil has already worked as a Quantitative Researcher at Graviton Research Capital LLP and served as a Teaching Assistant in Differential Equations.
He’s also a YouTuber, sharing experiences of student life in the U.S. and inspiring thousands. Sahil hopes to explore linguistics and philosophy alongside his core interests.
The Takeaway
While many chase ranks, Sahil chose purpose. His story is a reminder that success isn’t just about following the crowd—it’s about creating your own path.