How Missed Deadlines, Risky Gambles, and a Trip to Mathura Landed Me at IIMC Dhenkanal

What would you do if your dream seemed out of reach, your chances slim, and the odds stacked against you? My journey to IIMC Dhenkanal wasn’t just about overcoming challenges; it was a rollercoaster ride of missteps, last-minute decisions, and a trip that almost cost me my seat.

In 2023, I had filled out the CUET form with the intent of pursuing a master’s degree. But on the day of the exam, I found myself at my graduation college dealing with document work. My HOD, Dr. Prerna Tripathi, was furious. “Why didn’t you appear for the exam?” she demanded. Her disappointment followed me throughout the year, and every time I saw her, she reminded me of the opportunity I had missed.

Fast forward to 2024, I decided to try again, but my initial plans didn’t include IIMC. After consulting friends, I applied for CUET alongside applications to Makhanlal Chaturvedi University (MCU) for MBA and a Master’s in Digital Media. Since there isn’t a master’s course in photojournalism in India—my primary interest—I chose these options as a compromise.

Working full-time while preparing for CUET wasn’t easy. I received support from my junior Vishesh Shukla and joined a preparation course led by Harishankar Soni Sir. Despite this, my preparation fell short, and my CUET scores weren’t enough to secure a seat in IIMC. However, I did clear MCU’s entrance process, securing a seat in their MBA program and even a spot in the hostel.

I had made peace with my decision to pursue MBA until news broke that my junior, Samarth, had secured a seat at IIMC Aizawl through Spot Round 1. I hadn’t even applied for the spot rounds, unaware they existed. Vishesh pushed me to apply for Spot Round 2, the final opportunity, but there was a major hurdle: I had to pay ₹20,000 upfront to book a seat, with no guarantee of selection.

At the time, I only had ₹25,000–₹30,000 left to cover MCU’s remaining hostel and mess fees. I had already paid ₹16,000 for the first year, and the thought of risking such a large amount—with the possibility of losing it for two months if I didn’t get the seat—was daunting. After discussing with family, friends, and my HOD, I decided to take the gamble. Vishesh was confident I would get selected, especially since IIMC had introduced two new master’s courses this year.

With shaky hands and a thousand doubts in my mind, I paid the ₹20,000. To ease my tension, Vishesh suggested a trip to Mathura. Initially reluctant, I agreed.

On the first evening of our trip, as we sat down for dinner at Bikaner in Vrindavan, Vishesh checked the Spot Round 2 results on his phone while my hands trembled with anxiety. I couldn’t bring myself to look. Finally, Vishesh broke the silence with a wide smile and said, “You’ve made it!” My name was on the list for IIMC Dhenkanal, the same campus where Vishesh had also been selected. Excitement swept over me, but it was short-lived. Panic quickly set in when I realized I had misunderstood the instructions for document submission. I thought I had two days to submit them, but those two days were actually meant for verification by the institute.

Returning from the trip, I tried to upload my documents, only to find the portal closed. In a state of panic, I reached out to Harishankar Sir, who connected me to Rakesh Goswami from IIMC’s admission cell in Delhi. When I explained my situation, he was unimpressed and told me to try again next year.

Feeling defeated, I called Vishesh, who quickly came up with a plan. He and his friends made a series of fake calls to the admission cell, claiming they too faced issues with the portal. Miraculously, this trick worked—the portal reopened. Without wasting a second, I submitted my documents and paid the remaining fees, securing my admission.

Four months into my journey at IIMC Dhenkanal, I’ve experienced tremendous growth and unforgettable moments. Reflecting on this journey, I realize how close I came to missing out on my dream. The gamble, the stress, and even the trip to Mathura—all of it shaped this incredible story.

And yes, I eventually dropped my admission at MCU. Sometimes, the riskiest decisions lead to the best destinations.