Different dreams, same determination: Karnataka CET toppers set sights beyond tech

This year’s Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) toppers are charting diverse career paths that extend well beyond the conventional rush towards computer science. From electrical engineering and medical research to pure sciences, the rank holders spoke to TOI about their ambitions, study routines, and the family support that helped them reach the top.

I began exploring engineering seriously in 10th grade. Since then, my dream has always been getting into RV College of Engineering. I worked towards CET for two years with that goal in mind. I wouldn’t have been able to get here without the support from my peers, family, and mentors. Though I haven't decided my plans after college yet, I’m sure about pursuing computer engineering. In my free time, I thoroughly enjoy reading detective novels and spending time with my family

Tanisha Karthik | RV PU College -- Engineering Rank 1

I was interested in mechanics and electronics from a very early age. My mother introduced me to these subjects early on in class 6 or 7, around the time Covid started, and since then I’ve been drawn towards engineering. The most important thing was maintaining pace and keeping up momentum. I did not skip even a single day of study since 9th grade. Even during summer vacation, I’d make sure I read something for at least three hours a day. That consistency is what kept me going. Outside studies, I enjoy learning about maps and geography in my free time. My aim now is to get into IIT Indore for electrical engineering or IIT Hyderabad, but I’m yet to decide

Srajan BS I Deeksha, Mahalakshmi Puram -- Engineering Rank 2

I’m mainly interested in pure science, specifically chemistry. I believe pure science is a field that needs more support in our country. I sat for CET to keep my options open, since it would help if I decided to pursue engineering. But my main aim remains to join Indian Institute of Science Education and Research or Indian Institute of Science, after which I most likely want to pursue research or teaching. I began my preparations in class 11, studying for around four hours every day; outside of studies, I enjoy writing and have written short stories even in Kannada

Ninaad Vasisht I RV PU College, BASE -- Engineering Rank 3 & Agriculture Rank 1

I’ve been focused on NEET for the past two years, following which my plan is to pursue MBBS and then cardiology. Cardiology, because I want to be able to help people... the number of people suffering from heart-related issues is only increasing. While preparing for NEET, CET Biology overlapped with a lot of the material. I sat for CET as a practice exam for NEET. I focus on quality of study time over quantity. It only takes a few hours — in a distraction-free environment — of being focused

Rithvik Kumar I RV PU College -- Nursing Rank 3

I’m preparing for NEET. Medicine has always been my interest. Both my parents are doctors — my mother an ophthalmologist and my father a plastic surgeon. I grew up watching them and developed an interest in medicine. The first NEET went well, but I’m preparing hard for the second one. I’m also a sportsperson and have represented my college at the state level for badminton and swimming. But I kept my interests aside to prepare for NEET.

Anmol Prabhu | Arjuna Science PU College, Dharwad -- Agricultural Science Rank 2

I want to become a neurosurgeon and contribute to society through medical research. I hope to work with the World Health Organization and pursue higher studies abroad. Research and innovation have always been my passion. Like scientists, I want to discover and invent things that can benefit society. I believe serving people through medicine and research is more fulfilling than sitting in front of computers. Discipline is the key to success. Students should complete their daily portions and avoid backlogs. My parents are teachers

Samay A | Expert PU College, Valachil, Dakshina Kannada -- Agriculture, Sericulture and Forestry Rank 3

CET helped me get the offline exam experience I needed to prepare for NEET. My mom is an embryologist, and my dad is a paediatrician, and watching both of my parents work motivated me to pursue MBBS. My aim is to get a medical seat at a top college, hopefully AIIMS. I’ve prepared for this for the past two years, during which time there were multiple occasions my grades went down and I questioned myself. But it is important to rely on your support system and stay focused. I also thoroughly enjoy dancing, music and painting

Suchita M I Sri Chaitanya PU College, Davanagere -- Yoga and Naturopathy Rank 3

I decided I wanted to be a doctor when I was in 4th grade. I’ve always been sure that I wanted to pursue medicine. Preparing for NEET helped me do well in CET. The biggest challenge has always been storing information in memory, which only practice can help with. It is important to remind yourself that if many people before you could do it, you can too. I’m not sure what I want to specialise in yet; that is something I will have to explore.

Amulya S I Sir MV PU College, Davanagere --Yoga and Naturopathy, B Pharm, & Veterinary Sciences Rank 2

Since the age of four, I’ve been sure that I wanted to build a future in medicine. I’ve always loved biology and learning about the human body. Most of my preparation was using mock tests and worksheets. I did not prepare for CET separately, but it definitely helped me with NEET. The routine can get pretty mundane, but my dream of becoming a doctor keeps me going. When I’m not studying, I love playing the piano. At this stage, it is important not to lose hope or confidence and to believe in yourself

Nayana Gopi I Base PU College, Bengaluru -- Veterinary Science, Nursing, B-Pharma, Yoga and Naturopathy Rank 1

(Text by Shrreya Venkat)