BS (Electronic Systems)
Every successful journey is marked by a critical turning point. For many, that moment is achieving a top JEE rank or securing a coveted placement offer. However, for Rameez Khan from Bhopal, that pivotal moment arrived much more simply: with a second-hand phone.
The journey began in the third grade when Rameez’s mother gave him her old, second-hand phone. He was eager to play games, but the device stuttered on even the most basic apps, lagging far behind the smooth graphics his friends showed off. Instead of being disappointed, Rameez became curious. He started asking fundamental questions: “Why can’t my phone do this? What’s inside these devices anyway?” That simple curiosity marked the first spark in his lasting interest in electronics.
Fast-forward to the post 12th standard days. Rameez was hunting for a college, seeking not just a degree, but an environment filled with people who were truly passionate about their studies. “I didn’t want to just finish assignments and tick boxes,” he recalls. “I wanted quality. I wanted peers who were enthusiasts like me.” His academic score wasn’t high enough for a conventional, on-campus IIT B.Tech. He briefly enrolled in another engineering college but quickly found the environment hollow and overly focused on placements. Then, one day, an email from IIT Madras popped up, announcing their new BS in Electronic Systems program.
The new BS in Electronic Systems program was a revelation for Rameez. Its curriculum covering circuits, systems, and embedded controllers, spoke directly to his passion for how devices work. He praises the quality of instruction: “The professors deliver wonderful lectures; they truly solidify the concepts.,” Rameez says with a grin. He is also quick to note the industry alignment of the content: “We worked on STM32 Cortex microcontrollers. That’s what companies need today.”
The laboratory component was another major game-changer for Rameez. Instead of needing bulky, traditional equipment, he received the ADLM-1000 kit. This compact device effectively transforms a laptop into a signal generator and oscilloscope, democratizing access to sophisticated, hands-on experiments directly from home.
The program strongly emphasizes the application of knowledge. Rameez successfully combined the theory from his Digital Systems course with his new practical lab skills to build a functional 0−100 counter from scratch.
The program delivered more than just technical depth; it fundamentally reshaped him as a person.
“Before this, I couldn’t imagine traveling 500 km alone. Now, I travel 1,500 km to Chennai, live on my own, and manage everything,” he says.
This journey, he emphasizes, has instilled profound independence and confidence.
The program fosters a unique and diverse community. At campus events like Paradox and RoboSoccer, Rameez collaborated with friends to build a robot from the ground up. The vibrant mix of different age groups and professional backgrounds creates an unparalleled networking environment.
Rameez’s career trajectory is now firmly pointed toward embedded systems. His plan is bold: work abroad for about a year to gain experience and save money, then use those funds to pursue a Master’s degree overseas.
When asked about the perception of online degrees, his response is clear and confident.
He asserts that the program isn’t about passively watching a screen; it’s about actively learning real-world, industry-aligned skills.
As he confidently puts it, “If you do this properly, you’ll be more industry-ready than most traditional graduates.”
– written by Ayushi Dixit
