Getting into an IIT (Indian Institute of Technology) is the ultimate goal for many aspiring students in India. However, a select few who enter these prestigious institutions eventually leave midway, only to carve a different path to extraordinary success. Let’s take a look at some remarkable IIT dropouts who transformed their dreams into reality, becoming well-known billionaires, business leaders, and influential figures.
Mukesh Ambani: The Billionaire Behind Reliance
Mukesh Ambani, now one of the world’s wealthiest people, had once set foot on an academic journey at IIT before deciding to switch paths. Born into a family with an entrepreneurial spirit, Mukesh initially studied chemical technology but chose to focus on growing Reliance Industries Limited, his father’s venture, into a conglomerate. Today, Reliance stands as India’s largest company in oil, petrochemicals, retail, and telecom. Mukesh Ambani’s journey from a young dreamer to a global business leader continues to inspire millions in India and beyond.
Shashwat Nakrani: Young Billionaire and BharatPe Co-Founder
At just 23, Shashwat Nakrani broke into the world of fintech by co-founding BharatPe, an innovative digital payments company. Nakrani had joined IIT Delhi but left his studies mid-way to pursue his entrepreneurial vision. His venture quickly gained prominence, and according to the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2021, Nakrani became the youngest self-made billionaire in India. BharatPe has since grown exponentially, offering businesses across India a secure platform for digital payments and funding.
Azhar Iqbal: Co-Founder of Inshorts, India’s Quick-News Platform
Azhar Iqbal left his IIT journey to create Inshorts, a news app designed to deliver headlines in under 60 words. This unique approach to news appeals to busy users who want quick, factual updates. The app is now a household name in India, valued at over Rs 700 crore, and used by millions daily. Iqbal’s story shows how an innovative idea can thrive by addressing the needs of a fast-paced audience.
Dr. M. Damodaran: A Leader in India’s Financial Sector
Dr. M. Damodaran began his journey at IIT but decided to pivot to economics, a field where he would eventually make an indelible mark. After earning his law degree from Delhi University, Damodaran rose to become one of the country’s top financial leaders, serving as Chairman of SEBI, UTI, and IDBI Bank. His contributions to India’s financial landscape have set high standards, showing that changing paths can lead to impactful careers.
Rahul Yadav: Real Estate Revolution with Housing.com
Rahul Yadav, a former IIT Bombay student, dropped out to launch Housing.com, a startup focused on simplifying India’s real estate market. Yadav’s vision for an accessible online real estate platform quickly gained traction, drawing attention from investors. Despite facing challenges, Yadav’s innovative approach to real estate and his drive to bring transparency to the industry left a lasting mark, inspiring many budding entrepreneurs.
Prashant Bhushan: Renowned Lawyer and IIT Dropout
Prashant Bhushan, one of India’s most prominent lawyers, initially enrolled in IIT Madras but chose to leave after just one semester. Following his departure, he completed a B.Sc. program and later studied at Princeton University before returning to India. His decision to shift from engineering to law has been pivotal in his career, allowing him to advocate for justice in landmark cases and gain recognition as a fearless advocate for civil rights.
Narayana Murthy: The Visionary Behind Infosys
Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, has always been transparent about his humble beginnings and determination. Though he cleared the IIT entrance, financial constraints kept him from attending. Instead, he graduated from the National Institute of Engineering in Mysore. Murthy’s vision for a globally competitive IT company laid the foundation for Infosys, a pioneer in India’s tech revolution and a respected name worldwide. His journey proves that success isn’t solely about where you start, but where you’re headed.
Vinod Rai: The Respected CAG of India
Vinod Rai, a highly respected former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, also passed the IIT entrance but eventually chose economics over engineering. He went on to study at the Delhi School of Economics, where he developed a deep understanding of fiscal policies. Rai’s tenure as CAG saw him investigating major scams, including the 2G scam and the Commonwealth Games scam, bringing transparency and accountability to government practices. His work has earned him admiration as a leader who champions the public good.
Key Takeaways from These Inspiring Journeys
These notable IIT dropouts each had the courage to step away from the conventional path, driven by a unique passion for something beyond academics. Their individual journeys showcase a common thread: an ability to take calculated risks, the resilience to pursue non-traditional careers, and a commitment to their visions. From technology and fintech to law and public service, these individuals have left their mark in diverse fields, showing that success can be achieved by following one’s own path.
Their stories serve as reminders that sometimes, taking a step away from the norm can lead to remarkable achievements, inspiring countless others to find their own ways to succeed.
