While getting into IIT is a lifelong dream for most people in India, many do not expect the academic rigour they are subjected to and become depressed. Their grades also take a nosedive as they struggle with the highly-demanding academic culture. Taking to LinkedIn, RamG Vallath, Chief Editor in Azim Premji Foundation, shared some uncomfortable truths about his days in IIT Madras. He revealed that although he had high grades (8.4 gpa) in his first year, his academic performance slowly declined and by year three, he was suicidal. He explained how, coming from a government school with no attendance rules, he was used to a more laid back academic environment. “My friends and I would bunk classes, roam around, then I’d come home and study hard because I genuinely loved the subjects…” he revealed. This casual approach to academics cost him dearly in IIT. While he was able to secure decent grades in year one, thanks to his love for learning, his lack of discipline soon led to a downfall. “I stopped attending classes. I stayed up till 5 am playing cards before exams. I got drunk. I chased the identity of the class rebel because I had already lost the identity of the class topper, and all I wanted was a label that stood out. My grades fell from 8.4 to 5.5. I was almost expelled…” he said.He revealed that fear prevented him from being honest with his parents about the struggles he was facing. In their eyes, he was still the exceptionally talented child who had earned admission to one of India's most prestigious institutions. The image they held of him as a high-achieving scholar seemed so powerful that he found it impossible to admit how far he had fallen from those expectations.As his academic performance declined, he felt increasingly isolated. He struggled to seek support because he believed there was little room within the highly competitive environment to openly discuss setbacks or underachievement. Without knowing whom to turn to or how to express his difficulties, he chose to shoulder the burden on his own.The challenge extended far beyond grades and examinations. It became a deeper personal crisis that affected his sense of identity and purpose. He felt trapped between two painful realities. On one hand, he could not bear the thought of disappointing the parents who had invested their hopes and dreams in his success. On the other, he was overwhelmed by feelings of embarrassment and failure. Caught between these conflicting emotions, he reached a point where he began questioning his place at the institution and even whether he wanted to continue there at all.The turning point came when his parents learned about his situation and responded with understanding rather than criticism. Instead of condemning him for his mistakes, they offered unwavering support. They stayed at the IIT guest house for nearly three weeks, spending time with him, listening to his concerns, and helping him rebuild his confidence. They accompanied him to meetings with faculty members, including some who had already lost faith in his ability to recover academically.Their presence and encouragement gradually helped him regain control of his life. Although his academic journey took longer than originally planned and he required an additional year to complete his degree, he ultimately persevered and earned his graduation. His remarkable turnaround was reflected in his final semester performance, during which he achieved an outstanding GPA of 9.He stated that he shared this extremely personal story as the news of 65 IIT students committing suicides left him disturbed. He shared a bitter truth, how many people consider getting into IIT as the destination and not a beginning.“The child who cracks JEE becomes a symbol before they become a person. When that symbol starts to crack under pressure, loneliness, or failure, there's no help, only shame. We glorify IIT like it is the end of a success story, and that is exactly why so many stories end there…” reflected Vallath. He ended the note with an appeal to parents to redefine the meaning of success and not treat students who are struggling as “weak.”Vallath is based in Bengaluru. He also holds a PGDBM in finance from XLRI.