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IIT Alumnus Reflects on College Experience and Career Beyond Engineering Degree

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IIT Alumnus Reflects on College Experience and Career Beyond Engineering Degree

Analysed 19 Jul 2026·3 sources analysed·New York City, United States·Education
IIT Alumnus Reflects on College Experience and Career Beyond Engineering DegreePreviousNext

Akash Sampurnanand Pandey, an IIT (BHU) Varanasi alumnus, described his college years as a 'last bencher' with limited academic interest, attending classes mainly to meet the mandatory 75% attendance. He viewed his engineering degree as a necessary credential rather than a passion, focusing instead on reading books on history, economics, and political science. After graduating with a GPA of 7.5, he worked in consulting before shifting away from engineering, advising others not to let their degree define their entire career.

TBN's observations

First-hand measurement across 3 sources

We measured how 3 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 3%, Centre 95%, Right 2%). Overall sentiment is neutral (63/100). Lens Score 28/100 — low public interest.

Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):

  • economictimes— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • hindustantimes— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • economictimes— balanced framing, positive sentiment
Political Bias
3%95%2%
Sentiment
63%
AI analysis of 3 sources · Published under editorial oversight by The Balanced News
Analysed 19 Jul 2026· How this analysis is produced· Editorial standards· Corrections

AI Analysis

Political bias across 3 sources
● Left 3%● Center 95%● Right 2%

The articles primarily present a personal narrative without explicit political framing. They reflect an individual’s perspective on education and career choices, touching on themes like academic pressure and career flexibility. The coverage includes the alumnus’s critique of rigid academic expectations but does not engage with broader political debates or policy discussions.

Sentiment — Neutral (63/100)

The tone across the articles is reflective and candid, with a mix of critical and constructive sentiments. The alumnus expresses dissatisfaction with his academic experience but offers career advice encouraging flexibility. Overall, the sentiment is balanced, combining personal critique with a positive message about pursuing diverse interests beyond formal education.

How 3 sources covered this story

Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.

AI analysis by the TBN Bias Engine · beat methodology byOjas Kale· Founder & Editor
← Previous
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Next →
Maharashtra CET Cell Extends Registration Deadline for BBA, BMS, BCA Admissions to July 20
SourceTheir headlineBiasSentiment
economictimesHe got into IIT but barely studied engineering. Years later, he says it was the best decision he madeCenterNeutral
hindustantimes'Don't let a 4-year degree dictate a 40-year career': IIT graduate's career advice divides internetCenterNeutral
economictimesIITian 'backbencher' reveals what he did during college days: 'I did the bare minimum...'CenterPositive

Coverage timeline

economictimes broke this story on 18 Jul, 05:36 pm. Other outlets followed.

  1. 1
    economictimes18 Jul, 05:36 pm
    IITian 'backbencher' reveals what he did during college days: 'I did the bare minimum...'
  2. 2
    hindustantimes19 Jul, 10:35 am
    'Don't let a 4-year degree dictate a 40-year career': IIT graduate's career advice divides internet
  3. 3
    economictimes19 Jul, 01:33 pm
    He got into IIT but barely studied engineering. Years later, he says it was the best decision he made

Lens Score breakdown

28/100
Public interest0/100
Coverage gap100%

Well-covered story — coverage matches public importance.

Story context

Category
Education
Location
New York City, United States
Sources analysed
3
Last analysed
19 Jul 2026
Key entities
IIT (BHU) VaranasiEngineeringIndian Institutes of TechnologyMetallurgyPolitical scienceInternational relationsEconomicsGrading in educationUnion Public Service CommissionHistory of IndiaInternetCurriculum