The journey into research is often imagined as a straight road—clear goals, steady progress, and timely success. In reality, however, it is anything but linear. For many students, especially in competitive fields, the path is marked by pauses, setbacks, and unexpected turns.
This holds true for Pankaj, Apeejay Stya University alumni and a research scholar currently pursuing his PhD at a premier institute. After completing his undergraduate studies, he aimed to secure admission into a top national institute—but the journey did not unfold as planned. “I took a year off for GPAT coaching and successfully qualified, though I couldn’t secure a seat at NIPER then,” he shares.
Instead of viewing this as failure, he chose to take a detour. He went on to pursue a Master’s degree, using the time to strengthen his academic foundation. What kept him moving forward was a simple yet powerful thought: “The question of ‘Why not NIPER?’ always stayed with me.” That persistence eventually paid off when he secured admission in 2022 for his PhD.
His journey reflects a broader truth—research is not bound by fixed timelines. Students often switch paths, take gap years, or make multiple attempts before reaching their goals. These detours, rather than slowing them down, often build the resilience and clarity required in research careers.
The challenges do not end after entering the field. “The most challenging aspects include constantly learning new concepts, handling multiple projects, drafting proposals, and meeting deadlines,” he explains. Yet, these very demands shape critical thinking and adaptability—skills essential for long-term success.
There is also a deeper emotional dimension to this journey. Moments of doubt and comparison are common, especially when peers seem to move ahead faster. But progress in research is rarely visible in real time—it is built gradually, through consistency and effort. As he puts it, “The journey is full of ups and downs, but it nurtures critical thinking and perseverance.”