Navigating UGEE at IIIT-H: Insights and Lessons

Admission to the CSD dual-degree in C.S. program at IIIT-H has always been a sought-after goal for many aspiring students. This article delves into my experience and subsequent results from the UGEE (Undergraduate Entrance Examination) conducted by IIIT-H. Along the way, I will share valuable insights and lessons learned.

Initial Success and Changes

My journey began with an unexpectedly early announcement of my score in the UGEE, declared just 10 days after the test. With a score of 84.5/150, I was selected for the interview, which was moved online due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. I wish for the best in the upcoming interview and hope to perform optimally.

Rapid Results and Decision

Shortly after the interview, the final results were declared. Though I was not chosen to proceed to further rounds, it was a valuable experience that has provided me with insights to help other students. I am now aiming for the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination).

The UGEE Experience

My UGEE experience in 2019 was marked by high scores and a smooth interview process. Here's a detailed account of my journey:

UGEE 2019: A Winning Performance

In the UGEE 2019, I secured a score of 115/150, easily clearing the threshold for an interview. The interview took place at the campus of IIIT-H on June 3-5, and mine was scheduled for June 5. The interview was structured in a unique and engaging way, which added to its competitiveness yet fun.

We were divided into groups of eight, and each group was led by a different panel of evaluators. We were then presented with three challenging questions designed to test both our knowledge and problem-solving skills:

Question 1: A Chess Board Problem

The first question was a mathematics problem about chess. The exact problem was: 'How many moves would you expect to locate a randomly chosen square on a chess board?'

Question 2: Estimating the Number of Hair on Your Head

The second question was a logical reasoning task. We were asked to approximate the number of hairs on our heads, requiring a logical and reasonable explanation.

Question 3: Deciphering a Code

The third question involved deciphering a coded message where letters represented numbers. This required both analytical skills and an understanding of cryptology.

Following the engaging mix of problem-solving and skill-based questions, further discussion topics emerged, aiming to gauge our personality and future potential within the field of computer science.

It was a memorable experience, characterized not only by its difficulty but also by the warmth and light-heartedness of the professors. They were supportive and approachable, making the process enjoyable.

Lessons Learned and Final Reflection

Being too smart but not careful can lead to significant mistakes. I set a target of 105 marks based on the cutoff from the previous year, which led me to guess many questions. This approach backfired, and I could have qualified if I had not attempted to guess.

It's crucial for upcoming UGEE participants to avoid relying on last year's cutoffs and to avoid guessing questions they are less sure about. The key is to focus on problem-solving and logical reasoning, which are central to the exam.

For the juniors heading to UGEE-2020, sharing this experience is my way of taking my burden off and encouraging a mindful approach to the examination process. Keep your knowledge sharp, but avoid unnecessary guesses and remain true to your problem-solving skills.