He worked 8-hour shifts at Intel and studied after work: How this IIT Delhi engineer secured ISRO AIR 7 to become a scientist
“There are no shortcuts to success.” This is the lesson that emerges from the remarkable journey of Hemant Kumar Bhukar, an engineer from Rajasthan who walked away from a comfortable corporate career to pursue a dream that many considered too risky.For countless engineering students, securing a job at a global technology company such as Intel represents the ultimate career milestone. A high salary, job security and opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies are often seen as the perfect combination.Yet, Hemant chose a different path.After spending nearly three years designing semiconductor chips at Intel, he decided to aim for something bigger: becoming a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).His determination eventually paid off when he secured All India Rank 7 (AIR 7) in the highly competitive selection process for Scientist ‘A’ at ISRO.
From IIT Delhi to Intel
Hemant’s academic journey began in Gothra Bhukran village in Rajasthan’s Sikar district.He later joined IIT Delhi, where he completed his BTech and then pursued an MTech in Semiconductors.His academic achievements soon helped him secure a position at Intel, one of the world’s leading semiconductor companies.At Intel, he worked as a design engineer specialising in semiconductor chip design. By all conventional standards, he had already achieved what many engineering graduates aspire to accomplish.However, he felt increasingly drawn towards research, public service and India’s rapidly expanding space programme.
The challenge of preparing while working
Preparing for a highly competitive examination while working full time is one of the biggest challenges faced by young professionals.Unlike full-time aspirants who can devote an entire day to preparation, Hemant had to balance his studies with demanding 7-to-8-hour work shifts.There were no extended study leaves or ideal conditions.Instead, he used every available opportunity to prepare. Early mornings, late evenings and weekends became his study hours.His background in semiconductor engineering also proved valuable. Rather than starting from scratch, he built upon the technical knowledge he had already developed during his studies and professional career.His journey highlights an important lesson for students: consistency often matters more than the number of hours spent studying.
A message for engineering students
Many students believe that changing careers requires abandoning everything they have already built.Hemant’s story challenges that assumption.His corporate experience did not become an obstacle in his preparation. Instead, it strengthened his technical foundation and helped him approach the examination with greater confidence.He has repeatedly emphasised that success does not come through shortcuts.According to him, patience, discipline and moving in the right direction are far more important than searching for quick solutions.
A proud moment for his family and village
Hemant’s achievement brought celebrations not only to his family but also to his village in Rajasthan.His father, Shishpal Bhukar, works as an Additional Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) in Bikaner, while his mother, Sushila, is a homemaker.His success became a source of inspiration for many young students, particularly those from smaller towns and rural backgrounds.His journey also sends a powerful message to engineering graduates across the country: sometimes, the path to success is not about choosing between a corporate career and a dream. It is about finding the courage to pursue both until the dream finally becomes reality.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information, interviews and social media posts. The Times of India Education has not independently verified all the claims mentioned above.
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