Missed out on MBBS after NEET, Rithuparna KS now earns Rs 72.3 LPA in Rolls-Royce at 20
For many students, not clearing NEET may seem like the end of a lifelong dream. But for Karnataka’s Rithuparna KS, it turned out to be the start of a remarkable new journey. After failing to get a government medical seat, he chose not to let an entrance exam define his future. Instead, he entered an entirely different field, robotics, and turned the disappointment into an extraordinary career.Today, just 20 years old, Rithuparna works as a robotics software engineer at Rolls-Royce with an annual package of Rs 72.3 lakh. His story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow the path we first imagine. Sometimes it only starts after the original plan falls apart.From a medical dream to a career in roboticsBorn in Karnataka, Rithuparna had once aspired to be a doctor. When he failed to get a government MBBS seat through NEET, he decided to explore a different direction instead of giving up.He enrolled in the Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation Engineering program at Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management. Without the support of an IIT or any other premier engineering institution, he focused on developing practical skills and solving real-world problems.Among his notable projects was the development of a robot designed to help arecanut farmers, reflecting his interest in using technology for agriculture. He also won medals in an international robotics competition and contributed to research projects in collaboration with NITK Surathkal, strengthening both his technical and research expertise.

The practices that changed everythingDuring his engineering studies, Rithuparna secured an internship at Rolls-Royce, where he spent eight demanding months balancing academic commitments with industry projects. The experience required working long hours, including night shifts, while keeping up with university studies.His performance stood out. What started as a pre-placement offer worth Rs 39.6 lakh per annum was later revised to an impressive Rs 72.3 lakh per annum based on his contributions.Since December 2024, she has been working as a robotics software engineer at Rolls-Royce, developing robotics software using the Robot Operating System (ROS), Gazebo, Python and C++. His work includes control algorithms, sensor integration and autonomous robotic systems. Earlier in his career, he also interned at Dream Kit, where he designed and developed 3D game characters using Blender and Unity.One exam does not define your whole lifeRithuparna’s journey carries a message that resonates far beyond engineering or placements. Every year, countless students experience immense stress after exams, and many believe that one result will determine their entire future.His story challenges that belief. Losing a medical seat did not stop him from building a successful career in another field. By embracing a new opportunity, developing specialized skills, and remaining committed to learning, she charted a path that few would have predicted.As competitive exams continue to dominate academic aspirations, Rithuparna’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks are not permanent. Sometimes changing direction can open doors to opportunities even greater than the dream left behind.



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