‘Corporate route never appealed to me’: JEE 2017 topper who chose music over a standard IIT career

Kalpit Veerwal’s journey from 2017 JEE topper to IIT to being a singer-songwriter is a powerful reminder that academic success is a tool, not a destination. Looking back on his achievement, Veerwal noted that while his perfect score made him “national news,” it was his decision to reject the standard corporate mould that truly defined his happiness.Kalpit Veerwal, who often shares his music videos on social media and Spotify. (Instagram/@kalpit.veerwal)“9 year ago today (2nd April 2017), I gave my JEE. I got AIR 1 and became the only person ever to score a perfect 360/360 score,” Kalpit Veerwal wrote on Instagram.According to a 2017 HT.com report, Veerwal topped the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. He secured All India Rank 1 in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main in 2017, scoring 360 out of 360.Also Read: Breaking the IIT myth: 5 Indian-origin leaders at top global firmsVeerwal recounted the day he got his result and posted, “This day looked normal back then but it changed my life. I went from yet another high schooler to national news overnight.”In the following lines, he explained why he decided not to follow the usual corporate route, despite pursuing his higher education at IIT.“The traditional corporate IIT route never appealed to me, and the popularity I enjoyed due to my rank helped me pursue so many different careers. Over the years, I’ve been an educator, built businesses, influenced students, spoken across the country, invested, travelled, and very recently, started releasing my own music as a singer-songwriter.”He continued, “I’ve been focusing a lot more on investing and music lately, and you’ll hear more of my music this year. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in my journey. In more ways than one, it is our story – not just mine.”In addition to Instagram, he also shares content on his YouTube channel – including his music videos. He further posts his songs on Spotify.How did social media react?An individual wrote, “Fantastic journey that is.” Another added, “You’re an inspiration for many… my father used to yapp about your success… keep growing bro…”Also Read: IIT graduate quits high-paying job in US, sells house to travel the world with family: ‘I traded 4 BHK for entire world’A third commented, “You should start a tech firm, brother. Create employment, contribute to the country which provided you the chance to study in a premium college like IITB.” Veerwal responded, “Nah, I like media and finance more. I don’t think I ‘should’ make yet another tech firm.” Many reacted to the post using heart emoticons.