What happens when your Plan A crumbles? For most, it’s devastation. For Rithuparna KS, it became the foundation for an extraordinary success story that’s inspiring millions across India.

The Crushing Reality of NEET Rejection

Picture this: You’re 18, filled with dreams of saving lives as a doctor, and you’ve just received your NEET results. The score isn’t what you hoped for. No government medical seat. No backup plan. Just the crushing weight of expectations—both your own and your family’s.

This was Rithuparna KS’s reality in 2022. Hailing from Koduru village in Karnataka’s Thirthalli taluk, she had spent countless hours preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, dreaming of donning a white coat and stethoscope.

But sometimes, life has different plans—much better ones.

The Pivot That Changed Everything

When her father suggested engineering as an alternative, Rithuparna was skeptical. “Engineering? That wasn’t my dream,” she recalls. But with limited options and a determination to make something of herself, she enrolled in Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management in Mangaluru through the Common Entrance Test (CET) in 2022.

Her chosen field? Robotics and Automation Engineering—a decision that would prove to be life-changing.

From day one, Rithuparna threw herself into her new path. “I was initially disappointed, but I started learning and experimenting from the very first day,” she shares. This wasn’t just about studying; it was about rebuilding her entire identity from aspiring doctor to future engineer.

The Secret Behind Her Success

What sets Rithuparna apart isn’t just her technical skills—it’s her mindset and work ethic. While juggling college coursework, she worked grueling midnight-to-6 AM shifts during her Rolls-Royce internship. She kept this secret from her family until the job offer materialized.

“My academic milestones, projects, and rigorous interviews helped me get an internship with the Rolls-Royce Company,” she explains. But it wasn’t just luck—it was relentless preparation meeting opportunity.

Her innovation in robotics, particularly the pesticide-dispensing robot for arecanut farmers, showcased her ability to solve real-world problems. This project didn’t just earn her medals at international conferences; it demonstrated to Rolls-Royce that she could think beyond textbooks.

The Rolls-Royce Reality

Landing a job at Rolls-Royce isn’t just about getting a high-paying position—it’s about joining one of the world’s most prestigious engineering companies. The UK-based aerospace giant is synonymous with innovation, precision, and excellence.

For Rithuparna, this represents more than just a career milestone. As the youngest woman in Rolls-Royce’s flight manufacturing unit, she’s breaking barriers and inspiring countless young women across India to pursue STEM careers.

The salary jump from ₹39.6 lakh to ₹72.3 lakh reflects not just the company’s recognition of her potential, but the value of proving yourself through consistent performance.

What This Means for Other Students

Rithuparna’s story arrives at a crucial time for Indian students. With increasing competition in traditional career paths like medicine and engineering, her journey offers several important lessons:

NEET failure isn’t the end of dreams—it might be the beginning of something better. Thousands of students face similar disappointments each year, but Rithuparna proves that alternative paths can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Engineering has evolved beyond traditional boundaries. Fields like robotics and automation are creating opportunities that didn’t exist for previous generations, often with compensation packages that rival or exceed traditional “prestigious” careers.

Global companies are actively seeking Indian talent. With the right skills and attitude, geographical boundaries become irrelevant in today’s interconnected world.

The Road Ahead

As Rithuparna prepares to move to Texas to begin her role at Rolls-Royce, she carries with her not just personal success, but the hopes and aspirations of countless students who see their own potential reflected in her journey.

Her advice to fellow students resonates with hard-earned wisdom: “Give 200% effort to succeed” and never lose sight of your roots, even as you reach for global opportunities.

Lawrence Joseph Fernandes, Head of the Department at Sahyadri College, captures the sentiment perfectly: “We are extremely proud of her achievement. She has set an inspiring example for all our students.”