Success is not merely about talent but about perseverance, dedication, and the ability to turn failures into stepping stones. Cadet Ankur Anand, a proud student of the DMET Batch of 2026 at the Indian Maritime University (IMU), Kolkata, embodies this very spirit. His journey—from a distracted student in Munger, Bihar, to a disciplined Marine Engineering cadet placed in one of the top ship management companies—serves as an inspiration for aspiring cadets and students across India.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 6, 2003, in Munger, Bihar, Ankur grew up in a middle-class household. His father, a corporate employee, was the sole breadwinner, while his mother managed the household. His younger sister, still in school, looks up to him as an example of perseverance and ambition.
Like many teenagers, Ankur’s early years were spent enjoying games rather than focusing on academics. His 10th-grade performance reflected this, with a score of 78.84%, significantly lower than the 90% achieved by many of his peers. However, this setback did not deter him but rather sowed the seeds for a remarkable transformation.
The realization of how crucial academic performance was for future opportunities started to sink in.
Turning Point: The Path to DMET
By the time Ankur reached 12th grade, he realized the importance of academics and worked harder, achieving 84.8%. Even then, he struggled with career decisions. His first attempt at JEE Mains in 2021 was disappointing, as he failed to qualify. Faced with self-doubt and societal pressure, he decided to take a drop year and moved to Dehradun for rigorous preparation.
This decision changed his life. With unwavering dedication, he scored over 97 percentile in JEE Mains and secured an AIR of 6901 in JEE Advanced under the OBC-NCL category. He also attempted the NDA exam and cleared the written test. However, his ultimate calling came when a friend introduced him to the Merchant Navy.
Ankur immersed himself in research about the maritime industry and discovered his passion for the field. He prepared for and cleared the IMU CET, securing admission to the prestigious IMU Kolkata (formerly DMET/MERI). Today, he is on his way to becoming a Marine Engineer and has already been placed at Fleet Management Limited.
Contributions to DMET
Since his first year, Ankur has been an active and dedicated member of the DMET community. He has taken on several leadership roles and contributed to various initiatives, including:
Event Management: Organized and coordinated major college events like Alumni Reunions, Placement Drives, DMET Samvaad Sessions, Passing Out Parades, Tempest, and Lithosphere. His meticulous planning and leadership skills have earned him the respect of both students and faculty members.
Leadership Roles: Served as the Overall Coordinator for Tempest 2025 and Propulsion Coordinator for Tempest 2024, displaying excellent event management skills. These events are considered significant in the maritime industry, and managing them showcases his organizational prowess.
Content and Alumni Engagement: As a Core Member and Content Writer for DMET Samvaad, he helped strengthen the bond between alumni and current cadets. His ability to document and communicate key happenings within DMET has played an essential role in maintaining alumni relations.
Placement Cell: Played a crucial role in assisting with recruitment and placement activities, helping fellow cadets secure opportunities. His understanding of industry expectations and his networking efforts have contributed to better placement prospects for cadets.
Maintenance Cadet: Since his first year, he has taken up responsibilities in maintenance, ensuring smooth operations on campus. This role has helped him develop troubleshooting skills essential for a marine engineer.
His commitment to DMET is unwavering, and he intends to continue contributing even after graduation by mentoring future cadets and staying involved in alumni events.
Notable Achievements
Ankur’s drive to excel extends beyond academics and college initiatives. Some of his key achievements include:
Internships & Practical Experience
Centre of Excellence (Marine Engineering), INS Shivaji, Lonavala: Undertook a six-day internship, gaining hands-on experience with IC and EC engines, steam boilers, and firefighting techniques. This internship solidified his technical knowledge and provided practical exposure to real-world engineering challenges.
Bales Project Cargo Logistics: Completed a one-month internship focused on data analysis, client outreach, and marketing content creation. He gained insights into supply chain logistics and the role of engineering in international shipping.
Internship with DMECA: Worked on the DMECA Mumbai Alumni Meet 2025, contributing to alumni engagement. His involvement helped strengthen the alumni network, which is crucial for the professional growth of DMET cadets.
Academic & Competitive Achievements
Cleared National Defence Academy (NDA) written exam in 2022, showcasing his analytical abilities and discipline.
Secured 97.014 percentile in JEE Mains 2022, demonstrating academic excellence.
Second Runner-up in LA MARINA, a prestigious maritime quiz competition. This recognition highlights his deep knowledge of maritime studies.
Presented a Technical Paper at Talk-A-Tech, demonstrating his research capabilities in Marine Engineering. His paper was well received and showcased his innovative approach to problem-solving in maritime engineering.
Extra-curricular Contributions
Successfully organized Yog Mahotsav at IMU Kolkata in collaboration with the Heartfulness Organization, promoting well-being among cadets. His initiative emphasized mental and physical health, essential for seafarers.
Participated in National Maritime Day Competitions, including an Essay Writing Competition. His ability to articulate ideas effectively was showcased through his participation.
Undergoing DNV-approved SEAGULL MARITIME TRAINING since June 2023, adding to his professional qualifications.
Future Aspirations and Vision
Ankur believes that hard work, resilience, and continuous learning are key to success. He aims to make a mark in the maritime industry by excelling in his career as a Marine Engineer. Additionally, he wants to remain connected to DMET and give back by mentoring future cadets and contributing to the institution’s growth.
He envisions himself taking on leadership roles in the shipping industry, contributing to sustainable maritime practices, and eventually guiding future marine engineers through training and mentorship programs. His goal is to revolutionize marine engineering with innovation and technological advancements.
Conclusion
Cadet Ankur Anand’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the willingness to learn from past mistakes. From struggling academically in school to securing a promising future in the Merchant Navy, his story is an inspiration to every student who dreams of turning their life around.
As he continues to chart his course in the vast ocean of possibilities, one thing is certain—Ankur Anand is a name that will resonate in the maritime industry for years to come.
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Lessons for Young Cadets
Cadet Ankur Anand’s journey is a remarkable example of resilience, determination, and continuous self-improvement. Young cadets can learn valuable lessons from his experiences:
The Power of Hard Work: Ankur’s transformation from an average student to a top-ranking marine engineering cadet proves that dedication and persistence can change one's destiny.
Embracing Failures as Stepping Stones: His struggles with JEE Mains and NDA taught him to never give up but instead work smarter and harder.