Sushant Singh Rajput remains one of the most admired actors of his generation. While audiences remember him for films such as Kai Po Che!, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Chhichhore and Kedarnath, many remain fascinated by another side of his personality: his academic brilliance. Every year, especially around engineering entrance exam season, searches such as “Did Sushant Singh Rajput study at IIT?” and “What was Sushant Singh Rajput’s AIEEE rank?” begin trending online. The late actor’s educational journey has become almost as legendary as his rise in Bollywood.
So, did Sushant actually attend an IIT? The answer may surprise many.
Did Sushant Singh Rajput Study At IIT?
No, Sushant Singh Rajput did not study at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Although he was among the country’s brightest engineering aspirants and reportedly dreamt of joining an IIT, he did not secure admission to one. Instead, he enrolled at the prestigious Delhi College of Engineering (DCE), now known as Delhi Technological University (DTU).
At DCE, he pursued Mechanical Engineering, a course widely regarded as one of the most competitive engineering disciplines in India. However, while he did not become an IIT student, his academic record remained extraordinary and placed him among the top-performing students of his generation.
What Was Sushant Singh Rajput’s AIEEE Rank?
One of the most talked-about facts about Sushant Singh Rajput is his performance in the All India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE), one of India’s most competitive engineering entrance tests before it was replaced by JEE Main. According to several reports and interviews referenced over the years, Sushant secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 7 in the examination.
The achievement instantly placed him among the country’s top engineering aspirants. Reports have also stated that he cleared multiple engineering entrance examinations across India, highlighting his strong aptitude for mathematics and science. Friends and former colleagues often recalled his deep interest in physics, astronomy, artificial intelligence and space exploration, passions that remained with him long after he entered the entertainment industry.
Why Did Sushant Leave Engineering?
Despite excelling academically, Sushant gradually found himself drawn toward performing arts. During his college years in Delhi, he joined renowned choreographer Shiamak Davar’s dance academy. What initially began as an extracurricular interest soon developed into a serious passion. His talent earned him opportunities to perform at major events, including award shows and international ceremonies. Exposure to the world of performance introduced him to acting, a field that would eventually change the course of his life.
As his commitment to dance and theatre increased, academics began taking a back seat. Sushant ultimately dropped out of engineering in his third year to pursue acting full-time. It was a risky decision. Leaving a promising engineering career for an uncertain future in entertainment was not an easy choice, especially at a time when stable professions were often prioritised. But it turned out to be the defining moment of his life.
How Did Sushant Singh Rajput Become An Actor?
After leaving engineering, Sushant moved closer to the entertainment world by training under theatre veteran Barry John and joining Nadira Babbar’s Ekjute Theatre Group. His first major break came on television with a small role in Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil. However, it was Pavitra Rishta that transformed him into a household name.
The show’s massive popularity opened doors to Bollywood. In 2013, he made his film debut with Kai Po Che!, earning widespread critical acclaim. Over the next few years, he built an impressive filmography that balanced commercial success with meaningful storytelling. Films like Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Sonchiriya and Chhichhore showcased his range as a performer.
Why Does Sushant’s Academic Journey Still Inspire Fans?
In an industry often defined by glamour, Sushant Singh Rajput stood out because of his intellectual curiosity. He frequently spoke about science, books, coding, astronomy and space missions. He even maintained a list of personal goals that included learning advanced subjects and exploring new technologies. His story continues to resonate because it challenges a common belief that success follows only one path. From securing an AIR 7 in a national engineering examination to becoming one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, Sushant’s journey reflected both discipline and courage.
For many young Indians, his life remains a reminder that academic excellence and creative ambition can coexist, and that sometimes the boldest decisions lead to the most memorable legacies.
