From Coolie to Scholar: How Ramthulla Shaik’s Grit Paved the Way to Global Research
The trajectory of Ramthulla Shaik’s career is a testament to the transformative power of education. Rising from a humble background in Andhra Pradesh, where he once worked as a coolie earning just Rs 300 a day to support his family, Shaik has successfully navigated a challenging path to secure a prestigious position at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
His story, which has recently gained significant traction on social media, underscores a journey defined by relentless ambition and academic excellence.
A Foundation Built on Resilience
Shaik’s early education in the Zilla Parishad schools of Andhra Pradesh provided the bedrock for his future success. He went on to earn a BTech degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Sree Venkateswara College of Engineering in 2021, maintaining a strong academic record. By early 2022, he had transitioned into the corporate world, joining Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as a System Engineer.
While many would be content with a stable role at a global IT giant, Shaik harbored greater academic aspirations. Balancing professional responsibilities at TCS with the rigorous demands of competitive exams, he dedicated his time to preparing for the GATE exam.
Scaling New Heights at IISc
His perseverance bore fruit in 2024, when he secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 809 in the GATE Electrical Engineering examination. This achievement granted him entry into the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru for an MTech program.
During his time at IISc, Shaik proved to be more than just an MTech candidate. He served as a Teaching Assistant, contributed to high-level research in the Power Electronics Laboratory, and took on the responsibilities of a Placement Coordinator. He graduated in 2026 with an impressive CGPA of 8.9/10.
Choosing Research Over Stability
Following his MTech, Shaik stood at a career crossroads. His performance had garnered him attractive offers from major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like Coal India Limited and NTPC, with salary packages reportedly reaching Rs 15 LPA.
However, driven by a passion for innovation and deeper academic inquiry, Shaik opted to decline these lucrative offers in favor of further research. In August 2026, he embarked on a PhD journey at the National University of Singapore, specializing in Power Electronics.
An Inspiration for Aspiring Engineers
Shaik’s journey—from the hardships of his early days to the global research stage—serves as a beacon of hope for students across India. It highlights a vital lesson: a first job or a challenging economic starting point does not define one’s ultimate potential. Through consistent effort and a focus on education, Shaik successfully transcended his circumstances to pursue a career in cutting-edge technology.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information provided by public professional platforms, including Ramthulla Shaik’s LinkedIn profile and social media reports. Specific personal background details, salary figures, and claims regarding job offers have not been independently verified.
