Yes, it’s a true story. According to a
Quora post,
Mukesh Ambani cleared IIT-
JEE and secured a rank that made him take admission in
IIT Mumbai, one of the most prestigious technology institutes in the country. When the inter-science results were announced later, he left IITB to join ICT, Mumbai (then UDCT) to pursue Chemical Engineering.
ALSO READ: Ratan Tata isn’t as rich as Mukesh Ambani. Here’s why
It is well known that the
Chemical Engg department at ICT, Mumbai is at par or even better than that of the IITs or any other premier institution in India.
Here’s the proof from the interview with
Moneylife , where
Ambani revealed the fact. While speaking on his youth he said, “Nobody asked me to do chemical engineering. I chose to study science and which college I would go to.”
“By that time -- the early '70s --
Vimal was a fairly successful textile brand. So everybody expected me to do textile engineering. I shocked them by saying that I would go to IIT. Interestingly, 4-5 of us friends studying together for Inter-science were all among the top 10. Ajay
Parekh, who runs Pidilite, topped
Bombay University. I stood fifth or sixth.”
“Since Inter-science results were announced after the IIT entrance, I joined IIT-
Bombay. After the Inter-science results a few weeks later, I left and joined
University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT) along with my friends,” he added.