By QuantInsti
Originally published in 2020, this story has now been updated with fresh insights from a follow-up conversation in 2025.
TL;DR
Dr. Shubhrabaran Das, once a full-time dentist, transitioned into algorithmic trading after enrolling in the EPAT programme in 2020. Initially self-taught and struggling with inconsistent results, he found clarity and structure through formal learning. With no prior coding experience, he gradually built skills in data analysis, backtesting, and automation. Over the years, trading evolved from a side interest into his primary profession. He now trades NIFTY options using systematic approaches and plans to launch his own proprietary trading desk. His journey highlights the value of disciplined learning, risk management, and continuous growth in building a successful trading career.
Dr. Shubhrabaran Das began his professional journey as a dental surgeon based in Agartala, Tripura. With a flourishing practice and the recognition of being named the 'Aesthetic Dentist of the Year' in 2018, few would have guessed that his path would later merge with the dynamic and demanding world of algorithmic trading.
He enrolled in the Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT) at QuantInsti in 2020. Five years later, we reconnected with him to understand how that decision transformed his professional life and what goals lie ahead.
Transitioning from Dentistry to Trading
“Earlier, I was doing a six-day dental practice. Now, it's just two days,” said Dr. Das. "I can't completely leave the profession, but let's just say, what I used to earn in a week, I now earn in a day."
Dr. Das' interest in finance and trading emerged midway into his career. Initially, his attempts to invest did not yield satisfactory results. Like many self-taught traders, he explored a variety of online videos, webinars, and tools, often resulting in confusion and inconsistent outcomes. His first meaningful encounter with algorithmic trading came during a Zerodha webinar where he was introduced to the concepts of market microstructure and market making.
Discovering EPAT: A Structured Path
“That webinar blew my mind,” he recalled. "I didn’t understand everything, but I knew I wanted to learn more. Eventually, I found the EPAT programme, and that’s where the journey truly began."
Coming from a non-technical background, he initially expected a plug-and-play solution.
"When I enrolled, I thought I’d be spoon-fed. That after the course, I’d know everything and trading would run on autopilot. But I soon realised, it’s not about being handed strategies. EPAT teaches you how to think, structure, test, and evolve strategies yourself."
Despite not having any prior knowledge of programming or advanced mathematics, Dr. Das embraced the curriculum.
“When I read about probability and coin tosses in the early lectures, it blew my mind. Now I think in probabilities every day, whether I’m placing a trade or making a decision in life.”
The Learning Curve: Evolving as a Trader
One of the most challenging aspects was coding.
"I never wrote a single line of code before EPAT. Now I use Excel, TradingView, and ChatGPT. I create formulas, automate alerts, and backtest strategies. But the most important thing is, now I know what to ask."
He regularly tweaks indicators, builds customised scripts, and designs alerts to keep pace with the ever-evolving market conditions.
“Earlier I used to get alerts but couldn’t act on them while at the clinic. Now I am in front of my screen four to five days a week, monitoring and adjusting trades in real-time. The difference in results is enormous.”
Consistent Results: From Side Hustle to Primary Income
The first two years were focused on experimentation and learning.
"This is my third profitable year in a row. The early years were about understanding position sizing and risk management. EPAT gave me a structure to learn that."
His main trading focus is on NIFTY Options, which he trades using a combination of historical data analysis, seasonality, and technical indicators.
Key Takeaways from EPAT
Even five years later, Dr. Das continues to revisit the EPAT content. He highlighted the following as the most impactful:
- Understanding the differences between equity, futures, and options
- Position sizing and capital allocation
- Strategy backtesting using historical data
- Risk management based on probability and statistics
- Gaining confidence to automate parts of his workflow using Python
“Even now, when I get stuck, I go back to the EPAT lectures. Sometimes I fast-forward through them, but the clarity is unmatched.”
Looking Ahead: Building a Proprietary Trading Desk
Dr. Das now aims to launch his own proprietary trading desk.
"I plan to take five people under me, fund them, and guide them. There will be a shared board where I’ll outline daily market insights. If they succeed, that’s how the business grows."
He wants to mentor others in Northeast India and create awareness about trading as a serious career path.
“People here need to understand that the stock market is not gambling. It is about structured decision-making. I want to help build that mindset.”
Learning Beyond EPAT: Continuous Growth with Quantra
He has explored over 20 courses on Quantra and continues to learn. One area of feedback he shared was around the paper trading module involving Alpaca.
“I tried the Alpaca integration course multiple times but got stuck. It might be my own efforts, but making this process easier could benefit new learners.”
He also acknowledged that he had not yet explored the Quantra community forum but now plans to engage more with fellow learners and alumni.
Final Thoughts: A Mindset of Consistent Learning
“When I started EPAT, I thought I’d learn everything and be done. But I realized that the real success lies in continuous learning, testing, and adapting.”
He concluded with a reflection that encapsulates his journey:
“The market doesn’t want your money. It wants your time. If you give it time, learn the rules, and apply them consistently, it will reward you.”
Dr. Shubhrabaran Das' transformation from a full-time dentist to an independent trader and aspiring prop desk owner is a testament to what structured learning, personal discipline, and curiosity can achieve. His journey reaffirms that regardless of one’s background, with the right guidance and effort, a career in algorithmic trading is within reach.
If you’re ready to start your own journey, the Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT) offers the structure, mentorship, and content to help you make that leap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can someone without a technical background learn algorithmic trading?
Yes, it’s entirely possible. Many traders start from non-technical fields and gradually build the required skills. With structured learning and consistent effort, topics like strategy design, risk management, and coding can be understood step by step.
Q. Is prior programming knowledge required?
No, it’s not a prerequisite. Many beginners start with tools like Excel or TradingView, using formulas or basic scripts. Over time, they learn to use Python or other programming languages for tasks like backtesting, automation, and data analysis.
Q. What’s the difference between self-learning and following a structured course?
Self-learning through online videos or forums can be helpful but often lacks depth and consistency. A structured programme offers a clear progression through concepts like market microstructure, probability, and strategy building, helping learners avoid confusion and save time.
Q. How important is probability in trading?
Understanding probability helps traders evaluate outcomes more objectively. It plays a key role in risk management, position sizing, and decision-making, especially in uncertain or volatile market conditions.
Q. How long does it typically take to see consistent results in trading?
There’s no fixed timeline, but many traders spend their initial years exploring, testing, and refining strategies. Consistency often comes after building a foundation in risk management, capital allocation, and strategy evaluation.
Q. Is the EPAT course content still useful after completing it?
Yes. Revisiting lectures and course materials can reinforce understanding, especially when applying concepts to live markets. Traders often return to foundational topics as their strategies evolve.
Q. How can traders continue learning after completing a course?
Ongoing learning can include taking short courses, participating in forums, mentoring others, or experimenting with new tools. The trading landscape evolves continuously, so staying updated is essential for long-term growth.
Next Steps
If you're just getting started with algorithmic trading, begin with the Free Learning Track, a set of 8 beginner-friendly courses that introduce you to the fundamentals of data, trading strategies, and coding in finance. Once you're ready to dive deeper, you can explore Quantra’s Algorithmic Trading for Beginners Learning Track, which offers hands-on, application-focused modules to build your skills step by step.
For those looking for a comprehensive and guided journey with mentorship, live lectures, and career support, the Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT) provides a complete foundation for launching or accelerating a career in this field.
Schedule an EPAT counselling call
To understand if EPAT is the right choice for you, talk to one of our specialists who have counselled thousands of learners over the past decade and helped them make the right career decision.