Here are a few basic points of difference between IIT and BITS Pilani. 

• The competition at IITs is more intense than at BITS Pilani as it attracts better peers
• The cultural, sports and tech clubs are active in both institutes so I dont think they are comparable. BITS Goa even has club outings to beaches and treks.
• BITS Pilani has a very hectic academic environment here, especially in the first year. The duration of semesters is longer in the first year and studies take place 6 days a week against IIT Bombays 5 days a week.
• IITs have strict campus and hostel rules while life at BITS is comparatively relaxed and free of restrictions giving a sense of freedom to its students.
• BITS Pilani has slightly better placements with an average package of around INR 30.37 LPA against IIT Bombay's average package of INR 23.26 LPA.
• The hostel facilities of BITS are way better than the old IIts though the mess food is somewhat similar. IIT Bombay has better sports facilities in comparison to BITS. 
• BITS Pilani has an excellent coding culture and its large number of GSoC selections is a testament to the same. 
• BITS has a no-attendance policy while IIT Bombay has a 75–80% attendance rule in a few courses.
• BITS Pilani fees are as high as ?5.42 Lakhs for the first year alone while IIT Bombay fees are INR 218500 for the first year. BITS fees are almost double IIT fees.
• BITS Pilani has a no-reservation policy thus the students are equally smart and have been admitted solely on the basis of merit. IITs on the other hand have a reservation policy and thus the student body is a mixed bag of toppers and average students.
• IIT Bombay has a better research culture than BITS Pilani.

Overall both BITS and old IITs have their unique strengths and weaknesses and the ultimate decision should be on the basis of your personal preferences. 

As a student of Manipal Institute of Technology, here are some things I would like to share with you-

• Campus Life- Manipal offers a great campus life. There are student clubs and technical clubs. Technical clubs include- The Solar Mobil Project and Formula Manipal. The dramatics societies don’t perform much but they are a great place for networking.

• Sports facilities- The college has its own semi professional leagues- MIT Cricket League and MIT Football League. 

• Food- The campus has good eateries including two Mexican restaurants. Even the hostel mess is decent over here.

• Academics- The curriculum and labs need to be updated, especially for ME and CE. Over here, learning is theoretical rather than practical. Like any other engineering college, you’ll face lots of assignments and tests. Teachers give importance only to marks. This is especially true for CSE, EEE and ECE branches.

• Faculty- The faculty for mechanical and civil is liberal and qualified. Unfortunately however, most teachers at MIT look down upon students with low grades.

• Crowd- The crowd is quite diverse. You’ll interact with people from various cultural backgrounds. Manipal gives ample freedom and opportunities to its students for their personality development. However, the fees are very high.

• Placements- Except for the top 10% in CSE and ECE, low packages are offered to students. Majority ends up getting mass recruited in brands like TCS. Student intake is increasing, and number of core companies visiting the campus is decreasing. Thus, very average placements are secured for such a high fee.

• Higher Studies- Manipal will offer support for your higher studies. Opting for an MSc. after your graduation from Manipal, is a good option.

At Manipal you’ll develop good interpersonal skills. But the fees aren’t justified considering its faculty, academics and placement quality.

The process for calculating the percentage is given below

• O Grade = 7 Pointer = 70 and above
• A Grade = 6 Pointer = 60 to 69.99
• B Grade = 5 Pointer = 55 to 59.99
• C Grade = 4 Pointer = 50 to 54.99
• D Grade = 3 Pointer = 45 to 49.99
• E Grade = 2 Pointer = 40 to 44.99
• F Grade = 1 Pointer = 39.99 and below

If a person has a 5.53 CGPA on 7 point scale CGPA then - (5.53 * 10)/7 = 7.9, which is a 10-point scale CGPA

Now calculate the percentage - 7.9 CGPA*9.3 (standard number used by companies that come for placements) = 73.47%

The PGDM program at Great Lakes was launched in 2012 July and my friend was a part of the earliest batches. Here is a detailed analysis of the program based on some important factors

• Selection Process: Great Lakes Chennai PGDM admission is done on the basis of CAT/XAT/GMAT/CMAT/MAT scores and your profile. The score is a basis for your shortlisting and the rest depends on your profile and performance. Usually, the admission process includes a written essay and a PI round. The students are evaluated on an overall basis considering parameters like gender diversity, field diversity, and work experience.
• Program Structure: Great Lakes Chennai PGDM program has a well-established PGDM program. The program begins with an orientation program that lasts for a week. You will be introduced to your batchmates, the faculty, and the specializations offered. 
• Faculty: Great Lakes faculty comprises world-renowned professors who are highly experienced yet humble. Several courses are taught by guest faculties from top B Schools like IIMs while the permanent faculty ensure that each specialization gets to host a conference every year. Several events are conducted yearly to give students a great platform for learning as well as presenting their research.
•  Pedagogy: Every course taught at Great Lakes has a unique pedagogy that suits the course structure and the industrial needs of the program. Case studies and live projects enhance the overall learning experience preparing you to face the real corporate world.
•  Placement: Great Lakes attracts a wide range of recruiters ranging from the leading beverage maker to leading e-tailers, IT giants, niche IT solutions providers, and FMCG brands. Placements should be your last concern here. \
• Alumni: Great Lakes is known for its extensive alumni network that helps you with your future prospects and is also a source of great inspiration. 

In all, the Great Lakes PGDM program is great and the institute itself offers a vivid campus life so go for it without any second thoughts.

When you join the course, keep in mind that it will have a significant impact on how you spend your time in Mumbai. If you opt for their flagship PGDM course, expect a rigorous academic schedule that demands a lot of attention, especially if you aim for good internships or placements. Luckily, the location is perfect for any kind of exposure you wish to gain during your stay.

While the initial traveling may be a bit of a hassle, it's important to get used to the local train transport as soon as possible because it will become your life and soul. The city of Mumbai provides you with enough opportunities to go out and explore, which you will need to do from time to time. Keep in mind that the cost of living and traveling can be a bit high, so make sure to cross all your Ts and dot all your Is before you move to the city.

You should remember that space and silence are a luxury in Mumbai, and not everyone can afford them. However, it's going to be an incredible experience overall. Once you get used to the fast-paced life of Mumbai, you will have an awesome time in the city.