Should I join Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology for CSE or some mediocre NITs with so called lower branches?

Opt for the mediocre NITs, even if the branches aren't top-tier. These NITs attract a lot of companies, offering you many opportunities to sit for their recruitment processes, provided you meet their criteria. Plus, if you dedicate yourself to learning coding over three years, there's a good chance you'll land a high-paying job with one of these companies.

I've spent a decade studying the Indian engineering education system, so I can share my thoughts on this question. If you're comparing Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology with some of the less renowned NITs, particularly in branches that aren't as highly regarded, here's what to consider. The top three NITs (Tier-1) generally provide better facilities and opportunities for engineering students, making them a stronger choice compared to both MAIT and the less famous NITs (Tier-3).

A Tier-3 or Tier-4 college could rise to Tier-1 status if they start offering these enhanced facilities widely to their students. Unfortunately, the engineering curriculum in India hasn't changed much in 40 years, which means it doesn't always prepare students with the skills needed for software engineering jobs. That's a big reason why major international software companies don't have engineering offices in India.

To become a software engineer who can work internationally, an Indian student typically needs over 7 years (or 7000+ hours) of coding practice and more than 3 years (3000+ hours) of improving their English communication skills. This can be done even without a degree. I've researched the Indian education system extensively to address education and unemployment issues faced by Indian youth.