Studying Architecture at IIEST Shibpur - What You Need to Know.

IIEST Shibpur is the oldest degree-awarding Architecture institute in the country. I was aware of the eminence of the institution with respect to the various courses it offers in engineering, science and architecture for quite a long time. Therefore, when I got a chance to get admitted into the institute, I simply did not want to lose it. The college admits students into the Department of Architecture for UG courses through JEE Main Scores (B.Arch Paper II). After all rounds of counselling are over and the student has frozen his choice, the student has to appear for physical counselling as well as admission processes. If not for the pandemic, the processes are finished by mid-July and classes start from end of July. The college has a great reputation, learned faculty, experienced jury for reviews and, above all, a campus to die for. Architecture students must experience campus life at IIEST, which is something I am going to miss the most.

The course follows a well-structured curriculum guided by the Council of Architecture's mandates. Students get to learn a variety of subjects right from their first year up to the fourth year. Each year is divided into two semesters, with different subjects or continuation of previous ones at times. The final two semesters do not have any theory classes. 9th Semester is reserved for professional training where students are to work in an architectural firm compulsorily for 6 months. The final 6 months of college life are dedicated to the Architectural Thesis Dissertation with no regular classes, just one-to-one interaction with their Thesis Supervisors, and occasional reviews. The faculty members are learned and well-experienced. All of them are well-versed in English, in case students coming from other states find it difficult to understand other languages. The teachers are enthusiastic about taking field classes, and educational tours.

Students can sit for placements after registering with the TnP (Training and Placement Cell) with the help of their departmental heads and year representatives. However, for Architecture Department, the placement opportunities are the same as Engineering students. In short, you can opt for placements in IT companies (if they are interested in hiring you), but architectural firms never come to the college for hiring students. Although campus placements are frail for Architecture students, they can easily land jobs in firms of their choice because of the great alumni network, the reputation that IIEST holds and with the help of their faculty members.

Recently, due to hike in IITs and NITs, there has been fee hike in IIEST as well, which comes under the same bandwagon as the NITs. The current course fee stands at 1.2 lakh per annum. It is likely to hike in subsequent years as well. However, the institute provides full tuition fee waiver to economically and socially backward classes of students, which is a relief to many. Apart from this, there are annual scholarships provided by the alumni association of the institute for meritorious students, such as departmental toppers, economically backward students who perform well in examinations and so on. Students can choose to fill up scholarship forms released annually in the GAABESU section of the institute. Besides, the TEQIP cell of college and the Training and Placement cell helps students avail internships with stipends. I worked for my professional training in Mumbai with an architectural firm that provided me with a monthly stipend.

The campus life is the BEST thing about IIEST Shibpur. The greenery, riverside breezes and the multiple pockets for students to hang out make 5 years at college worth it. The annual fest REBECA is held around March-April every year and lasts 4 days with music, dance, ramp-walks, celebrities and friends. The campus has a central library that can provide you enough resources - I didn't purchase a single course book all throughout college - thanks to the library! Classrooms are well ventilated and lit, though I cannot say they are ultra modern. They are equipped with projectors and the CAD, GIS labs are air conditioned of course. The Architecture department also has dedicated labs for materials, climate and so on. The college gymnasium has several equipment for those who love to work out. Besides, the institute's annual sports day and frequent sports leagues between different hostels (girls and boys) is fun. There are multiple clubs (from quiz to photography and so on) to be part of.

I stayed in the Pandya Hall of Residence, a dedicated hostel facility for girl students from 3rd year onward. 1st and 2nd year students stay at Nivedita Hall. After staying with 3 other roommates in 3rd year, I got a single personal room to myself for the last 2 years of college life. Each room is provided with basic furniture. Toilets are common to students for each floor. Each room faces a veranda. Meals in the mess are tasty and healthy. The process for registering for the hostel and mess is simple and affordable. All one needs to do is apply online followed by some document verification in the mess section offices and from the Hostel Superintendent. There is a deadline of 12 midnight for girl students. For boys, the hostels don't have deadlines. In case one wants to opt for a rented room or PG, they are available right across the institute's gates.