Architecture at IIEST Shibpur - A Delightful Experience

IIEST Shibpur is a central university and the oldest Architecture degree providing college of the country. The reviews of the college were exceptional, even on CollegeDunia which I religiously followed. I also consulted a few then students of the college to understand whether or not attending this college would be a good decision. Besides, the campus is just 3-4 km away from Kolkata City and had all amenities, including a residential campus. This was my reason for attending this college.

The B.Arch is a 5-year course and the course curriculum is expansive yet very enriching. The faculty student ratio is very impressive, it is 2:1 for students to teachers in every batch. The faculty members are all highly qualified, with double PhDs and extensive on-field experience as well. The teaching methods encompass not just classroom learning but also occasional case studies, site visits, educational tours throughout India and multiple workshops every month. There are regular seminars and fora, about every 2-3 weeks for students to learn from professionals in the field and also reputed academicians. The term exams are held semester-wise (every 6 months) but the 'sessionals' are evaluated on a daily basis in the Design Studios. Although the examinations are not very easy to pass if you do not study at all, they can be cleared with flying colors with the right effort.

Every architecture student must undergo professional training or internship for 6 months in their final year. I interned at a firm in Mumbai which turned out to be a great decision for me. I was in the role of a trainee architect and learned both designing, drawing, site study and inspection and construction details apart from 3D visualisation, client meetings, vendor discussions and presentation work. The internship experience teaches you about the professional life of an architect and helps you decide whether this career is for you. If not, there are multiple arenas where an architect can head towards - Architectural Journalism (which I am interested in). Research and Academics, Design, Management, Planning and so on.

Students are eligible for placement from 3rd year (B.Tech) and 4th year (B.Arch). However, B.Arch students often do not opt for campus placements which are generic. They usually seek employment options themselves outside. Yet, the average placements in IIEST is impressive, the highest even reaching 40LPA for a select few. I haven't opted for campus placements. I am going to seek a job in Delhi or Mumbai (hubs for good architectural practice) followed by higher studies after the requisite experience.

Fees Structure and Hike Policy is completely as per the regulations of NITs and IITs because IIEST falls under them. Therefore, for my batch (2015-20) semester fees was 38.5k, whereas for current batches it is 68k (this depends on NITs and IITS policies). There are also additional costs in study because you have to (a) purchase stationery items regularly (b) stay in campus and endure hostel, mess and other charges depending on how often you go out to eat with friends, etc and (c) occasional case studies, tours and site visits. Of course, when you are staying in a residential campus there are other costs. However, you have the option of not staying at hostels and continuing as a day scholar. There are multiple scholarships to avail of by meritorious as well as needy students. There are tuition wee waivers (full) for most students. There are also multiple opportunities to work while on campus and earn a stipend of up to 10k (I have done this) every month.

The campus life is the best thing about IIEST Shibpur. Since many opt for residential stay in hostels, it is heaven for them. The campus is always active and abuzz, especially after classes and during lunch. There are multiple activities all round the year which culminates in the Annual Fest REBECA and the multiple tech, literary and social fests like INSTRUO, OIKOTAAN and so on. The college library is heaven for bookworms. There is an impressive collection of not just academic but also leisure books. The best part about the library is its setting and ambience which can make anyone fall in love with reading and libraries. Classrooms are well-kept, and have necessary amenities like projection, foldable desks and storage. The college sees multiple sports activities throughout the year, from inter-hostel to inter-faculty and students activities. There are number of societies and clubs for you to be part of - photography, debate, literature, quiz, dance and what not.

Hostels are multiple and availability and type of room depends on your seniority. I had to share a room (a spacious one) with 4 others until 3rd year, and then for the last 2 years I had a personal room all for myself. Every room is equipped with basic amenities like bed, almirah, cupboard, tables and chairs. You have facility of filtered drinking water (chilled or normal or hot) and delicious food thrice a day in the mess. The meal quality for my hostel was superb. We had great feasts every month (Mutton biryani, fish panturi, kebabs and jalebis) and there is non-vegetarian food cooked 6/7 days a week. Vegetarians have plenty of options daily too (koftas, manchurians, mixed vegs). The registration process for hostel is simple and quite affordable too (about 3.5k per month). In case you do not want a hostel, the college neighbourhood is flocked with options for rented rooms and PG accommodations. But I would suggest you to opt for hostel life at IIEST. It is heaven!