Old is Gold

I had applied almost all NITs for Thermal Sciences and Machine Design specialization. I belong to the OBC-NCL quota and you have to produce the certificate to avail reservation. Criteria for admission were you completed your graduation in engineering and have a valid GATe score. According to application come, competitive allotment takes place. The maximum age limit is 40 years.

In my graduation years, I liked subjects related to thermodynamics. Therefore, this was my first choice as a specialization. And in NIT Calicut, there were a very good staff of faculties for Thermal Sciences. They were very experienced. There was more than 10 teacher of 'Thermal Sciences' major. Almost all had completed a doctorate. They were very friendly. In our times, there were 2 tests and 1 end term examination. But now the pattern has been changed and there is only 1 test and 1 end term exam. If you are regularly attending classes, then qualifying exam is also easy.

There were many companies looking for students (in 'Thermal Science', 'Energy engg', 'Manufacturing') interested in internship that came I have no detailed idea of it, but the selection procedure was almost the same as that for placement.

From the 3rd semester onwards, you become eligible to seat in the placement drive. Companies like 'general electric', 'Goldmann Sachs', 'MRF', 'Dell', 'UTS airspace are some of the big companies along with 'Federal Bank and coaching institutes 'BYJU', 'Akaash' etc. The highest package was 33 Lacs/A and on average 8-10 Lacs/A. But my plan after M.Tech. was to go for higher studies, therefore, I was not interested in the placement drive.

Everywhere fees for M.Tech. is huge compared to other courses, but you get HTRA (stipend) of 12,400/- every month, so you would be financially self sustaining. And from the first year onwards you can apply for a job or internship. Companies like 'Goldmann Sachs', 'General Electric' etc offer very attractive packages.

There are two annual festivals, Tathva (August)and Ragam(January). They take place once each semester. Tattva is like the technical festival and Ragam is somewhat culturally oriented. NIT Calicut has one of the huge library the country. You can have almost every technical book you want. There is a broad section on general books also. And if you are interested in sports, then there are many clubs available.

We were provided one room for two students. But new Mega hostel was being constructed and thereafter in your M.Tech. 2nd year you would get a single room. Currently, there are 14 big hostels, each hostel has a separate mess. But you can join any of this mess and can change it every other month. Mess charge was 83/- per day and room rent used to come around 1000/-. You can pay this ddu in advance or every month.