IIAS College overview- A place to study and experience life

I applied for other colleges offering Hospitality and tourism in Durgapur like NSHM but didn't join because of the course fees as well as they were not in Kolkata. Moreover, IIAS gave good industry exposure during the course. The teachers were friendly, very knowledgeable, and warm. I never felt out-of-place here. The admission criteria were simple but strict. There was an entrance examination where you are asked MCQ-type questions. Next, the selected students are asked to come for an interview and a Group Discussion session. One has to topple these hurdles to get admission to the college.

The course curriculum was vast and one has to acquire knowledge in all the fields to get good marks in the examination. I took a Travel and Tourism course as I always wanted to be in this industry. It's a booming industry where there is no dearth of learning. You get to know about the different cultures and places while working in this industry. All the faculties are very knowledgeable and come from top colleges. Very senior faculties were there with tons of years of industry experience. Moreover, visiting faculties from top Tourism organizations used to come to give us lectures on present scenarios of the industry. The classes were a mix of Audio Visual as well as Whiteboard teaching. The teacher-student ratio of 1:30 was also helpful as we easily approached the teachers for any doubt clearance. The exams were semester-based and happened every 6 months. Anyone who applies his/her knowledge can pass with flying colors.

The students will get industry exposure from the numerous internship opportunities given by the college. While most internships will be paid, some will be unpaid as well, but I think since one gets to acquire knowledge, stipend in secondary.

The college offers Campus placements in hospitality and tourism fields. Many companies come for campus interviews. Also, the placement manager co-ordinates with the students and send the students to various organizations for interview. As far as I know, almost 75% of students in our batch got good placements through the college. Also, the travel and tourism field offers a wide array of employment, so one does not need to wait for campus placements.

The fees were not too high and the college has a flexible pay structure. Apart from examination fees, no extra fees were taken from us. From the 3rd semester, one gets Industrial exposure in the form of Industrial training where your get paid according to the company you are going for the I.T. I remember getting a Rs 2500 as stipend per month for the training period.

Life in IIAS was fun-filled. The classrooms were airy with adequate lights and fans. All rooms had AC. The furniture and writing boards were well maintained. Even the lavatories were properly cleaned all throughout the day. The best part was the library which has all the required books. Even current affairs journals were well stocked. The librarian was very helpful. During the winter, we used to go and play cricket. And a few faculty members used to be our regular partners. Also, we used to have small fests or programs all around the year. I remember getting 2nd prize in a Quiz Competition.

The college didn't have its own hostel facility but used to provide private hostels. All the hostels were in the vicinity of the college campus. The hostel where I used to stay was very well-maintained. The security was very good and we were served very good homemade food. The monthly rent was to be given to the hostel owner directly.

You need to sit for Group Discussion to get admission to the college. During my admission, I got the topic of Marriage is a Social Institution - It makes or Breaks society. I remember all the participants were given 5 mins to participate. Once you complete this period, the results are given within the next 30 mins, so you know who are the ones selected. Prior to this process, all students need to sit for the Common Entrance Test. Once you pass this, the selected candidates are called for the GD. To prepare for the entrance test, I studied general knowledge and general aptitude questions.