Life of an Engineering student at University of Calcutta

Good aspects:1. Very low tuition fees2. Extremely reputed3. Location (Quite near to my home)4. Good research exposure5. University RankingsBad aspects:1. Engineering-oriented infrastructure and mindset is lacking2. Several layers of bureaucracy and mismanagement is a major problem for students3. Student strength is too low

I chose this course because:1. It is one of the few engineering courses in CU which has an industry-focused learning2. Supportive faculty3. High rate of placementsThere are 4 Professors in the Department, and around 8 - 10 Guest Lecturers, for roughly 90 B.Tech students (30 per batch, from 2nd year, since the 1st year is not under the Department), around 40 M.Tech students, and each professor has some 8 - 10 Research Scholars working under him.

Once again, the Central Placements is very poor. If anyone wants to go for non core jobs like analytics, consultancy etc, they won't get a lot of help from Placement Officer.But in our department, an industrial internship is mandatory. I have opted for one, and will probably go for it in November-December (delayed because of COVID). Companies providing internships to our Department - JK Tyres, Yokohama Tyres, CEAT Tyres, Haldia Petrochemicals, Reliance Industries Limited, Berger Paints, Asian Paints, etc.

The Central Placement needs to be developed. Placement scenario of several Engg. departments is quite poor.But, placements in my department (Polymer Science and Technology) are done through the alumni network, and is very good. Students of my dept undergo a compulsory Industrial Internship in the 6th semester, which often gets converted to a Pre Placement Offer. Most of the students are placed, or go for higher studies, after completion of the course. My plans - Gain work experience and then go for an MBA.

Total tuition fees - 24000 (8 semesters)Total fees (incl. Lab, library, Exam, Misc) - 32000 (8 semesters)Financial assistance is available in the form of Tuition Fee Waiver for students from low income groups.Hostel cost is also very low.

Social life - Quite good, people are smart, conversations are richQuite a few events are organized regularly.Clubs - There is no formal Tech Club/Entrepreneurship Cell, lack of initiative of both students as well as administrative officials and Faculty.Infrastructure - Labs are quite good, with specialized instruments, classrooms are well lit, airy; buildings are heritage buildings.Engineering based events like hackathons, case studies, etc are not frequent.Canteens are great for networking with fellow campus-mates over cheap yet delicious food.

Admission was solely based on West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) rank. After that, there was a counselling round, wherein students were placed into respective departments based on rank.