Soham Chatterjee's Review On Vellore Institute Of Technology - [VIT University], Vellore

Colleges Applied to & Admissions Received: I applied to IITs, BITS Pilani, SRM University, and Manipal University. My JEE score was 92.3726 percentile, but unfortunately, I wasn't getting a seat in any of the top 10 NITs or IITs. While I got an offer from BITS Goa for Software Engineering, I decided against it because, coming from a middle-class family, the fees were quite high. I also got admission offers from SRM and Manipal, but I chose VIT, where I secured a first-category rank of 2583. Why I Chose VIT Over Others: 1. Affordability: VIT offered a much more affordable education compared to BITS Goa. With my rank, I got a seat in the first category, making the fees significantly lower. 2. Placements & Infrastructure: VIT has a strong placement record and excellent infrastructure, which made it a better option over SRM and Manipal. 3. Value for Money: VIT is a government-deemed university, offering quality education at a reasonable cost, making it more practical for me than BITS or private instituitions. 4. Location: Although Vellore is relatively far from my home, the overall reputation and opportunities VIT offered were worth the distance. Rejections & What Went Wrong: I couldn’t secure a seat in the IITs or top NITs as my JEE Advanced rank didn’t meet the required cutoffs. My primary focus was IIT, and although I came okayish close, it wasn’t enough to get a seat in a reputed government college. This is why I decided to explore better private university options like VIT. VIT Admission Process: 1. Eligibility: Minimum of 60% in PCM for 12th grade. 2. Exams Accepted: VITEEE (the preferred exam) and JEE Main scores for lateral entry into some programs. 3. Cutoffs: My VITEEE rank of 2583 allowed me to secure a seat in the first category. The cutoffs for top branches like Computer Science typically require ranks within the top 10,000. 4. Admission Experience: The process was smooth and transparent, with online counseling where students could choose branches based on their ranks. VIT was the best option for me due to its balance between affordability, placements, and infrastructure compared to other private universities like BITS or Manipal.

Here’s a detailed look at the class environment and student demographics at VIT: Class Size: - Number of Students per Class: - Typically, each class has around 60 to 70 students. For larger subjects or core courses, the number can be higher. - Total Student Strength: - For a specialization like Computer Science, there are usually about 2000 to 3000 students per year. - Across the entire B.Tech program, the total student strength can be around 5,000 to 6,000 per year, depending on the intake capacity of each branch. Gender Ratio: - Girls-to-Boys Ratio: - For the Computer Science specialization, the ratio is approximately 1:3, meaning there are about 25% girls and 75% boys. - Across the entire college, the gender ratio is relatively skewed towards boys, with roughly 30% girls and 70% boys. Cultural Diversity: - Diversity in the Class: - VIT has a diverse student body, with students coming from various parts of India and even some from abroad. - Students from states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh are prominently represented. There’s also a significant number from North Eastern states and other regions. - Students from Different States: - Approximately 40% of the students are from outside Tamil Nadu, reflecting the university’s pan-India appeal. - Each class typically includes students from various states, contributing to a rich cultural mix. Peer Group and Learning: - Peer Group: - The peer group is generally collaborative and competitive. Students are keen to support each other in group projects and study sessions. - Peer learning is encouraged, with many students forming study groups to tackle challenging subjects together. - Marks for Participation: - Marks for class participation are not always a formal part of the grading system but can sometimes be considered in internal assessments and project evaluations. - Class Attendance and Learning: - While many students attend classes with the intention to learn, some might be more focused on just meeting the attendance requirements. - There’s a mix of genuine interest and attendance-driven participation. Students who are motivated and engaged find the classes valuable and enriching, while others may view them as just a requirement. Views on Class Participation: - Genuine Learning: - Students who are passionate about their field and future careers tend to actively participate and engage in class discussions. They make the most out of lectures and labs. - On the other hand, those less interested may struggle to see the value in attending all classes regularly. However, those who do attend classes often benefit from the structured learning environment and direct interaction with professors.

At VIT, while the college does not always achieve 100% summer placements for internships, a significant percentage of students are placed each year. For those who do not secure internships through the regular placement process, alternatives often include leveraging personal networks or approaching companies directly. Many students are able to secure paid internships, with average stipends typically around ₹1,00,000 per month. Top companies in the field offer competitive stipends, and firms that hire in bulk generally provide stipends in the ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 range. A notable number of students convert their internships into pre-placement offers (PPOs), with the option to participate in final placements even after accepting a PPO. Internship opportunities and conditions may vary across different courses, often influenced by industry demand and specific academic disciplines.

Final placements at VIT typically begin at the end of the 6th semester or early in the 7th semester, and the process can extend until the end of the academic year, often concluding in late spring or early summer. While a high percentage of students secure placements, a small proportion may remain unplaced by the end of the official placement period. The college takes additional measures to support these students, including organizing extra placement drives, workshops, and one-on-one counseling sessions to enhance their employability. The average CTC offered can vary widely, with an average around ₹6-8 lakhs per annum, while the highest can reach up to ₹40 lakhs per annum and the lowest around ₹3-4 lakhs per annum. Preferred companies for various courses include top tech firms and multinational corporations, which offer average CTCs in the range of ₹10-15 lakhs per annum. Companies that hire in bulk typically offer CTCs in the ₹6-8 lakhs range. The placement committee plays a crucial role in coordinating the placement process, liaising between students and companies, and ensuring a smooth process. While the placement process is generally considered transparent, some students may feel that certain aspects could be improved for greater clarity.

Here’s the updated breakdown for VIT’s fees and scholarship information: Fees Breakdown (Category-wise): VIT’s tuition fees vary based on the category assigned according to the VITEEE rank: 1. 1st Category: ₹1,98,000 per year 2. 2nd Category: ₹3,07,000 per year 3. 3rd Category: ₹4,05,000 per year 4. 4th Category: ₹4,48,000 per year 5. 5th Category: ₹4,93,000 per year Hostel Fees: For non-AC rooms (like in P Block, where I stay), the hostel fees are ₹1,21,148 per year. This includes: - Laundry Charges: ₹4,248 - Permits: ₹2,800 - Electricity: ₹8,700 - Establishment Charges: ₹22,000 - Caution Deposit (refundable): ₹15,000 For AC rooms, the fees start from ₹48,000 and vary depending on the type of occupancy (single, double, triple, four, or six-bed). Mess Fees: - Veg Mess: ₹56,000 per year - Non-Veg Mess: ₹66,000 per year - Special Mess: ₹72,000 per year Total Fees for Entire Course: For a 4-year course, considering the 1st Category (₹1,98,000/year), my estimated total fees are: - Tuition Fees: ₹7,92,000 - Hostel & Mess Fees: ₹4,84,592 - ₹7,00,592 (depending on the type of room and mess chosen) This brings the total cost of my education at VIT to ₹12,76,592 - ₹14,92,592. Comparison with Other Colleges: Compared to private instituitions like BITS Pilani or Manipal, VIT offers a more affordable education, particularly for students in the 1st and 2nd categories. The facilities and placements justify the fees, making it a better option in terms of cost-to-value ratio. Monthly Expenses: Aside from official fees, students generally incur additional monthly expenses for: - Eating Out: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 - Groceries: ₹500 - ₹2,000 - Transportation: ₹500 - ₹2,000 (for local or weekend travel) - Miscellaneous: ₹1,500 - ₹3,000 (for personal shopping, entertainment, etc.) Scholarships & Financial Aid: VIT provides a variety of scholarships: 1. VITEEE Rank-Based Scholarships: Students with ranks 1-1,000 receive tuition fee waivers, ranging from 25% to 100%. 2. Government Scholarships: VIT facilitates scholarships for economically weaker sections (EWS), SC/ST, and minority students. Each year, approximately 1,000+ students benefit from these scholarships, and the typical amount ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 annually.

VIT offers a robust range of sports facilities including indoor badminton courts, table tennis, squash courts, and an indoor basketball court, alongside outdoor facilities such as football and cricket grounds, tennis courts, an athletics track, and volleyball courts. All necessary sports equipment is generally provided by the college. The campus includes a well-equipped gym with cardio machines, weight training equipment, and fitness instructors. There is also a swimming pool on campus, accessible to students during scheduled hours without gender segregation. The library is extensive, with most books easily accessible and operating from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, plus access to third-party databases like IEEE Xplore, SpringerLink, and JSTOR. The campus spans over 300 acres, with the academic block about a 10-15 minute walk from the hostels. Students primarily walk or use campus shuttles for transportation. Personal bikes and cars are permitted with registration. Relatives can stay overnight in guest rooms, subject to prior booking. In addition to the central canteen, there are several food joints and snack bars on campus. The medical center provides essential health services, staffed with qualified doctors and nurses, and is adequate for common medical needs.Campus life at VIT is dynamic and engaging, with students actively participating in a variety of activities after classes, including club meetings, sports, and social events. The nightlife is vibrant, with several cafeterias and snack bars open late, and it’s common to see students socializing and roaming around campus during the night. Students occasionally venture outside the campus to visit local malls, restaurants, and cafes. The area surrounding the campus is generally safe, though students are advised to be cautious at night. Major fests like **Riviera** and **GraVITas** bring an electrifying atmosphere to the campus, featuring performances by notable celebrities such as **AR Rahman** and **Farhan Akhtar**. VIT has a range of prominent clubs, including the **Entrepreneurship Cell** and the **Robotics Club**, which are particularly valuable for CV enhancement. The college also offers international immersion and student exchange programs with universities in the **USA**, **Canada**, **Germany**, and the **UK**. These programs are popular, with around **10-15%** of students participating, and an additional fee is generally required. Overall, VIT provides a vibrant campus experience with ample opportunities for personal and academic growth.

At VIT, hostel facilities are well-organized with strict segregation between boys and girls, ensuring privacy and security. Boys and girls are housed in separate hostels, such as P Block and Q Block for boys, and G Block and H Block for girls. The allocation of rooms is generally on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability. P Block is often praised for its modern amenities, while F Block is favored among girls for its location and facilities. Hostel fees vary by occupancy: single occupancy starts around ₹48,000 per year, double occupancy ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹40,000, and triple occupancy costs about ₹25,000 to ₹30,000, with four and six-bed rooms being more affordable at ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. Hostels have a curfew, usually requiring students to return by 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM, though late returns are permitted with prior permission. Food is not included in hostel fees; students pay an additional ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 per month for mess facilities, with options varying from vegetarian to special mess. Each hostel has its own mess, and there are also canteens and cafeterias on campus where students frequently eat. Food quality varies but is generally acceptable, with menus changing periodically. Hostels are secured by a sufficient number of guards, and there have been no recent major security issues reported.At VIT, hostel sharing options range from single to six-bed rooms, catering to various preferences and budgets. Single occupancy offers the most privacy, while double and triple occupancy are common choices. Four-bed and six-bed rooms are larger and more economical. I opted for a non-AC room in P Block, prioritizing affordability and comfort. P Block is well-maintained and conveniently located on campus. Non-AC rooms are equipped with ceiling or table fans, while AC rooms have air conditioning. Coolers are not typically provided. All hostels feature geysers for hot water, high-speed WiFi, personal almirahs, study tables, and chairs. Beds come with standard-quality mattresses, and rooms are equipped with curtains for privacy and adequate lighting. Common rooms in some hostels offer seating, table tennis, and board games for recreation. Washrooms are generally common, with daily cleaning by staff. Rooms are cleaned weekly or upon request. In hostels with common washrooms, approximately 10 to 15 students share a single facility, with this number increasing in larger hostels.

Admission Process for VIT (2022): 1. Application Process: - The first step is to fill out the VITEEE application form, which usually opens around November or December each year. - The form requires basic details, educational qualifications, and the choice of preferred course and campus (e.g., VIT Vellore, Chennai, etc.). - The deadline for submission is typically in March. 2. Entrance Exam (VITEEE): - VIT conducts its VITEEE (VIT Engineering Entrance Exam) in April. - The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, aptitude and English. - The results are announced in May, with ranks provided based on your performance. 3. Counseling Process: - Counseling is held in two phases, generally starting in June. - Based on your VITEEE rank, you’ll be invited for the Phase 1 counseling, which usually happens for students with ranks up to 20,000. - Students who rank higher participate in Phase 2 counseling. - The counseling process involves: 1. Document verification (class 12th mark sheet, VITEEE scorecard, etc.) 2. Payment of an advance fee (usually ₹50,000 for seat confirmation) 3. Choosing your preferred campus and branch of study. - The category of fees (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) is also determined based on your rank, with higher ranks getting lower fee categories. 4. Commencement of Classes: - Once your seat is confirmed, you will receive details about the start of the semester. Classes usually begin in July(mine started in September). - Before the academic session, VIT organizes orientation programs to familiarize students with the campus, departments, and student resources. Most Preferred Exam: For the B.Tech program, the VITEEE is the most preferred exam. A safe score/rank to ensure admission in the 1st category for popular branches like CSE or IT is typically below 10,000. If your rank is higher than that, you may still get admission but in the 2nd or 3rd fee categories. Other Admission Routes: 1. Management Quota: - VIT offers management quota seats, which are available for students who do not qualify through VITEEE. These admissions generally involve higher fees, similar to the higher categories. 2. NRI Quota: - NRI students can apply through a separate admission process that requires specific documentation and fees but does not rely on VITEEE ranks. Admission Timeline Overview: 1. November/December: Application form for VITEEE opens. 2. March: Application form submission deadline. 3. April: VITEEE exam is conducted. 4. May: VITEEE results are announced. 5. June: Counseling process begins (Phase 1 and Phase 2). 6. July: Classes commence for the new academic year. Safe Score/Rank: - Rank below 10,000 in VITEEE ensures you a good chance of securing a seat in popular branches like CSE or IT under the 1st category of fees. - Ranks between 10,000 to 20,000 might place you in the 2nd or 3rd fee categories.

Course curriculum is moderate level. Only 2-3 students fail who not take care study. Good aspects of course is to increase your knowledge and make you understandable how things work. There are four exams are conducted once a year 2-midsem,2 end semester Usually 4-5 lectures scheduled in a day. Timing is 10am -1pm,2-4 pm Projector or giving lectures I admire to Mr. Tasleem Jamal , Dr.Shavej Ali Siddique,Dr.Shan e- Fatima, Dr. RK Tripathi their teaching method is well. Yes 75 % attendance is mandatory. I have not penalised , infact I am the highest present scholar in my batch.