Review of St. Xavier's College, Kolkata from the perspective of a first year student

The course curriculum is aligned with NEP guidelines and updated. It includes multidisciplinary courses and internship requirements along with participation in social activities which leads to holistic development of individuals. It helps to prepare the students for professional endeavours and real-world challenges. It is also more mathematical which I prefer. The course could benefit from more real-world exposure. Exams take place twice in a semester. There are mid-semester exams and end-semester exams. They are not easy and requires students to keep up with the academics as classes go on but they are quite manageable.

The college offers good placements for economis. Students in their final year are eligible for campus placements and there is a cell dedicated to placements. Many students do not opt for placements and go for higher studies but many students who opt for it, get placed with decent packages. Many well-known companies visit the campus as well. I wish to explore my options after completing the degree as of now.

The year is divided into 2 semesters for which the fees are to be paid in 2 installments each. The fees for the first year comes up to 80000. It includes an initial admission fees which is the 1st installment fees (39000) and a 2nd installment fee of 12000 for the first semester. Similarly, there are 1st (17000) and 2nd (11000) installment fees for the second semester. My course duration is 4 years and would cost around 2,40,000. Fees may be revised maximum by 10% each year. There are multiple need based scholarships available. The compulsory charges for lab and so on are included in the installment fees.

Campus life is vibrant. There are many events happening and many active societies. There are annual events of every society and department as well as cultural events. They are spaced out throughout the year and therefore, one can always be involved in some activity. The library is large and accessible. One can take multiple books at once. The classes are well-maintained and facilities are good. Students who are active players of any sport can join the college team. The number of societies help in the holistic development of individuals.

I had applied to several engineering colleges which are outside West Bengal. I got into colleges like VIT and I did not complete the process for many more. I chose this college because I didn't wish to move away from home and I wanted to study economics rather than engineering. The colleges I got into were also much more expensive and the ROI did not seem worth it, considering I preferred studying economics. I didn't do very well in JEE because I had not prepared for it exclusively and hence, didn't get into the top engineering colleges of the country. The location of this college gives lesser exposure compared to the other colleges I applied to in Hyderabad, Bangalore and Delhi. The admission process is quite simple. It is based on the 12th board exam marks and requires filling out a form. The selection lists are then published and one needs to pay the fees and show up for physical verification to complete the process. However, the cutoffs are quite high and it is slightly difficult to get in. But the process itself is smooth.

Faculty is good. Their teaching methods are engaging and they are very knowledgeable in their fields. They are very experienced teachers as well. They are approachable and helpful. The head of the department in my course has interesting lectures and teaches in a way that makes knowledge easier to absorb. There is no faculty I particularly did not like. They are 2 exams in a semester which are the mid semester exams and end semester exams. The mid semester exams have a weightage of about 20 marks and are relatively easier. The end semester exams have a weightage of 70 marks. Attendance has weightage of 5. Assignments have a weightage of 5 marks as well. Exams, overall, are not easy but they are not particularly difficult either.

The college is located in the heart of Kolkata and students have access to many cafes, restaurants and museums around the college. There are many open areas to hangout with friends after a day of classes. The cafeteria is good as well and students can be seen hanging out there or participating in club activities outside of classes. The cafeteria is usually the go-to spot for students. The library has good reading rooms as well.