Experiencing IIT Dharwad: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Students
Introduction
Choosing the right institution to pursue higher education can be a challenging but exciting journey. IIT Dharwad, established in 2010, is one of the newest additions to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) network. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the admission process, campus life, coursework, internship opportunities, and placement experiences at IIT Dharwad. Whether you are eager to join IIT Palakkad or IIT Tirupati, this guide offers insights that will help you make an informed decision.
Admission Process
The admission process to IIT Dharwad is rigorous but highly competitive. Prospective students must participate in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced. The JEE Advanced is known for its difficulty and is highly competitive, with only around 40.5 seats available for General Category students. The examination is the primary filter through which students are selected for admission.
According to my experience, I came to know about IITs in Class 11 through my school teacher. Recognized as a bright student, my teacher encouraged me to write the IIT entrance exam. Given the intense competition, it is crucial to prepare diligently and perform well in the JEE Advanced.
It is worth noting that a total of 59.5 seats are reserved for IITs, emphasizing the intense competition and the exclusivity of these institutions. For students from General categories, securing a place is highly challenging.
Campus Life
Life at IIT Dharwad is a blend of academic rigour and a vibrant campus atmosphere. The campus life, rated at 6/10, offers a variety of facilities, clubs, and fest activities that cater to diverse student interests.
Fests: IIT Dharwad hosts an annual tech-oriented festival named PASREC, which attracts a significant number of participants and exhibitors. This fest provides a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technological innovations and fostering a spirit of creativity and innovation among students.
Library: The library is a vast resource center with an extensive collection of books across various genres. Each book is available in at least ten copies, ensuring easy access for students. The librarian will issue the books, and students can take them to their rooms, promoting a conducive environment for reading and learning.
Classrooms and Facilities
The classroom experience at IIT Dharwad is somewhat functional, with a sustainable setup. However, the facilities are primarily designed to ensure that all students have the necessary resources to excel academically. The institution maintains all sports clubs, catering to diverse sports interests, including cricket, football, basketball, lawn tennis, and volleyball. Students can receive full support from the college authorities for their participation in these activities.
The hostel facilities are rated at 7/10. Dormitories are equipped with basic amenities, and the hostel management ensures that students are well-supported. I was allocated a room in a newly constructed hostel at the permanent campus, which is still under construction. The hostel now offers a co-ed setup, making it convenient for both male and female students.
Each floor of the girls' hostel has a warden for supervision, while the boys' hostel is managed by a central warden. The process of allotting a hostel is streamlined, being a part of the overall registration process during admission. The hostel fee is INR 25,000 per year.
Course Curriculum and Internship Opportunities
The course curriculum at IIT Dharwad is rated at 8/10, providing a well-rounded learning experience. The gender ratio in our batch is approximately 1:4, with a total of 300 seats reserved for the UG batch. Intellectual diversity is encouraged, but additional efforts are needed to maintain a balance in terms of gender representation.
Class Size: The average class size is 63 students, which ensures a conducive learning environment where students can easily interact with their peers and professors.
Internship Opportunities: IIT Dharwad has a diverse range of internship opportunities available. Companies such as Aequs Aerospace, ARAI, Arista Networks, BARF, BHEL, Google, Vigaz Steel Plant, NASDAQ, TCS, and many others visit the campus. The roles offered include data analyst, project manager, and various engineering roles, giving students hands-on experience and exposure to real-world challenges.
Placement Experience and Scholarships
Placement at IIT Dharwad is noted for its impact on the students' careers. The 3rd year of the course is dedicated to campus placements. The placement experience is rated at 8/10, as almost all the top-tier companies visit the campus. The highest package offered is 55 LPA, with an average package of approximately 13 LPA. The placement rate in Computer Science (CSE) is 100%, for Electrical Engineering it is 92%, and for Mechanical Engineering, it is 60%. The placement record is excellent, boasting a 100% placement rate in the CSE department.
Scholarships and Finance: For tuition, general students pay INR 100,000 per semester, with additional expenses covering hostel and mess food at INR 25,000. If you belong to SC/ST categories, there is a remission in tuition fees, and you only need to pay for mess food and hostel. For other students from General or OBC categories with an income less than INR 1 lakh, full remission in tuition fees is provided. If your family income is less than INR 50,000, you receive a 2/3 remission in tuition fees.
Conclusion
Overall, IIT Dharwad offers a rich academic and extracurricular experience. The admission process is demanding, but the opportunities for personal and professional growth are immense. The campus life, while not perfect, offers a supportive and vibrant community. For students passionate about engineering and technology, IIT Dharwad is a valuable choice, making it a worthy competitor to other IITs like Palakkad or Tirupati.