VIT- A community within itself

Overall, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore can be summed up in the following parameters that can define VIT to a large extent: 1. Fully Flexible Credit System (FFCS): This is a cloud system, which can accommodate the hugely insane number of students here. Also, each student has an option of choosing his courses and timetable. 2. Infrastructure: The huge campus has been intelligently and strategically maintained to host to a large number of students from all over the country and nearby Gulf nations. 3. Fests: The cultural fest known as the Riviera is a grand fest of international standards. The GraVITas, technical fest, is another opportunity for students for showing their leadership and Inter-personal skills. 4. Diversity: You start to learn a lot of different things only by interaction with people of different states as well as countries. The management has been successful in maintaining a good discipline level on the campus as well optimizing the use of space on the campus. However, the there are still miles to go in terms of winning the student satisfaction level.

I took the [VITEEE- Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination] in 2014. I scored a rank of 30000 among 2 lakh candidates. My intention for choosing VIT was the offering of an all-inclusive culture, the 'state-of-the-art' infrastructure, and a good placement record. Had offers from the other private institutes, but choose VIT for a better understanding of life.

The course curriculum is inclusive and follows a credit-based system. It's divided into 4 components- University Core, University Elective, Program Core, and Program Elective. VIT has a trademark FFCS system (known as the Flexible Credit System). Under the FFCS system, a student can choose his timetable, classes, professors, and also the pace at which he wishes to complete the course. From a research point of view, the course is encouraging. The professors are also willing to engage in activities which benefit them as well as the students. There are also a lot of events which help the students' motivate them for their research work. Curriculum: In a nutshell, is well-balanced. Apart from your majors, you have the option of choosing electives and courses from other departments. Further, there are also options for Minors, Hons. options available.

VIT doesn't really help with Internship opportunities, however, a few companies are listed on the Placement Portal. The college issues a letter on the official letterhead, facilitating all students apply for internships in reputed companies. The general stipend is about five thousand for training periods. However, it can be upwards of five grand as it is solely based on referrals from the contacts in the market.

There are two fests in the college- 1. Technical Fest- GraVITas. It is a three-day, national level event which has all kinds of workshops- ranging from technical as well as on -technical events. It is usually held in the month of September. 2. Cultural Fest and Sports Fest, Riviera. It ranks within the top ten of the college rankings. The most awaited event are the 'Pro-shows' which typically include a performance of a famous celebrity.

The Fee depends on the rank of the candidate's rank in the VITEEE. The basic fee is one lakh and sixty-eight thousand. If a candidate is admitted under category two or subsequent categories, the amount varies by one lakh. On a whole, the fee paid is not entirely worthwhile but satisfying for an average person who wishes to grab opportunities with both hands.

Scholarships Available:- 1. Smt. Rajeswari Scholarship (FAS) VIT: The scholarship available to students whose parents income is less than one lakh annually. It is subject to fulfillment of prior eligibility criteria. 2. Scholarships to merit rank holders- The top rankers of each branch also get an annual amount from the University. 3. From the social perspective, the chancellor offers scholarships to students from nearby villages in a bid to promote education. Loans: The university has the tie-up with the Indian bank which provides loans with reasonable interest rates.

The overall campus life is very disciplined and hence leaves little room for a social campus life. However, with effective participation from a student, there are the uncountable number of opportunities, providing a great scope of development.The gender ratio is better than most colleges as VIT accepts students from all parts of the country. Though male domination is higher in certain departments. The hostel authority does organise DJ parties and movie screening in the hostel. However, strict rules for hostel limit student freedom. The management organises a number of activities such as sports and newspaper delivery facility. VIT also has a large number of activities in terms of various clubs and societies which help students make the best use of their time. Also, inculcate the spirit of leadership and commitment. VIT is strictly when it comes down to Public Display of Affection (PDA's) activities on the campus. The disciplinary team is firm in its endeavor to curtail any sort of necessary activity. The students are instructed to return to their hostels. A Cosmo- politan environment is a strong advantage for all the students studying there.

In terms of Infrastructure, VIT is undoubtedly the best. I substantiate my claim with the following arguments- 1. A lush green campus, with well-coordinated vehicular movement inside the campus. 2. All facilities available- Laundry, Food joints, Grocery Stores in the near vicinity. 3. The level of cleanliness on the campus is excellent. 300 acres+, with a railway track passing through the campus. (PS- Ladies and Men's Hostel are afar, separated by a railway track). 17 (Men) & 6 (Ladies) Hostels- with all types of rooms- 1,2,3, 4,6 (bedded) in both AC & Non-AC configurations. 4. Free 10 GB WiFi at nominal speed available to each student. Though it is faulty sometimes, it is usually good and is shut down strictly between (00:30-04:30), so that students can sleep! (Or for maintenance). 5. Labs are well equipped and available for other activities (such as experiments, projects, etc.) other than class activities. Some are available through an online application, rest through the Faculty-in-charge. 6. Classrooms are average. Ergonomically suitable, they are not air-conditioned. Further, each class has 60+ students, on an average. 7. The library is known as the EVR Central Library. It is, by far, the absolute best. A huge and vast collection of books and reference material; moreover with a great ambience and cool atmosphere. Personalised cabins, discussion rooms, private sections, newspaper stands. The lab has RFID tagging for all books. 8. Medical Center is the Chettinad Private Center. They charge for everything. The facilities are average, but a fee is nominal (Rs. 100 for consultation) as compare to doctors elsewhere. Ambulance and specialised doctors are available too. 9. As for sports, an outdoor stadium is a wonderful place for all sports activities. Plus the indoor stadium as both chargeable and free activities. There is a swimming pool too- but chargeable. Well-maintained. The tennis courts are available- Clay (free) and concrete (paid). They are above average. The basketball and volley ball courts are average. The gyms are of two types. Free, Non-AC, overfull, equipped with all equipment. Then; the second type-2 in no.- AC, knowledgeable trainers, well-equipped, reasonable number of people. Badminton- Paid (As well as unpaid-(inside hostels)); are above average. 10. Eatery joints are good in number selling both packaged as well as fresh food at reasonable prices. 11. The quality of food all over the campus is above-average. All kinds of junk food available.

The VITAA (Vellore Institute of Technology Alumni Association): It is a well-rounded community connecting all members of VIT. It has reunions each year and also initiates a number of initiatives each year. The alumni are real 'go-to people' for all related problems. The interactions are very peaceful and really knowledgeable for the juniors and freshmen year people.

The assessment process is done in three phases, apart from regular quizzes and assignments. The Non-CAL process- (followed till the batch of 2014). :- 1. Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3- all carry five percent weightage. 2. Assignments- carries five percent weight. 3. Continuous Assessments Tests- CAT1 & CAT2- both are graded for a maximum of fifty marks. The weight age is fifteen percent. These are periodic assessments. 4. Final Assessment Test- Are the final assessment for each course and are marked out of hundred. The term end exams carry the maximum

The notification of the exam was sent early in the preceding month of October on the official website, followed by a test slot booking procedure on the website itself. Admission to Vellore Institute of Technology was solely based on the VITEEE. It was a computer based test national level examination, held across various test centres in the country. The eligibility was 60 percent in class 12th. Detailed Explanation- The test was of moderate level, with objective type questions.Questions were mostly from the class 12th CBSE syllabus while grade 11 concepts came in handy during the preparation. The results were declared shortly after the exam, on the official website. The result included only the rank. The counselling schedule was also mentioned. Counselling Process was online in nature but required the physical presence of either the candidate or his parents. Counselling was jointly held in both the Vellore and Chennai campuses. It was completely dynamic and online in nature. Candidates were called rank-wise and allotted seats based on the ranks. The counselling status was regularly updated on the website as well as on the screens outside.

The faculty is fully doctoral and knowledgeable. They are encouraging as well as masters of their fields. They provide a rational understanding of their subjects as well as focusing on the specifics while correcting of the assessment tests. All research assistants at VIT are equally inclined and willing to help. Experience with faculty-A++. Course- Curriculum: A+. 1. Faculty: Mostly faculty are elder, same as our fathers', but quite helpful. Most of them are rational and liberal, barring a very few. Some of them love research and motivate their students towards the same.