A deep dive into VIT Bhopal

I chose AI/ML as I had a genuine interest in the domain and was attracted by the variety of subjects on the course list such as Java and Python. The curriculum gives us a basic understanding of each subject and leaves us to find our specific interest and build on it from there. Certain subjects, which are not directly relevant to the course should be removed, such as Environmental Sustainability or SST. The teaching methods are mostly okay and most material is available on time when needed. I feel there should be more time of atleast a month after mid term before term end to allow students to prepare well.

There is an internship portal and students are always encouraged to go for internships. However, most internships have to be earned or landed by the student himself. Stipends can range from 3k to upto 1 lakh (very rare cases) I am a second year student and haven't applied for internships yet and this is what I have been told by seniors.

Students become eligible for placements from 7th semester as per my knowledge. Several companies visit campus, however, in current recession, very few companies have visited campus. In current season, even mass recruiter companies are not visiting and most of the advertised prestigious placements were grabbed off-campus. Average packages range from 5 to 9 lpa. 10 lpa or above offers on campus are rare but not uncommon. The percentage placement for 21 batch is estimated to be 40 percent. I plan to pursue masters abroad once I receive my B.Tech.

The yearly fees is divided into two major parts. Hostel feels and Tution fees. Now, one can choose to not stay in hostel and be a day scholar (which can drastically reduce costs). Tution fees has a fixed amount, which varies by course and category. B.Tech CSE (AI/ML) has fixed amount of 1,98,000 in category 1 and category 2 has fixed amount of 2,50,000. There is a caution deposit of 3000 (which is refundable) and scholarship is available if ones VITEEE rank is under 1000 or if they are an alumni (Rs. 148500).

Overall experience has been pretty dismal. Lack of basic amenities, lack of proper sports facilities (a patchy football "ground" and a tiny multi purpose hall with gender restrictive timings and other such restrictions). Most popular books and journals are available in the campus library however, they can only be issued for a limited time. There are Computer Studios, a Gaming Lab and an Aerospace Lab. There is GARVIT which is student funded and designs motor cars. There are photography clubs, anime clubs, and many many niche clubs that cater to ones interests.

Rooms can range from single bedded to 8 bedded. Rooms can be AC or Non-AC. AC isn't always available and is only turned on at a specific time. Meal quality is okay, however, is entirely dependent on the caterer. Block 1 is catered to by CRCL, which has the worst, watery meals. Several students have had food poisoning on CRCL's food. Other Blocks, 2,3 4 and 5 are catered to by Mayuri, which makes the most healthy and nutritious food. Block 6 is catered to by Safal which makes decent food. Blocks 2 to 6 fall in the premium category. Block Allotment occurs on basis of cgpa from second year onwards. Initial block allotment for freshers is on the basis of VITEEE rank. In the grand scheme, hostel is not worth the cost unless it is premium.

I chose VIT Bhopal because it was my last option, I did not have any intentions of joining this college, however, it has been a surprisingly plesant experience, all things considered. I had applied to Manipal, BITS and also IIIT via UGEE. I missed the cutoff for UGEE by a few marks. I had cleared JEE Mains but failed to clear Advanced. The admission process is fairly simple. There is the entrance exam first, whose results are then declared, and based on rank obtained, the campus and fees counselling occurs in phases with preferences.

Faculty is very hit or miss. Certain faculty members are very helpful, while others make life hell. Kumkum Dubey, who taught me EEE (Electronics) was one such faculty member who was very considerate and helpful to me. She helped me when I was unable to attend classes due to chickenpox. Rudra Kalyan Nayak, who had taught me AI/ML and Python is one such teacher who is infamous for making life hell for students. He spends most of his time picking on students instead of teaching. There are two exams, one, which is mid-semester, called midterm and one at the end of the semester called term end. Most students, provided they study the material a few weeks in advance can get a very decent grade. Only a handful of students fail in any semester.