Atulona Datta's Review On Techno India University, Kolkata

Average to Lower-Average University. Nothing special. Or different from the overall Indian scenario. Placements are not really good. None of the profiles are really satisfactory. Research scopes are pathetic. Faculties are good. Innovation is inculcated well in the students. Communication skills are enhanced upon. Stress is put on AI, Machine Learning, Block Chain, IoT, Application Development, Ethical Hacking, etc.

About the faculty from the Department of Biotechnology, they are undoubtedly the most successfully functioning department of the University. The B.Tech course comprises of 8 semesters. The first two semesters are common for all streams, while the rest six semesters are dedicated to individual field of specialisation. There are SIX theory papers per semester, TWO practical papers. The last semester is for thesis work. Exams for theory paper are broken down broadly two parts: internal assessments (during the ongoing semester) and end semester assessment. Practical exams are conducted both by external and internal examiners wherein the marks are divided into viva-voce, doing the practical and writing.

I should not comment about other department, but the placement scenario in Biotechnology field is dismal and worrying. Hardly a company that exclusively wants to hire Biotechnology students come; and even if they do, it's only for the Business Development or Sales profile. Not a single job profile requires our skills or domain knowledge as a Biotechnologist. Internship in Biotechnology, Hardly a few institutes offer Biotechnology based "training" in India, plus, that's a very expensive training to afford. Clearly, forget internship, our colleges here fail to provide proper training to Biotechnologist. I don't think such internship opportunities are there yet in this field in India, unless you have personal contacts.

Technical Fest- Vivarta, Cultural Fest- Sahotsava, Sports Fest- Rudra, All these fests at least span 2-3 days and comprise of multiple events. Teacher's day is celebrated amongst the faculties. Our department (B.Tech Biotechnology) celebrated Bengali New Year (that to, only once.) Departmental conferences go round the year, across various departments.

For the common man, it's expensive. And it's becoming more expensive, day by day. And people taking admission through Management Quota, requires to pour a lot more than others. Our admission (in 2014) was cheaper. We could complete the course in 4 lacs (4 years taken together). But now it's about 6 lacs for the same time frame.

At the College level, you have none. Whatever scholarship schemes are there- those are funded by the Government and it is offered in every other college or University of India. Nothing special. It's a Private University, and PROFIT matters a lot. So don't expect scholarship. However, for school children, last month, they have started a merit-cum-means scholarship.

Honestly, all are there. But none is upto the requisite level. Ground is there. But small. Poorly maintained. Labs are there, but there's a severe crunch of space, and some dearth materials and spcialised equipments. Students are not allowed to touch even a little expensive instrument. Students work in groups. Sometimes each group is as large as 20 people, making it impossible for someone to learn. There is no common room, and even if is, only for a few weeks, when inspection takes place. No basket ball court. Or table tennis court. No indoor games space or arrangement (like Chess, etc). No Gymnasium. Swimming pool is there, but now is a heaven of scum and fishes. I hope that shows a pretty good picture.

The University does not have any hostel facility. But however, there are numerous PG (paying guest) options available in within 2 KM radial distance. So, people don't complain. People share room, the rents range from 5000/- to 8000/- rupees monthly on an average.

The students have a helpful attitude. But there's no "Alumni Association" as such. No such formal groups exist. The University is pretty new and students have not achieved something that juniors will look up to for help. And the kind of help these Alumni can do, will render equal effectivity, even in their absence.

I, personally, got admission through the rank of WBJEE. While applying through WBJEE, I put my choices, preferences (of colleges and courses). The University and the B.Tech Biotechnology course was my first preference, and B.Tech ECE was the second preference form the same University. But because, at my rank, enough seats were available for the first preference I so chose, I got in at B.Tech, Biotechnology, TIU.

Department of Biotechnology, TIU has the best and the most qualified cluster of faculties in the whole University. They are always up to date with modern advancements. Student friendly, sociable, have good networks outside the University into eminent institutions and with reputed professors. A fine balance of onine as well as offline teaching brings in the best form the students. The students coming out from this department crack multiple national level exams to enter for higher education, gets into industries, etc.