Engineering in India

In many states of India engineering is almost a religion that every student has to follow. Barring the metros other courses like Commerce, Arts are unheard of in many states. However the benefit a student derives from an engineering course is dependant on his attitude and desire for the course. If a student approaches the engineering course with a high degree of cynicism (given the fact he had to do it due to parental and peer pressure) he/she will ensure that engineering will become a nightmare for the next four years. For students who approach engineering with a platform which will transform their lives forever those dreams will be broken months into the engineering course. Hence its imperative that a student approaches engineering with positive caution.

Engineering especially if you are in a residential course will involve making new friends, staying away from home (probably for the first time in your life - it will take some time adjusting to), freedom that one always sought at home. The new surroundings are bound to distract students however ensuring that securing a degree is the prime objective should be in the minds of students.

As far as college life goes it would be totally dependent on the student. Except for the top engineering colleges like Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and National Institutes of Technology (NIT) Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) and a few others the infrastructure will be a disappointment. The labs will mirror ruins of a cave, canteen and mess will mirror the Tihar jail infrastructure.

The first year of engineering will involve getting the basics in place. This year will be the base for the next 3 years of engineering. Focus on soft skill improvement and mathematical ability. On a lighter note you will also have to put up with some share of ragging which has decreased enormously given strict action of college authorities. The first year will also involve endless workshops, design and computing courses. To add to the misery there will be carpeting, foundry and other such tasks which one will probably never make use of in life. You will quickly understand that the curriculum is not the most effective source of learning. A good first year academically will set the tone for the remaining years hence students are advised to take their studies seriously.

Given the effort that you put in the first year second year will seem a breeze. This year engineering will become more structured as you will be in your chosen department. However the nature of workload in the department differs from institute to institute. It is advisable that the student ensures his second year is as KT free as possible so he can benefit in his third and fourth year.

Third year brings about future career planning. Students tend to start preparation for Common Admission Test (CAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) among others. It is advisable that the students start planning and studying from the third year itself as fourth year brings the added pressure of placements. By the third year an engineering student very well knows his college, faculties and the way his department works. His/Her networking skills play a major role in ensuring that he remains as KT free as possible. The networks will also be helpful for your future studies. Students who are not opting for competitive exams are advised to take up internships to spice up their resumes and get some invaluable practical learning. By the end of semester 6th you will also get an option to choose electives. Some electives by nature are heavy on academics while others are not and it will eventually boil down to your choice of electives.

On a personal note the student has his academic life sorted by the third year. He also has developed a personality, a personality which will remain with him for his entire life. Also the friend circle and street smartness you develop will be key to your success in your future life.

The final year is all about placement and efforts to make a good resume. A student is advised to take up a job which truly interests him and not to panic if he/she is not able to bag the coveted job on campus. Roughly your career is 25-30 years and one job will not make or break it. Given the fact that this will be your first job you can experiment and afford to make mistakes without impacting your long term prospects. The final year project is either an exercise of finding the perfect project mate or finding a project which can be altered and submitted. The students who want to submit a genuine thesis are advised to start as early as the third year.

In short your engineering life will be dependent on what you make of it. Ensure it is a fun ride filled with learning and making friends that remain with you for the entire life.

For Detailed information regarding placements in engineering in India visit: http://www.gyancentral.com/articles/graduate/engineering/engineering-fundas/gyan-on-engineering-placements