Why is IIT preferred over Engineering colleges?

Khevna.P.Shah, INN/Bangalore

@Shahkhevna1, @Infodeaofficial

There is a significant difference in pursuing an engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and other engineering colleges. The opportunities and the facility the IIT offers are what attracts students from all over the country.

The concept of IITs was initiated just before the independence of our country with the primary aim to produce successful technologies that would contribute towards the development of our nations. IIT Kharagpur was the first acknowledged IIT in the year 1956 and since then 16 such institutes have been established and there are 7 more which are newly approved.

But what really makes IIT different from the engineering colleges?

Primarily IIT focuses on the overall development of the students and encourages them to pursue their hobbies and extracurricular activities resulting in the students taking breaks every other day. Apart from that it also focuses on the practical applicability of the subjects in the real world. In order to achieve that the assignments given to the students require a technique of brainstorming and interaction with the professors. Adding to this, the laboratories contain world-class equipment for the better development of the students and also host constant competitions, exams, and quizzes to keep their students on their toes.

Other than the provisions offered in the college, the IIT is also known for its placements. The engineers who pass out from the IITs are held in high esteem by the recruiters and are usually offered higher packages. IIT also has a great world ranking and has featured in the top 250-500 universities due to their standards and performances.

The perks offered here are the major reasons for the student attractions and even why the parents are keen to enroll their children to pursue engineering in IIT. Also, the contribution that is made by the IITs to Indian society is enormous, resulting in it becoming a popular brand name in the field of education. As mentioned previously the brand value of passing out from an IIT is immense. While the students from the other engineering colleges are offered packages in lakhs but the pass-outs from IITs are offered crores and also the opportunities to get placed abroad.

Also, there are many well-known entrepreneurs whose journey started off with IIT. Popular entrepreneurs like Narayan Murthy(Infosys), Ashish Shah(Pepperfry), Sachin Bansal(Flipkart), and Byju Raveendran(BYJU’s) are IIT pass outs.

IIT institutes are also recognized for providing the students with the opportunities to attend international conferences, global competitions at the world’s most precious universities. Students also get the opportunities to meet Nobel Laurents, scientists, and eminent professors, while being eligible for fellowships, scholarships, and financial assistance on various projects. Many even take part in the internship and student exchange programs with the world’s best universities including Harvard and MIT.

NR Narayana Murthy co-founder of Infosys says students leave the country because our nation fails to provide enough attractive opportunities for the brightest minds. The government in collaboration with IITs should take strict measures to stop this ‘brain-drain’ and encourage the talented engineers to work for our country by providing them with opportunities, due remuneration, and recognition.