GetMyUni's Verdict on NIT Jalandhar

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“Part of the prestigious chain of institutes, NIT Jalandhar holds great respect in the country for its excellent academic curriculum and impressive placement opportunities. However, it needs improvement in terms of its professors and infrastructure maintenance.”

Considered one of the top 10 NITs, NIT Jalandhar is renowned for its compelling combination of academic excellence, impressive placement records, and enriching campus infrastructure. Although a few factors are inconsistent with the institute, such as the quality of the professors and the availability of certain facilities, the institute has maintained its reputation through its well-structured curriculum and research prospects. 

Although it has a good brand value for being one of the premier national institutes, students have mentioned online that the institute's staff members are not cooperative. It is also considered to be among the tier 2 colleges in the country. However, the institute has a well-accomplished alumni network that forms testimony to its academic excellence.

The institute is popularly known for its incredible green campus and various features. It is considered one of the best institutes in terms of placement opportunities for specific programs like Computer Science and Engineering, where students are offered high salary packages. Nevertheless, students get the complete experience of being part of NIT at the institute. However, it all comes down to the student's approach to academics and hard work that gets rewarded through various opportunities.

Table of Contents

• Wide Variety of Academic Programs
• Dedicated & Knowledgeable Faculty Members
• Well-Maintained & Modern Infrastructure
• Affordable Hostels Yet Varied Conditions
• Campus Life Vibrant With Unique Experiences
• Impressive Placement Opportunities
• Overall Impression of NIT Jalandhar

Wide Variety of Academic Programs

Like all the NITs, the institute also offers highly acclaimed courses across various Engineering and Allied Sciences disciplines. Additionally, NIT Jalandhar also offers Management programs that have attracted a mass of students. The institute offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs. Some of the top departments at the institute include the following.

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Textile Technology
• Biotechnology
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Humanities and Management.

The engineering programs at the institute are renowned for their focus on emerging technologies in their respective fields. The curriculum is well-curated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts and the required resources students need to perform cutting-edge research. Each discipline's curriculum emphasises theoretical and practical knowledge through projects, guest lectures, workshops and industrial visits.

The institute has a long-standing tradition of producing graduates who excel in diverse areas. It collaborates with industry leaders to give students valuable experience and exposure to real-world applications. Additionally, the institute regularly updates the curriculum and syllabus for each program to reflect the ever-evolving industrial landscape. This ensures that students are well-prepared with updated knowledge and the latest skills required to excel in their respective fields. 

Besides, the institute offers an integrated B.Tech and MBA program in association with IIM Amritsar, through which students can complete their undergraduate degree in the Engineering program and postgraduate degree in Management in one go. Students can opt for the specialisations based on their interests and career plans. However, students must maintain a decent merit to be eligible for this program. 

The institute collaborates with the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) to provide the Integrated Teacher Education Program through which students can obtain B.Sc and B.Ed degrees. Like the other programs, students must appear for the competitive exams and score the minimum marks to be eligible for this course.

The institute also offers Postgraduate Diploma programs across the Engineering disciplines and Master of Science programs in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. It is also famous for the research possibilities in the Engineering fields for those who are interested in higher education and academia. Though there are numerous PhD program specialisations, the following are highly recommended.

• Biotechnology
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Industrial and Production Engineering
• Instrumentation and Control Engineering
• Textile Technology.

The institute provides a stimulating environment for students to evolve and educate themselves through various opportunities. The curriculum encourages students to explore through projects and other practical learning opportunities, which helps them be innovative and polish their problem-solving skills. Moreover, it is up to the students to use the resources and facilities available at the institute to benefit them in building their careers. 

Course Fee Structure

Though NIT Jalandhar's course fees are affordable compared to other private institutes, they are not as low as government universities. The tuition fees depend on various factors, such as the student's family income, category and course level. The institute has fee waivers and relaxations for those who belong to economically underprivileged categories.

The tuition fees for undergraduate students belonging to different categories whose annual family income is below INR 1 lakh are waived. The undergraduate tuition fees for students who belong to other categories are between INR 17,000 and INR 25,000 per semester.

The course fees for postgraduate students range between INR 59,000 and INR 1.14 lakh per semester based on their program type. The tuition fees for doctoral students vary depending on their specialisation and availability.

In addition to the tuition fees, students must pay additional fees for examination, registration, hostel, development, etc. Furthermore, the institute offers a plethora of scholarships based on the merit and category of the students, which can be availed at the time of admission.

Attendance Policy

Students at the institute are advised to maintain 100% attendance in all the theory and practical classes, which benefits them at graduation. However, they must maintain a minimum attendance of 75% in all academic sessions. Failing to do so will result in not being eligible to appear in the final examination.

In addition, such students will receive a 'W' grade in the particular course regardless of their performance. They may also be subjected to disciplinary action based on the low attendance percentage.

Dedicated & Knowledgeable Faculty Members

The institute is generally known for its highly qualified and experienced faculty members dedicated to imparting quality education and guidance to the students. Most professors are PhD holders from reputed universities.

Yet, according to online student reviews, there are a few professors, especially those on contract-basis, who lack the talent and skills to take engaging classes or pass on additional knowledge. They are known to be dictating or just reading from the textbooks during lectures, which makes the classes uninteresting. 

Nonetheless, most professors are highly regarded by their students for their approachability and excitement in expressing themselves. They ensure that every student in their class is thorough with their subjects. Such professors are willing to go the extra mile to explain even complex concepts with ease. These professors highly support and guide students who intend to start their own ventures.

There are comments on online platforms that mention specific professors who have created lasting impressions on their students through their classes and actions. 

The professors in the top courses at the institute are well-experienced in their respective fields, which helps them provide real-world examples and case studies. Most professors are also actively engaged with research and constantly publish papers and journals. They are also well-connected with industry professionals and invite the leaders for guest lectures.

However, most senior and permanent professors tend to be busy with their personal projects and conferences, which makes it difficult for the students to access them. The contractual professors are hired during such times, which creates a dent in students' academic curriculum.

Overall, it can be said that the professors at the institute are a mixed bag of highly impactful and experienced professionals and those who are least interested in providing quality education. Aspirants are advised to connect with the past and present students at the institute pursuing their desired course to learn more about the faculty members in the respective disciplines.

Well-Maintained & Modern Infrastructure

The institute has a beautiful campus on the central city's outskirts. The institute has a green campus across a sprawling 154 acres of land. It has a well-kept campus with academic infrastructure and well-equipped facilities. Though there have been issues with some equipment in certain departments, maintenance and upgradation have been done ever since. Additionally, it is actively making progress in the infrastructure by adding new buildings and facilities.

Based on the students' reviews on online forums, the classrooms for first-year students are not up to the mark, as most of them are old and not adequately lit. However, it is much better than that for second-year students as most of their classrooms are in the newer buildings, with air-conditioning and equipped with audio-visual aids, such as projectors and whiteboards.

Apart from that, almost all the laboratories are well-equipped to match the needs of the curriculum. Yet, according to students, some laboratories, particularly for the Physics and Chemistry disciplines, are in poor condition with no proper maintenance and upgradation. The institute has taken action to rectify these problems and to provide world-class equipment and facilities to enhance the practical learning experience of students. It also has dedicated workshops for the required branches, which enables hands-on training.

The most important feature of the institute's infrastructure is its spectacular library, which houses an extensive collection of books, theses, research papers, journals, and other valuable resources that cater to the diverse academic needs of students from various departments. It also has a good collection of digital resources like online databases that can be accessed through the computer systems present in the library. The library has ample seating areas for large groups of students to read and study peacefully.

The institute has an active sports culture, and to support its various activities, there are several facilities, which include courts and fields for basketball, cricket, football, and badminton. It also has a significant athletics ground. It also has a well-equipped gym to promote physical health. However, there are limited recreational facilities beyond the sports complex. 

A central cafeteria and smaller food stalls are located in various parts of the institute's campus, where food and beverage items from different cuisines are available at affordable prices. Though concerns have been raised regarding the hygiene and quality of the food items, the institute is working on rectifying these issues and enhancing the dining experience. The canteen and food stalls have indoor and outdoor seating areas where students spend their free time with friends. 

Affordable Hostels Yet Varied Conditions

The institute provides on-campus accommodation for boys and girls in separate hostel blocks. Overall, there are five hostels for boys and three hostels for girls. Some of the hostel buildings are older, and some are new. The conditions at the new hostels are much better than that of the older ones. The new hostels have modern facilities and single occupancy rooms, while the older structures have basic amenities and shared rooms. The new hostel rooms are allotted to students in the third year of their course and above. 

All the hostels provide primary facilities and amenities, such as internet connectivity, standard rooms, laundry facilities, and necessary furniture. As mentioned above, the conditions can vary significantly between the older and newer hostels, leading to potential discrepancies in comfort and convenience. However, the hostel fees are relatively low compared to private universities. Additionally, living on campus helps students save time and access the academic and recreational facilities. 

Overall, the institute provides cost-effective and convenient housing facilities for students, fostering a strong sense of community and easy access to various facilities. However, the newly joined students might take some time to adjust to the living conditions and the unavailability of single rooms. Additionally, the institute hostels have strict rules and regulations regarding the curfew timings, external visitors and other matters. 

Timely meals are served thrice a day by separate mess at each hostel. Even though some students have reported occasional hygiene problems, lack of food quality and repetitiveness, the options available cater to different dietary preferences. The students' safety and security are assured by the institute's 24/7 security guards and CCTV surveillance. 

As mentioned, the hostel fees are nominal, though variations depend on the room type and availability of specific amenities. Typically, the semester hostel fees for single rooms are INR 12,000 and INR 9000 for shared rooms. Additionally, there are separate charges for mess, electricity and other amenities. 

As the institute is located further away from the city, there are limited options for private PG and hostel accommodation. Nevertheless, there are over 50 PGs available for both boys and girls in the close vicinity of the institute. The PG rents vary depending on the luxuries, amenities and occupancy of the rooms, and the monthly rent ranges from INR 1500 to INR 8000. 

Campus Life Vibrant With Unique Experiences

The institute offers a vibrant campus experience with numerous extracurricular activities and events. It is an excellent place for students to polish their managerial skills and develop qualities to help them excel in the industry. The institute authorities are highly supportive of the student activities and take great pride in providing ample opportunities and platforms for the students to pursue their interests and passions, along with forming a solid academic foundation. 

Students are primarily responsible for organising events and other activities, which helps them improve their interpersonal and leadership skills. This training is reflected in the number of graduates pursuing their studies in the reputed business schools across the country. 

Apart from the departmental societies, there are various other clubs for students interested in different activities, such as literary and debating, movies, music, arts, drama, dance, photography, etc. Along with the literary and cultural clubs, there are also tech-related clubs. 

The thriving clubs and societies actively organise organisational and technical events and fests where students can participate in competitions and showcase their talents. The institute also conducts annual sports competitions and tournaments, instilling a healthy competitive spirit and encouraging physical activity. 

Although the institute is located on the city's outskirts, students can explore Jalandhar for its mix of traditional charm and modern amenities. They can visit historical sites and markets and indulge in local cuisines during their free time. Those more interested in urban, fast-paced life may be disappointed with rural life.

In short, the institute offers a plethora of opportunities for students to learn, grow and enjoy their college life. There are countless avenues for students to explore their interests, have intellectually stimulating conversations, connect with like-minded people and create long-lasting memories. Adapting to the demanding academic environment and managing time effectively may be challenging, but students are delighted with their experience at the institute. 

Diversity on Campus

In terms of diversity, all national institutes are known for their diverse student population, which consists of students from different regions of the country. NIT Jalandhar is no different from the other institutes regarding diversity and inclusivity. The student body at the institute campus is a blend of various cultures, regions, traditions and personalities, which enriches the campus experience where students can understand various parts of the country.

Though the institute has predominantly male students, the number of female students gradually increases, contributing to a more balanced gender ratio. Additionally, a few international students on campus promote global exposure as well.

While the fees at the institute are considerably lower than those at private institutions, there is a lack of students from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds, which creates an economic disparity within the student body. Also, there have been incidents where students from minority communities, like LGBTQI+, face challenges due to social stigma and inadequate support from the campus community. 

Nonetheless, the institute is working towards a more accepting and inclusive space where all students are treated equally, regardless of their cultural, regional or socioeconomic background.

Dress Code

The institute has no defined uniform or strict dress code, but the students are expected to dress appropriately for the classes and other academic sessions. Students are restricted from wearing revealing or disruptive attire, which includes short skirts/dresses, shorts, sleeveless tops, ripped jeans, and clothing items that are ripped or have offensive language.

Students must dress in a way that aligns with the institute's reputation and respect the region in which the institute is situated. 

Impressive Placement Opportunities

Thanks to its brand value, NIT Jalandhar has a stellar reputation for providing successful placement opportunities for students, which makes it consistently ranked among the top institutes in the country. Students are offered several high-paying jobs by reputed companies across various industries and sectors. The institute has achieved a 100% placement rate through the years, where eligible students across all branches are offered relevant and successful jobs. 

Based on previous trends, branches like Computer Science, Electronics and Communication and Mechanical Engineering have consistently witnessed significant placements from industry-leading companies.

The institute's strong academic curriculum, which includes all the relevant topics and updated information, allows students to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen industry, making them more attractive to potential employers. 

The institute's collaborations and partnerships with the industry also help students gain more exposure, giving them hands-on learning experiences. According to the previous year's placement records, the highest salary package offered to graduates was INR 44 LPA, and the average CTC was INR 11.87.

Overall Impression of NIT Jalandhar

In conclusion, NIT Jalandhar offers a compelling academic atmosphere with a solid curriculum, impressive placement opportunities and a dynamic campus environment that helps students' overall development. Apart from some inconsistencies in the quality of professors, infrastructure maintenance and limited exposure to urban life, students have a wholesome experience with the added benefits of gaining the NIT tag that assures them a bright future.

Moreover, students are advised to connect with past and present students to learn more about the courses and career prospects in the field of their choice. Additionally, they must be well-prepared to survive in a highly competitive atmosphere where almost all the students thrive academically and intellectually. They must also be ready to work hard and utilise the reutilise and facilities available at the institute to create a successful career in their desired field. 

Some pros and cons of joining NIT Jalandhar are enumerated below for a better understanding of the institute.

*Source: nitjofficial Instagram & www.nitj.ac.in