GetMyUni's Verdict on IISER Bhopal

Pratiki Patra

“With excellent academics, expert faculties and equally commendable placements and infrastructure, IISER, Bhopal, has become an ideal place for budding researchers.”

For anyone aiming for a career in research, IISER, Bhopal, provides an ideal ground. Established in the year 2008, the institute has been recognised as nationally necessary. One of its main agenda is to provide unmatched research facilities. And it stands true to its aim.  It can easily be said that once the students step inside IISER, Bhopal, they are changed for the better. There is no looking back.

However, to get into it, students need to achieve a decent rank in the toughest of exams in India. The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research has installed some of the most advanced technologies to facilitate research. Looking at the placement scenario, it has been consistent in delivering the top-notch placement record. 

Table of Contents

• Top-Notch Academics
• Erudite Faculties
• Advanced Infrastructure 
• Plush Hostels
• Great Placement Record 
• Exciting Campus Life
• Is IISER, Bhopal, Worth it?

Top-Notch Academics

IISER, Bhopal, offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These are provided in the fields of Sciences, Economic Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and many more. It goes without saying that the curriculum has been designed meticulously for each of the courses. It has been designed by experts in the field to incorporate the most recent developments and subjects. Hence, students are getting the most benefit from it.

The rapport between the juniors and seniors is excellent. Therefore, there is a continuous exchange of ideas among the students. Primarily, students who are inclined towards science are admitted to the Indian Institution of Science and Education Research. There are a few compulsory subjects that the students have to read in the first year. From the second year onwards, there are subject choices. The quality of academics is at par with the reputed institutions like the IIT, IISc and many more. Hence, there is no question of compromise in it.

As mentioned above, getting into IISER, Bhopal is one of the most challenging jobs. Students either need to crack the aptitude test organised by the IISER or the JEE exam. They need to score a decent rank to be able to take part in the counselling process and subsequently choose their branches. After the commencement of the courses, students need to equally put in effort like before to pass the exams.

Being an institution with such a high reputation, it is only fair that the internal exams are tough. The exams are organised timely. Apart from exams, there are other class assignments and regular tests that are conducted to continuously evaluate the students.

Erudite Faculties

Professors at IISER, Bhopal, are chosen carefully. All the faculties hold quite a lot of experience before joining here. Not only this, they have obtained higher studies degrees like Ph.D. that give them a deeper understanding of the subject. They use innovative techniques to make the lectures enriching and enjoyable at the same time.

In renowned institutions like IISER, the classes are not just within the perimeter of theory. Instead, it goes beyond the theoretical aspect. It ignites a curiosity among students that naturally results in an interactive learning experience. Students are continuously encouraged to think beyond the ordinary and push the bar of innovation.

The faculty members also act as mentors for the students. Having a supportive mentor changes a lot for a particular student. Proper guidance from the mentor can enable the students to realise their potential and goals and work towards them.

The professors at the institution are personally engaged in various activities in their respective fields. These can include conducting research, arranging seminars and conferences, etc. Many faculty members also get invited to various institutions across the globe for lectures and workshops.

Affordable Fees

IISER, Bhopal, being a government institution, has affordable fees. For a 3-year graduation course, students need to pay around INR 3,34,000 for 3 years, and for the research program, students need INR 1,20,000 for 3 years.

Considering all the superior facilities that the institution provides, the fees are very reasonable. However, since students from various backgrounds are admitted, some may find it difficult to pay. Therefore, IISER offers multiple scholarships that the students can avail of to ease their financial burden for the course fees.

Advanced Infrastructure

IISER, Bhopal, being an institution of national importance, receives a great deal of funding from the government. These funds have been used wisely and extensively to build state-of-the-art infrastructure. The classrooms at the institution are spacious and consist of intelligent classes, projectors, and other necessities. Thereby, students get an all-round experience.

The central library hosts an impressive amount of books, journals, research papers, periodicals, faculty publications, newspapers, and many more such valuable resources. It is available both online and offline. It also hosts the Centre for Archives and Digitization.

The entire premise has robust internet connectivity, which is an essential part of academics and other administrative work. There is a computer centre with the latest applications. With the establishment of the e-classroom, collaboration and e-learning, including work-based learning and assessment, have been easy now. This helps both students centred in remote locations, and teachers at various places connect and exchange ideas through lectures seamlessly.

Being a research-based institution, IISER, Bhopal, has one of the most advanced research facilities. It includes numerous machines, equipment, laboratories, etc., that are instrumental in carrying out precise results. From time to time, these research results are also published in various journals.

In addition to this, there are centres of excellence catering to a particular field, like the Centre for Science and Society, Medical Science and Engineering Research (MEDSER), etc., that conduct focused research on that area. With so much research being undertaken simultaneously, various patents are registered from time to time by the institutions. 

Furthermore, there is a health centre for students and staff, transportation facilities, a visitor's hostel and more that make it a top-tier institution. The institute also houses an array of sports facilities, like badminton, basketball, football, cricket, gymkhana, and many more, to keep the students entertained.

The campus also has canteen facilities. Students get a lot of variety of food options in the canteen. Although, the quality of the food is not excellent. Apart from the canteen, the campus also houses two coffee shops, a shopping centre, an ideation hut, and brain space.

Plush Hostels

IISER, Bhopal, is a residential institution. This means that students have to mandatorily take the hostels. There are a total of 7 hostels on campus for boys and girls. The hostels are equipped with plush amenities and have all the facilities needed to conduct daily activities smoothly. Some of these facilities are cot, table, chair, almira, study lamp, elevator, etc. 

One thing must be noted about the hostels. Some various rules and regulations must be followed by the students. While the rules are put in place for the student's benefit, some rules create a hindrance. For example, the time of the hostel is 10 PM sharp. For this, many students have expressed their dissatisfaction with various online portals. The hostel fees, though, are slightly expensive. It costs approximately INR 92,300 to INR 98,800 yearly.

Great Placement Record

IISER, Bhopal, has been consistently upholding commendable placement records over the years. Only top recruiters visit the campus for recruitment. Since the institution is a seat for the brightest students, all the companies are eager to hire from IISER. The placement cell is responsible for the proper functioning of the recruitment process.

The placement cell also trains the students in various soft skill developments, interview and group discussion skills, etc. It also apprises and invites the companies for recruitment purposes. One thing has to be kept in mind. While the placements are a successful affair, many students opt for higher education. For that as well, the students receive all the support from the institution. 

Exciting Campus Life

The campus life at IISER, Bhopal, is full of enthusiasm and cheerfulness. Even though the academic part is full of rigour, which leaves no time in the student's hands, they still enjoy their best years at the campus with all the laughter and eagerness. There are various college fests and events that the students can participate in. They can also enrol themselves in multiple clubs as per their interests. Sports activities are a regular affair, and students are actively encouraged to participate. 

Since, the admission is based on an entrance test, students from across India take admission, who belong to various cultures. Hence, the students get to see and participate in a lot of cultural diversity and learn from each other. However, the same cannot be said with regard to the gender ratio. Few students have pointed out that male students outnumber significantly as compared to female students. Such disparity in the student ratio must be addressed.

There is no specific dress code or uniform system that the students need to abide by. However, particular rules and regulations are required to be followed strictly. Overall, the campus premises are tightly monitored for any unwarranted activities. Hence, it makes for a safe and secure campus.

Is IISER, Bhopal, Worth it?

If one can crack the toughest of exams, then IISER makes for one of the best institutions in the country. With its impeccable courses and research facilities, coupled with advanced technologies and exceptional placement record, this institution is setting an example of an ideal academic environment.

Here's a look at the pros and cons of IISER, Bhopal:

*Source: iiserb.ac.in