GetMyUni's Verdict on IISER Kolkata

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“While it can be challenging, obtaining education from IISER Kolkata is a rewarding experience with its strong emphasis on Scientific research, world-class facilities and enriching academic environment.”

Nobody needs any introduction to the IISERs in the country as they are considered among the elite Science institutes in the country. It is the dream of all students who aspire to pursue a career as a Scientist. IISER Kolkata stands true to these achievements with its well-curated curriculum, top-notch professors and world-class facilities. The true testimony to its excellence is its illustrious alumni network, which is among the most prestigious universities in the world. 

One of the few disadvantages of being a student at IISER Kolkata is its absolute grading system, which is different from the relative grading system in its counterparts. To counter this, one of the best things about the institute is the major and minor degree after graduation, which is absent in the other institutes. It has a strong focus on research and provides students with several opportunities to pursue cutting-edge research in the scientific fields. 

Besides, the institute is located in a beautiful setting, which gives students a serene learning environment. Yet, the academic workload and competitiveness among the students may be taxing to some. At the same time, graduating from the institute holds a specific reputation, which cannot be attained from the other universities in the country.

Table of Contents

• Elite Academics in Scientific Fields
• Top-Tier Professors
• World-Class Infrastructure
• Clean & Comfortable Hostels
• Dynamic Campus Life
• Fluctuating Placements
• Final Verdict on IISER Kolkata

Elite Academics in Scientific Fields

IISERs are renowned for their academic excellence in the Science fields. Even though the courses offered by the institute are limited, all programs are well-designed to include relevant concepts and topics to form a strong foundation.

The admission to the programs offered is tedious and done through a combined entrance examination, and the students are allotted seats based on their performance in the qualifying examinations. Hence, the student body consists of the most intellectually talented students in the country. 

With its rigorous academic curriculum, some students find it challenging to cope with the fast-paced environment where one student is more intellectually stimulated than the other. The courses are well-structured and consist of interesting subjects that are exciting for those who are passionate about Science.

All programs consist of equal emphasis on theoretical knowledge, research projects and practical experience. This helps the students to gain ample skills and experience to excel in their respective fields.

As mentioned above, the courses offered by the institute are limited yet distinctive. It offers 5-year Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS) dual degree programs at the undergraduate level. Its primary focus is on postgraduate and doctoral-level degree programs with various options.

As previously mentioned, the institute is renowned for its research-level academic excellence, and therefore, there are numerous doctoral and post-doctoral programs available at the institute. Additionally, it also offers an integrated doctoral program, which is a combination of a Master of Science (MS) and a research program.

The prominent programs offered by the institute, along with the majors, are as follows.

• BS-MS Dual Degree in Biological/ Chemical/ Geological/ Mathematical/ Physical Sciences
• Master of Science (MS) in Chemical and Mathematical Sciences
• MS in Space Physics.
• Integrated PhD in Biological/ Chemical/ Geological/ Mathematical/ Physical Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biological/ Chemical/ Geological/ Physical/ Mathematical/ Geological/ Space Sciences
• PhD in Computational and Data Sciences/ Humanities and Social Sciences
• Post Doctoral Research in Biological/ Chemical/ Geological/ Physical/ Mathematical/ Geological/ Space Sciences
• Post Doctoral Research in Computational and Data Sciences/ Humanities and Social Sciences.

Overall, the institute offers comprehensive academic programs with several possibilities for research. Students are encouraged to dive deeper into the Scientific subjects and are allowed to tailor their course programs according to their interests.

Course Fee Structure

The course fees at the institute vary according to the courses and the categories of the students. There are fee relaxations for those who belong to underprivileged categories, like SC/ ST/ PWD. As the institute updates the fee structure frequently, the year of admission also matters. 

According to the previous year’s fee structure, the course fees for BS-MS and the first two years of the integrated PhD program are INR 49,496 for general category students and INR 9082 for SC/ST/PWD categories. The semestrial fees for MS programs are INR 38,290 for General and INR 1550 for the other categories. The course fees for the final 3 years of PhD programs are INR 32,732 and INR 8532, respectively.

The consolidated course fees include fees for the semester registration fee, tuition fee, recreational fees, lab and computer facilities charges, and examination fees. In addition to that, students also have to pay the hostel charges per semester. To ensure all deserving students have access to quality education regardless of their financial situation, the institute also offers merit and need-based scholarships.

Attendance Policy

The institute mandates students to maintain a minimum attendance of 70% in every subject. Failing to do so will result in debarring from appearing in the final examination.

Top-Tier Professors

According to the students, the professors at IISER-K are among the best in the country’s academia and are famous for their research works worldwide. All the professors at the institute have doctoral and post-doctoral degrees from reputed institutes around the world.

In other words, the institute has the most qualified and esteemed professors. Not only are they experts in their respective fields, but the professors are also easily approachable and ready to clarify doubts even after their sessions.

Apart from their academic experience, the professors are also known to be extremely friendly and open to discussions regarding the students’ interests and innovative ideas. They are equally good at the theoretical and practical aspects of the courses.

As they are well-connected, the professors invite industry leaders and experts in the fields to give guest lectures, workshops and seminars, which help students gain valuable insights and real-world experience. 

Most of the professors at the institute are actively involved in research projects, and they encourage their students to participate in the same, which provides students with a hands-on learning experience. They employ various teaching methods, which makes their classes more engaging and interactive.

In short, the professors at the institute are the academic pillars who help the students form a concrete foundation for their further studies and research, and also in their overall development. They are highly experienced, well-qualified individuals who nurture their students and support them throughout their research projects.

World-Class Infrastructure

Spread across a vast area of land, the institute has a modern infrastructure that consists of state-of-the-art research facilities to support the academic activities of its students and professors. Apart from its modern facilities, the institute as a lush green campus with serene surroundings that give students a refreshing and rejuvenated academic atmosphere.

The classrooms at the institute are a blend of traditional and modern features that are well-equipped with audio-visual aids, like whiteboards, projectors and computer systems for enhanced interactive learning. The spacious classrooms consist of old-school desks and benches as well as single chairs and can accommodate large groups of students.

Apart from the traditional classrooms, the institute also has well-established virtual classrooms that enable the transmission of interactive lectures from various parts of the world.

The institute has well-designed laboratories that are equipped with modern machines, devices and technology that allow students to have a well-rounded practical learning experience. The institute also has dedicated research laboratories with sophisticated equipment catering to different specialisations and areas. These modern facilities also attract renowned researchers and scientists to perform cutting-edge research.

The central library at the institute houses an extensive collection of books, magazines, journals, theses, research papers, and old questionnaires. The library also serves as a documentation and information centre for research. Apart from the printed resources, the library also has a vast collection of electronic resources, such as e-books, e-journals, etc., along with a multitude of online databases. The library is spacious and has comfortable seating areas where students can spend hours reading and learning peacefully. 

The institute also has all the sports facilities that are available in the premier central institutes of the country. It consists of large courts and fields for football, cricket, badminton, volleyball, basketball and a swimming pool. The indoor sports facilities include table tennis tables, squash courts, and other facilities. The institute also has a vast athletic track and a well-equipped gymnasium for fitness enthusiasts.

The central canteen at the institute has a variety of food and beverages available at affordable prices. The canteens are hygienic and have multi-cuisine food items. 

Overall, the institute has a remarkable infrastructure that caters to the diverse needs of its students with various facilities for academic, research and recreational activities. Though there are a few areas that require maintenance and renovation, these drawbacks are negligible. The institute truly stands for its world-class facilities and infrastructure.

Clean & Comfortable Hostels

The institute primarily consists of three hostels, that are for boys, girls and both. The hostel allotment is done based on the course of the students and is separated by wings for the different genders. The hostels are equipped with high speed internet connectivity, well-furnished with separate beds, desks, cupboards and chairs for each individual. 

The first-year students are allotted rooms in the newer hostel, which is well-maintained and clean. As the older hostels are of traditional architecture, they might seem dirty, but the hostel staff is said to clean the rooms and common areas regularly. Other facilities available at the hostels include laundry facilities, hot-water geysers, attached bathrooms, water coolers, etc.

The rooms are primarily well-lit and ventilated, and the sharing type depends on the student’s courses. The BS-MS students are allocated double occupancy rooms, and the PhD students are provided with single occupancy rooms. However, the institute does not provide housing facilities for post-doctoral students. 

Various facilities, such as student-run canteen, stationery shops, photostat rooms, saloons, refreshment facilities, etc., are available in the middle of the hostels, which are open till midnight. These areas double as a hangout space and group discussion space for students.

There are no strict rules and regulations imposed on students that allow them to move freely and access the academic facilities in the institute. Nonetheless, the safety and security of the students at the hostels are assured by the 24/7 security guards placed at all gates and CCTV cameras.

Timely meals are served hygienically through the mess facilities in the separate dining areas in each hostel.

The hostel fees at the institute are relatively lower. The hostel charges per semester include room rent, electricity and water charges, and mess charges, which are INR 1500, INR 500 and INR 5532, respectively. Students must pay a sum of INR 7532 per semester.

As the institute is a fully residential campus, students are mandated to stay in the hostels as full-time boarders. Thus, there are no PGs and private hostels available near the institute. 

Dynamic Campus Life

Though it is an academically challenging environment, the institute offers a vibrant campus experience where students have various scopes to grow both professionally and personally. Some numerous student-led clubs and societies provide students with a platform to pursue their interests and hobbies in different areas. The institute also organises annual cultural fests and Science events where students can showcase their innovations, creative ideas and talents. 

In terms of clubs and societies, there are more than ample clubs involved in various activities, ranging from cultural and literary groups to tech-related and sports clubs. These clubs are available for those who are interested in music, dance, drama, literature, photography, astrophysics, mathematics, sports, etc.

The clubs also organise different events and competitions that invoke interpersonal and leadership skills, which helps students to become well-rounded professionals. Additionally, these clubs allow students to interact with like-minded individuals and create long-lasting relationships.

The institute conducts annual cultural and Science fests where the other IISERs come together to participate in competitions and events. These programs provide students with the opportunity to create networks among the other institutes as well. The institute also conducts inter-college sports competitions and tournaments. 

However, it is up to the students to strike a fine balance between their academics and extracurricular activities. Additionally, there is limited access to urban life as the institute is located on the outskirts of the city. But in general, students are satisfied with their campus experience, which is a blend of academic excellence, different extracurricular activities and a diverse student body.

Diversity on Campus

As it is one of the premier institutes for Science in the country, its student body consists of students from all parts of the country. Along with that, the institute has also seen an increasing number of international students over the years. This regional diversity within the institute provides students with exposure to various cultures, languages and traditions, broadening their horizons.

Various festivals are celebrated on campus, which provides students with exposure to cultural diversity. 

The institute is generous in terms of its scholarship and financial support programs, which help students from different socioeconomic backgrounds access quality education. This also contributes to the diversity in the institute. It also has a dedicated SC/ ST cell to ensure all students get equal opportunities regardless of their category, socioeconomic status, region, etc. 

While the institute has an inclusive and welcoming environment, the gender gap persists due to the lesser number of female students in the Science field. However, the institute has taken numerous initiatives in the past to create awareness and reach students from different parts of the country. 

Dress Code

The institute does not have a defined uniform, nor does it have a strict dress code for its students. Nonetheless, students are expected to wear respectable attire appropriate to the academic environment. As it is, there are no particular rules imposed on the students in terms of clothing, but they are refrained from wearing revealing or disruptive clothing. Students must wear formal attire for academic and official events.

Fluctuating Placements

Even though the institute has a solid academic reputation, it is not reflected in its placement records, as only a few of its graduates are offered good job opportunities. According to the previous year’s records, only 39 out of 199 BS graduates received placement offers from reputed companies. The lack of reasonable placement offers may be due to the overall economic scenario and the lack of proper training. 

Students at the institute are more focused on pursuing their higher education in research and academia. Based on the previous year’s records, the median salary package of INR 7 LPA was offered to BS graduates. Students were placed across various sectors, such as Research and Development, Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology and many more. Some of the top recruiters of the institute are as follows.

• CSIR
• IISc Bangalore
• Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
• Spectral Insights
• National Centre for Biological Sciences
• National University of Singapore.

Nevertheless, the presence of the institute’s alumni in top universities across the globe ensures a promising future for students in the research and academic fields. The international universities where students who have graduated from the institute are present are listed below.

• Caltech
• Oxford University
• University of Michigan
• Yale University
• Cambridge University
• Columbia University.

Final Verdict on IISER Kolkata

It can be concluded that IISER Kolkata is an ideal institute for those who aspire to pursue a successful career in the field of Scientific research or as scientists, as it provides ample opportunities, necessary resources and required facilities for students to perform cutting-edge research.

It is one of the most prestigious institutes in the country and, therefore, holds a specific value. It must be remembered that the institute has a vigorous filtering process for admission, which is difficult to crack, and a demanding academic environment awaits the students.

Moreover, students are advised to connect with the institute’s alumni and Science experts to learn the possibilities of pursuing their education at IISER K. Rest assured, it is among the top institutes in terms of its modern and updated infrastructure, and highly qualified faculty members.

Some of the pros and cons of IISER Kolkata, as mentioned by its students on online platforms, are as follows.

*Source: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata Facebook