GetMyUni's Verdict on IIT Goa

Pratiki Patra

“IIT Goa has etched its name at the top of the list of newer IITs. It has delivered fantastic results in placements, infrastructure, and academic excellence. The only thing that bothers the students is its temporary campus.”

IIT Goa took shape as the government decided to expand the number of top-tier technology institutes in the country to provide greater opportunities. Among the newer generation of a pool of IITs, the institute started operations in 2016. In such a short span of 8 years, the institute has made its mark on the technological education in the country. 

Students often hesitate to opt for the newer Indian Institute of Technology. However, in the case of IIT Goa, it is a different picture. Students show an increased willingness to opt for it, given the significant year-on-year growth it has shown, especially when it comes to placements. 

While most of its capabilities are commendable, the major criticism and dissatisfaction IIT Goa has received from the students is regarding its temporary campus. 8 years down the line, it is yet to shift to its permanent location. This severely hampers the students' enthusiasm, as is evident from the student's organic reviews on various online platforms. With that, there are also a few lacking facilities in terms of infrastructure. However, seeing the growth and commitment of the administration, students are hopeful that their queries and concerns will soon be addressed for a better academic experience.

Table of Contents

• First-Rate Education
• Highly Knowledgeable Faculties
• Sophisticated Infrastructure
• Agreeable Hostel Facilities
• Commendable Placements
• Thrilling Campus Life
• Is IIT Goa Worth it?

First-Rate Education

IIT Goa has been standing tall in proving its brand value when it comes to education. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees. These degrees are offered mainly in the fields of technology and science. As mentioned earlier, the admission process is challenging and competitive. Aspirants must crack one of the most difficult exams and secure top marks to be called for counselling. Many of the aspirants prepare for IIT JEE for years to crack it. Hence, getting admitted here is a matter of honour. 

The curriculum for any course at IIT Goa has been carefully crafted by experts in the respective fields. Apart from the regular textbook materials and lessons, the focus also lies on learning from practical experience and methods. The professors weigh in equal importance to theoretical and practical lessons. Since subjects are mostly technology-based courses, practical lessons are paramount.

The courses are reviewed and revised regularly. Any new topics or outdated ones are added or removed respectively. Thus keeping the students abreast. The most popular program of the Indian Institute of Technology, Goa, is B.Tech, followed by M.Tech and PhD. The number of seats for B.Tech is the highest. The number of seats is allotted according to government norms.

The academic life of the students is intimidating. The credit system followed by the institution takes into account the students' attendance and performance in class lectures, tutorials, practicals, surprise tests and many more. In addition, the students are given assignments to be completed on time. Such is the academic pressure.

It also is worth mentioning that the institute admits some of the brightest students in the country. Naturally, there is a lot of competition among the students, which is palpable. This also adds to the students' lives, where everybody wants to excel. 

With every renowned institution comes a collaborative effort from various institutions to add value to the students in a mutual exchange of ideas. IIT Goa is no different in this. Over the years, the institute has collaborated with various organisations and institutions to help students gain substantial knowledge. Some of these collaborations are as follows:

• Brest Metropole, France
• The Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science, Portugal
• ECOLE NAVALE / French Naval Academy GOA-Atlantic cooperation programme
• CSIR- National Institute of Oceanography (NIO Goa)

While B.Tech and M.Tech are the flagship programs, the research department makes equal efforts to provide the best facilities and inputs. Many newly installed instruments have also helped advance the research centres’ studies.

Expensive Course Fees

Studying at IIT Goa will require a significant amount of money. Even though it is a government institution, the course fees are high due to its maintenance and other purposes. For example, pursuing a B.Tech will cost around INR 8,00,000, while M.Tech will cost around INR 1,00,000. To mitigate the fees, several scholarships are granted by the management based on merit and socio-economic criteria. There are also scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students. 

Highly Knowledgeable Faculties

Professors at the Indian Institute of Technology, Goa, are highly knowledgeable and hold significant years of experience in varied fields. Furthermore, they are actively engaged in research and are constantly connected with the current developments in the industry. Their works have been published in reputed journals, newspapers, magazines, research publications, etc.

The faculties are often invited to seminars and conferences to share their insights and ideas in their respective fields. The faculty members also undergo rigorous training programs to master their craft of teaching and research to deliver the optimum result.

The professors employ various distinct teaching methods to keep the lectures interesting. This also helps the students understand complex problems easily and quickly. The faculties also devise various problems to challenge the young minds and foster an environment of critical thinking that keeps the ideas flowing. 

Even with such a reputation, the professors are humble and polite. They are supportive of the students and patient in listening to the students' queries and addressing them immediately. While some professors are strict in their approach, some are very friendly. Nonetheless, neither of these comes in the way of teaching. Many faculty members mentor the students, helping them groom them effectively.

Sophisticated Infrastructure

While IIT Goa continues to operate from its temporary campus, it has built extensive hi-tech infrastructure encompassing an array of fields. The classrooms feature modern equipment such as smart boards, projectors, etc. It is made in an auditorium style, so students have an unobstructed view. While the classrooms are well-equipped, often they are less spacious, and students are left feeling cramped. Although, there is an excellent air-conditioning system installed to beat the scorching heat of Goa. 

The central library hosts a collection of books, journals, periodicals, newspapers, magazines, and many more. It is available online and offline. Students spend a decent amount of time at the library working on their projects, assignments, etc. Each department has its laboratory as per the requirements. Hence, there is no clash or clamouring concerning the instruments.

Moreover, the instruments are well-maintained, and they rarely malfunction. The lab assistants are also very helpful in nature, making it easier for the students to use the laboratories. The internet connectivity is robust on the campus. In addition, the sports complex is well developed, with many facilities such as badminton courts, basketball, etc. The sports facilities are equally well-maintained like the rest of the campus. 

There is a dedicated cafeteria serving a plethora of food options. Students are satisfied with the variety and quality of food. The items on the menu are reasonably priced for the students and staff alike. In addition, there is a facility for a night canteen to satisfy late-night hunger pangs of students. Furthermore, medical facilities, banks, and transportation are available for everyone to use it well. The campus is lined with CCTVs, ensuring all-round safety and security for everyone. 

Agreeable Hostel Facilities

IIT Goa offers residential facilities to boys and girls. The hostels, including the mess advances, are nominally charged at around INR 11,000. The hostels are clean and hygienic, with ample sanitary facilities. The rooms are available on a double-sharing basis and include all amenities such as beds, mattresses, chairs, tables, wardrobes, lights, etc. Students prefer staying in the campus hostel as the facilities are good and save commuting time.

The hostel has provided students with few recreational facilities such as board games, carroms, television, etc. There are no issues of power outages or water shortages. The premises are safe and secure with strict security measures 24x7. However, students have noted on various online forums the strict rules and regulations that must be followed inside the premises. While these rules provide security measures, they can often frustrate the students.

Commendable Placements

As mentioned earlier, IIT Goa has been most successful in delivering notable placement records. Top companies like Microsoft, Google, etc., visit the campus to recruit. Moreover, the placement cell actively arranges training and soft skill development sessions to ensure higher hiring numbers. These help the students to brush up their professional skills and prepare them for the upcoming recruitment process.

While the highest package last year stood at INR 60 LPA, the average package for B.Tech was INR 17,19,000, and for M.Tech was INR 10,68,000. While, indeed, for B.Tech, the compensation offered was good, the same cannot be said for M.Tech. For M.Tech, there should be more focus on improving the average package. Given the commitment of the administration to enhance results from the previous years, there is hope for the coming years to improve the placement package.

Thrilling Campus Life

With numerous assignments, tests, lectures, and lab work, students are always on their toes, rushing to complete one or the other. In short, their life is busy. While it sounds intimidating and exhausting, and rightly so, it only prepares the students for the fast-paced professional life. Although, this does not result in monotonous campus life. In fact, life at IIT Goa is anything but boring. Various fests and events, be they cultural or sports-related, are celebrated throughout the year. Giving students ample opportunities to explore multiple facets of student life.

Moreover, there are several student-led clubs such as photography club, music, dance, dramatics, and many more that the students can join to learn a new skill, brush up on their own, or simply enjoy a hobby. The annual fest ‘Culturang’ is the most awaited event for the year. Several colleges and universities participate in the fest for a few days, creating a vibrant environment. Many events and competitions are held in this fest. 

There is a fair share of diversity among the students. Since admission is based on the national-level entrance exam, pupils from all parts of the country are admitted. Moreover, there is also a healthy share of marginalised and minority students. Though the number of female students is less than that of males, it is better than many other colleges or universities. 

Rules and Dress Code

One must follow many rules and regulations on campus to maintain the decorum of the institution. While some are strict, others are lenient. The authorities are stringent in maintaining the attendance policy for students. The institute expects a 100% attendance record; otherwise, 80% attendance is permitted only on medical grounds. Failing to maintain the attendance record will invite disciplinary action. 

Students are not required to adhere to any dress code or uniform on campus. They can wear them as they wish, maintaining the decorum. However, on special or formal occasions, where students are to wear any particular dress code, they are informed in advance so that they can prepare accordingly.

Is IIT Goa Worth it?

The answer to the above question is that IIT Goa is worth the student’s time, effort and rigour. Getting selected itself is a matter of honour. Years of hard work, sleepless nights, and concern about exams and assignments all make it worth the value it provides. When one graduates, one is genuinely transformed personally and professionally. 

From education and professors to the facilities, all are top-notch. Rarely do the students complain about it. The bond they forge with their fellow students with an unmatched, exciting campus life is never forgotten. Indian Institute of Technology Goa offers students many opportunities to grow and cultivate new skills. Not to forget its notable placement record and training. All in all, IIT Goa presents a unique opportunity for students to explore and reap its benefits.

Here is a quick look at the pros and cons of Indian Institute of Technology Goa:

*Source: iitgoaofficial Instagram