GetMyUni's Verdict on IIT Guwahati

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“Despite its newer status among the IITs, IIT Guwahati upholds academic excellence and innovation, fostering a dynamic and diverse campus community while maintaining vital placement records.”

As it is one of the premier institutes in the country, it is needless to say that IIT Guwahati is a highly regarded institution with a solid academic reputation and excellent career opportunities to offer. Though IITG is a relatively new institute, it shares a similar importance with the old IITs. Apart from the national attention and access to top-notch facilities, the institute is a dream institution for those who aim to achieve excellence in engineering. 

Nonetheless, like all institutions, IITG has negative aspects as well, such as strict administration, comparatively inexperienced professors, and location. The management imposed certain limitations on facilities, such as the internet connection, where students could access the institute's Wi-Fi for a certain period only. However, there has been a relaxation in such rules in recent years.

Even though the institute is not at par with its contemporaries, students have a wholesome academic and campus experience in the institute with the availability of expanding their horizons in terms of career as well as their personalities. Located beside the mighty Brahmaputra River, the IITG campus is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Table of Contents

• Well-Rounded Educational Experience
• Seasoned and Amiable Professors
• Cutting-Edge Infrastructure
• Individual Accommodation Facilities
• Enriching and Rewarding Campus Life
• Rising Trend in Placement Records
• Final Verdict on IIT Guwahati

Well-Rounded Educational Experience

It is common knowledge that getting admission to an IIT is one of the best things to happen to a student’s academic future. IITG offers popular and sought-after courses, consistently receiving high praise from students and educational experts for its rigorous academic curriculum.

Almost all the top companies in the world have alumni from the institute. However, the quality of courses the institute offers differs according to the resources and faculties in charge of the subjects. The institute offers more than 150 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses in various disciplines, including Engineering, Design, and Science programs.

Among the primary courses provided by the institute are the Engineering programs in different streams. The institute has been ranked among the top 10 institutes nationally and internationally for specific programs in the Engineering field for the curriculums and academic opportunities. 

The courses offered by the institute include Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech), Bachelor of Design (B.Des), Master of Technology (M.Tech) and Master of Science (M.Sc) programs. Apart from that, the institute also has PhD programs available in all departments. 

The highly regarded departments at IITG for academic excellence and successful placement records are as follows.

• Computer Science and Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Biosciences & Bioengineering
• Mathematics & Computing
• Design.

Besides the programs mentioned above, the institute encourages students to pursue interdisciplinary courses by allowing them to choose their subjects from different disciplines along with their specialisation. Also, the institute offers courses with a unique blend of two fields that help students build a strong foundation for careers in academia, research and other industries that rely on multidisciplinary techniques. The institute is also renowned for its resources and facilities for PhD programs with specialisations in different fields. 

Relatively Higher Tuition Fee

The course fees for different programs offered at IIT Guwahati are comparatively higher than the other institutions in the country. Even after the challenging admission process wholly based on the student's merit, they have to pay a hefty amount as tuition fees per year, with additional costs for exams, hostels and other facilities.

The average annual tuition fees for B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc and PhD programs fall at INR 2,19,250, INR 63,850, INR 63,350 and INR 63,850, respectively. The examination fee per semester for all courses is INR 350.

To make it easier for students from economically weaker sections, the institute offers financial assistance through scholarships, which can be availed based on merit.

Seasoned and Amiable Professors

The institute has top-tier professors in every discipline who are highly educated and experienced in their respective fields. According to the students, the professors are friendly and knowledgeable enough to clarify their doubts regarding the subjects, even outside the syllabus. However, there are exceptions, like all institutes. Most professors are easily approachable and dedicated to imparting their knowledge to the students.

The professors are very supportive of the students and ever ready to help them in their academic pursuits. Students have shared memorable experiences of attending the best classes conducted by top professors, especially in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and other Engineering departments. The specific subjects taught by the professors have made a remarkable impact on the students, making them pursue these topics for research and higher education.

Almost all the professors at the institute are PhD holders from top universities around the world with solid research records. Many of these professors are active researchers and have also published extensively in their fields. Additionally, faculty members who have worked in the industry share their real-world experience, which helps students be updated and in touch with the evolving activities in the field.

Overall, the professors of IITG are a valuable asset to the institute, who play a vital role in providing students with world-class education. Their passion for teaching and expertise in the subjects contribute immensely to the academic and professional growth of the students.

Cutting-Edge Infrastructure

IITG is situated in the picturesque hills of Guwahati Assam, and the infrastructure boasts a harmonious blend of modern architecture and natural beauty. The institute is designed to foster a vibrant learning environment and provide students with the necessary resources to excel in their studies and extracurricular activities. The campus comprises well-equipped academic infrastructure, research facilities, a sports complex and recreational spaces.

The academic buildings at the institute are modern, with state-of-the-art facilities in classrooms, lectures and laboratories. The spacious classrooms at the institute are air-conditioned and well-equipped with modern facilities to cater to the interactive learning environment. 

The laboratories have cutting-edge equipment and facilities, enabling the students to conduct hands-on experiments and enhance their practical learning experience in their respective fields of study. The institute has several intensive research laboratories and centres with modern technologies to provide researchers with the resources to conduct groundbreaking research in various scientific fields. 

The central library at IITG is well-stocked in the country, with a good collection of books, journals and digital resources catering to the diverse needs of students and professors. The library provides a range of services, including photocopying, scanning and interlibrary loan. Students can access all the necessary resources and research materials in the library. However, compared to the institutes, the library at IITG is relatively more minor, with limited collections. 

The institute also has several sports facilities for the students to utilise and engage in various fitness activities. The institute has football, cricket, basketball, tennis and swimming facilities. Initially, the institute had fewer facilities for sports and wellness, but the facilities have improved over the years. 

The canteens at the institute are an integral part of the campus that provide affordable and good quality meals throughout the day. There are several canteens located across the campus, with a variety of options for the diverse tastes and preferences of the students. The core canteen is the largest, located in the centre of the campus. 

Various dishes from different cuisines and a spacious seating area are available here. Other canteens and food stalls are in different corners of the campus, where snacks and beverages are served hygienically in clean spaces.

Individual Accommodation Facilities

A factor that makes IIT Guwahati unique from the other IITs is that the institute provides single-room accommodation in the hostels on campus for both male and female students. Double occupancy rooms are allotted to freshers with shared bathroom facilities, and single occupancy rooms with attached bathrooms are available for the other students. There are instances where even the first-year students are provided with single rooms when the intake is low. 

Students have the liberty to install air conditioners in their rooms. The rooms are spacious and well-furnished, with all the necessary amenities. The hostels are cleaned regularly, and the cleaning staff well-maintained the common areas. Essential amenities such as laundry facilities, leisure rooms, and indoor games are available in the hostels. 

The hostels are close to the academic buildings and other campus facilities, making it convenient for students to get around. Juice centres and canteen facilities are available till midnight as well. The hostel surroundings are well-lit and have security personnel patrolling the premises, assuring a sense of safety and security for the students. Additionally, hostel facilities are available for married scholars as well.

Despite the available facilities, students have expressed dissatisfaction with the mess food served in some hostels. The professors or research scholars generally monitor the hostel food, with the students deciding the weekly menus and food items. The food is not consistent in all the hostels. However, timely meals are served hygienically in clean dining areas.

The hostel fees vary based on the room type, but they are typically INR 1000 to INR 3000 per semester. For single, double, triple and quadruple rooms, the average hostel fees per semester are INR 3000, INR 2000, INR 1500 and INR 1000, respectively. In addition to the hostel fees, students must pay a refundable mess deposit of INR 18,000 per semester to cover the cost of meals in the mess. 

Apart from the hostels, several PGs are available around the IIT Guwahati campus, with an average rent of INR 4000 per month. The PGs are available for both male and female students.

Enriching and Rewarding Campus Life

Like all other IITs, IITG is also home to a diverse student population from all over the country, and there is a general sense of community and belonging on campus. With academics as a top priority, the institute offers a multitude of opportunities for students to engage in cultural and extracurricular activities, making campus life vibrant and dynamic.

Along with the solid academic curriculum, there is a strong emphasis on arts and humanities, with many student-led clubs, groups and societies for students interested in art, music, theatre and literature. The institute offers a plethora of extracurricular activities, from sports and fitness to dance and music. Several student-run organisations focus on social and environmental issues and entrepreneurship.

The cultural and tech fests and events organised by the various clubs and societies at the institute promote the participation of students, giving them opportunities to perform and showcase their talents. These fests also help students develop leadership and organisational skills, leading to personal growth. In short, the institute provides a supportive and stimulating environment that allows students to reach their full potential.

Attendance Policy

IITG has a strict attendance policy for all students, as they must attend all theory classes and practical sessions without fail. Students with excessive absences, which are not justified with valid reasons, will be penalised, including failing the course.

Diversity on Campus

The student body at the institute is an extensive combination of students from different cultures, states and socioeconomic backgrounds, making it a diverse campus. The institute has a rich cultural tapestry. The institute is committed to promoting diversity through a number of initiatives to support students from underrepresented groups, including mentoring programs, scholarships and cultural events.

Regarding the gender ratio, the institute has an almost equal number of students from all genders. Equal opportunities are provided to all students regardless of their background.

Dress Code

The institute has a casual dress code for students. There is no defined uniform for any course at the institute. Despite the fact that there is no formal dress code for classes or lectures, students are expected to dress neatly and be presentable. Students are encouraged to wear formal attire for guest lectures and presentations.

Rising Trend in Placement Records

IITG has provided good placement opportunities to its students over the years, attributed to its academic reputation, industry-relevant curriculum, and active involvement with leading companies and organisations. The institute's placement cell, the Centre for Career Development (CCD), is crucial in facilitating placements by conducting preparation talks, mock interviews and career counselling sessions. 

According to the past years’ records, around 80% of students were recruited by reputed companies with high salary packages. Most opportunities are provided for graduates at IT, Finance, Core Engineering, Consulting and Research and Development organisations.

The high placement records testify to the institute’s commitment to giving its students quality education and preparing them for successful careers in different fields. Based on the past year’s placement record, the highest salary package offered to eligible students was INR 1.20 CPA, and the average package was INR 41 LPA.

Final Verdict on IIT Guwahati

Consistently ranked among the top Engineering institutes in India, IIT Guwahati stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. The academically demanding programs, highly qualified faculty, and substantial research facilities attract the brightest minds nationwide. Although IITG is relatively new compared to others, the institute has improved in various aspects and is still developing new facilities and opportunities for the students.

As the academic environment at the institute is highly competitive, students who aspire to reach high positions in Engineering and Scientific fields are highly recommended to work hard to get admission to the institute. They must also be well-prepared for the institute's high standards, which can lead to stress and pressure. Through their programs, students will learn time management and attain a perfect balance between academics and extracurricular involvement.

To make it easier to assess the institute, the pros and cons of IIT Guwahati are tabulated below.

*Source: iitgwt Instagram