GetMyUni's Verdict on NIT Rourkela

Parvathy Krishnakumar

“Ranked among the top Engineering institutions in the country, NIT Rourkela offers a rigorous academic environment, robust placement prospects and a lively campus experience. Nevertheless, academic prospects vary across different courses.”

Holding and maintaining the prestige attributed to it, NIT Rourkela is one of the largest Engineering institutes in the country in terms of its infrastructure. It is a well-respected institution with a strong academic reputation, vibrant student life and excellent placement opportunities. Nevertheless, the institute’s strict attendance policy and the extreme climatic conditions play a villain’s role in the students’ lives. 

Part of the prestigious chain of institutes, NIT Rourkela, is known for its rigorous academic programs and highly qualified faculty. Students appreciate the depth and breadth of knowledge they gain that prepares them for future endeavours. Besides the solid academic curriculum, students have access to remarkable facilities in its world-class infrastructure.

Like all the other NITs and IITs, students are exposed to a widely diverse range of peers and personalities at the institute that inspire and encourage them to reach their full academic and personal potential. However, according to the students’ reviews on online platforms, the zonal politics during student elections are divisive and hinder unity among students. The zonal politics among students impact academic activities, like classes, exams, lab sessions, etc. 

Table of Contents

• Spectrum of Academic Courses
• Predominantly Esteemed Professors
• Expansive & Contemporary Infrastructure
• Clean & Comfortable Hostels at Nominal Price
• Multifaceted Campus Experience
• Gateway to Successful Placement
• General Perception of NIT Rourkela

Spectrum of Academic Courses

Needless to say, the courses offered by NIT Rourkela are of great value. The institute offers a varied array of courses at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels across various disciplines, namely Engineering, Science, Management and Humanities.

The institute is ranked among the top institutions for its courses, especially its Engineering programs. There have been allegations that the quality of academics offered by the institute is deteriorating, but it has improved in recent years.

The top-ranked and highly sought-after courses the institute offers in different areas are as follows. The institute attracts top students for these courses due to its excellent reputation in the industry and strong demand for graduates.

• B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering 
• B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering
• B.Tech in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering

Getting admission to the courses mentioned above is challenging as the competition level, and the eligibility requirements are more demanding than the other institutions in the country. Only those students who score the minimum marks in the qualifying examinations are eligible for admission, as the number of seats for each course is limited. Due to the large number of applicants every year, only those students who are academically brilliant are selected to be part of the student body at the institute.

The institute is also well-known for its doctoral courses that provide the necessary resources and facilities to enhance its research programs. However, despite delivering integrated courses, the quality of these programs is inferior to that of other science-focused national institutions.

Relatively Affordable Education

The course fees at the institute vary based on the course, program level and student category. In any case, the tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at NITR are comparatively lower than the country's private Engineering and Science institutions. Additionally, there is a relaxation in the annual tuition fees for students who belong to minority categories (SC/ST). 

The annual tuition fees for undergraduate programs are around INR 1.78 lakhs for the first year and INR 36,500 for subsequent years. For postgraduate programs, it is around INR 32,500 for the first year and INR 28,500 for the second year. In addition to the tuition fees, there are several other fees that the students are required to pay, including hostel fees, mess fees and exam fees, generally in the range of INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 per year.

Apart from the nominal fees, the institute offers numerous scholarships and financial aid schemes to students from economically weaker backgrounds. These scholarships can cover a significant amount of the cost of education, making it a viable option for students from all walks of life who aim to obtain high-quality education at an affordable price.

Attendance Policy

Regarding its attendance policy, the institute mandates a minimum attendance of 75% in all courses across lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, etc. Failure to meet this minimum attendance can result in various consequences, such as detainment from appearing for end-semester examination, grade reduction, etc.

Predominantly Esteemed Professors

The professors at NIT Rourkela are generally well-regarded, highly qualified and dedicated to providing quality education to their students. However, a few faculty members hold great power over the students, making it difficult for them to question the professors. In such cases, the students are mostly isolated as the management always favours the professors.

Even though they are highly educated, some professors even raise issues when the students mingle with the opposite gender. In other words, narrow-minded professors exist at the institute regardless of their academic achievements.

Nevertheless, the professors at the institute are very knowledgeable and have ample experience in their respective fields. Most professors are always willing to help students and go the extra mile to ensure they understand complex concepts quickly. The professors are passionate about their subjects, which shows in their teaching.

They make great efforts to make the learning process exciting and engaging. Most professors are available to answer questions and provide guidance to support the students, even outside of class. 

Despite all that, there are some variations in the quality of teaching, as a few professors are not as influential as others. However, the overall consensus is that the faculty at the institute is of high quality and is committed to providing students with a strong academic foundation by bringing their wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. They enhance students' educational experience by supporting them through research activities and encouraging innovation. 

Expansive & Contemporary Infrastructure

As it is one of the prestigious institutes, the institute stands out for its exceptional infrastructure that fosters an environment conducive to academic excellence and holistic development. Nestled amidst a sprawling campus, the institute boasts a harmonious blend of modern facilities and lush greenery, creating a serene and inspiring environment for the students.

As the institute strives to maintain its position at the forefront of technological advancements and educational innovation, the infrastructure is constantly evolving to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the students and the industry.

The institute’s academic infrastructure is designed to promote effective learning and collaboration. The classrooms are equipped with modern technology, such as projectors and whiteboards, and are air-conditioned to ensure a comfortable and stimulating learning environment.

The institute's laboratories are the epitome of cutting-edge technology, as students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities across various disciplines, enabling them to obtain hands-on experience and develop practical skills essential for their future careers.

The central library houses an extensive collection of over a million books, journals, papers, magazines and other resources in various fields of study. The modern facilities at the library include a digital library that assists students in accessing the latest information and research materials. The library is spacious and can accommodate a large number of students at once, providing them the right ambience to read and study.

In order to bridge the gap in the digital divide, the institute provides seamless access to technology. The campus has high-speed internet connectivity and several computer labs equipped with the latest hardware and software, enabling students to stay connected, access online resources and utilise updated technology for academic and research purposes. 

As the institute gives importance to the holistic development of students, it provides a wide range of sports facilities to cater to diverse interests. The institute has several indoor and outdoor facilities to promote the physical well-being of the students and foster a vibrant sports culture.

The facilities available at the institute include courts for sports such as basketball, badminton, tennis, volleyball, etc. The gymnasium and swimming pool at the institute are the most popular among students. There are numerous facilities available for sports that provide students with the opportunity to pursue sports and games of their choice.

The institute has two main canteens in the main academic building, which are available from morning till 10 PM. The canteens offer a wide variety of food options, including Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine. The constantly changing menus consist of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, served separately.

The cost of meals at the canteens is reasonable and freshly prepared to order. However, the quality of food is said to be inconsistent, and there have been complaints regarding the portion size being small. Regardless, the canteens at the institute are a good option for students looking for convenient and affordable places to eat.

Clean & Comfortable Hostels at Nominal Price

The institute has a well-maintained and diverse range of hostels that cater to the needs of its students, providing a comfortable and supportive living environment. The hostels are on campus, ensuring easy access to academic buildings, recreational facilities and other amenities. The institute offers seven hostels for boys and two for girls. Each hostel has its unique character and atmosphere, providing students with various options based on their preferences.

The hostels are equipped with modern facilities, and each room is well-furnished with basic amenities, such as beds, desks, chairs and wardrobes. Common areas include TV, study, and dining areas, providing ample space for relaxing activities and social interaction. 

According to the previous years’ students, hostel life at the institute is an integral part of a wholesome campus experience as it is a cultural melting pot of students from different regions and backgrounds. Students can create a sense of community, camaraderie and cultural exchange at the hostels.

Timely meals are served hygienically through the mess at the regularly cleaned dining halls. However, students have raised concerns about vegetarian options' lack of variety and quality. Additionally, some hostels are crowded during peak hours, which makes it difficult for the students to find personal space amidst the chaos.

The hostel fees are relatively affordable, especially compared to the other top institutes in the country. The costs vary based on the hostel type and room occupancy. However, the annual hostel fees at NITR typically range from INR 12,000 to INR 15,000.

Multifaceted Campus Experience

As mentioned earlier, NIT Rourkela offers a holistic, dynamic and enriching campus life that extends beyond the classroom. Besides its academic excellence, the institute is also known for its vibrant student culture, diverse array of clubs and a strong sense of community. The institute balances academics and extracurricular activities harmoniously, encouraging students to explore their interests and develop well-rounded personalities. 

The institute has a plethora of student clubs and organisations catering to the diverse interests of students, ranging from technical and cultural pursuits to sports and social endeavours. Multiple cultural and tech events are conducted throughout the year to imbibe the multicultural spirit of the students. 

The technical clubs provide a platform for students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world experiments and develop practical skills by nurturing their innovative and problem-solving skills. The tech clubs at the institute are available for students interested in Robotics, Aerospace and Electronics. 

The institute’s cultural clubs showcase the rich diversity of Indian traditions and provide a platform for artistic expression. Clubs like the Music Club, Dance Club, Photography Club and Dramatics Club promote creativity, teamwork and self-expression, enriching the campus life.

The institute gives equal importance to the student's physical health by hosting regular sports tournaments, inter-departmental competitions and intramural games that cultivate competitive spirit and camaraderie among the students. 

Additionally, the institute ensures students can engage with the local community and contribute to social causes by organising outreach programs through the National Service Scheme (NSS).

Diversity on Campus

Being one of the top Engineering institutes, NITR has a diverse and inclusive campus atmosphere with students from all over the country and a growing international presence. The institute's student body reflects India's rich diversity, with students representing various states, languages, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

In addition, the institute has been making significant strides in increasing gender diversity on campus by implementing various initiatives to attract and support minority communities, such as gender-neutral hostels, female-specific scholarships and mentorship programs.

Dress Code

The institute does not have a uniform or a strict dress code. Students are allowed to express themselves through their clothing choices. While there is no defined dress code, students are expected to maintain a sense of decorum and respect societal standards by avoiding clothing considered overly revealing, offensive or disruptive to the academic environment. Apart from that, students do not have any restrictions and can wear casual clothing for classes and other activities on campus.

Gateway to Successful Placement

NITR has consistently maintained an excellent placement record over the years, placing a significant percentage of its graduates in reputed companies across various industries. Its solid academic reputation for academic excellence and its focus on industry-relevant skills development make it a highly sought-after destination for recruiters. 

The institute attracts a varied range of prestigious companies and organisations from different fields, like IT, Engineering, Finance, Consulting and Research. The institute has strong ties with industry leaders who provide internships, research collaborations and guest lectures to students to ensure they are exposed to the latest trends and expectations of the industry. 

The dedicated placement cell at the institute provides comprehensive support to students throughout the placement process through career guidance counselling, resume building, interviews and pre-placement training. 

Based on the previous year’s placement records, around 95% of the students have been placed at various companies with an average salary package of INR 52.89 LPA.

General Perception of NIT Rourkela

It can be concluded that NIT Rourkela is an excellent institution of higher learning that provides students with a solid foundation for building successful careers in Engineering and related fields. The institute’s commitment to academic excellence, industry-relevant curriculum and holistic development makes it a wholesome destination for students to seek a quality education.

Consistently ranked among the top Engineering colleges in the country, the institute assures its graduates of successful placements and a vibrant campus life, which is a good combination of academics and extracurricular activities. The institute’s excellence is portrayed by its solid alumni network.

However there are a few drawbacks to the institute, but those are overpowered by the outstanding facilities and opportunities awaiting aspiring students. The pros and cons of NIT Rourkela are tabulated below to make it easy for the students to assess.

*Source: nitrkl.ac.in and nitrourkela1961 Instagram