GetMyUni's Verdict on PTU

Parvathy Krishnakumar

"Though it has a solid academic reputation, the lack of uniformity across courses and the absence of good placement opportunities make aspirants reconsider their choice of joining PTU."

One of the best universities for Engineering and Technology programs, I.K Gujral Punjab Technical University (PTU) is recognised by reputed educational organisations and associations. It has a main campus, and several colleges are affiliated with the university. According to the reviews of the students on online platforms, the university is said to have a prime focus on making money, and the quality of education only comes second to the management. 

Students have had bad experiences at the university, most regretting pursuing their education there. From the quality of teachers to the exams and marking systems, the overall quality of academics makes it one of the country's low-standard universities. The professors at the university allegedly take classes in the local language, making it difficult for students outside the state to understand the topics. 

Overall, the university is not recommended by past and present students as, here, passing an exam is based on luck and not on how the students attempt the papers. As mentioned earlier, money-making being a primary intention, students fail in exams to yield money through supplementary exams.

Table of Contents

• Myriad Courses Across Various Fields
• Combination of Experienced & New Professors
• Above Average Infrastructure
• Adequate Housing Facilities
• Well-Rounded Campus Life
• Limited Placement Prospects
• Overall Impression of PTU

Myriad Courses Across Various Fields

The university offers a plethora of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across different Science, Engineering and management disciplines at the main campus. Although certain factors about the university are not appreciated by the students, there is a wide range of specialisations for the students to choose from. The university also offers different doctoral programs in these fields. 

The quality of education varies from department to department, and most of the programs recognised by educational institutions are at the undergraduate level. In any case, some of the top courses that stand out are as follows. 

• B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering
• B.Tech in Civil Engineering
• B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)
• M.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Computer Application (MCA).

Apart from the regular courses, students can join their respective courses laterally, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria to do so. The admission process for these courses differs based on the qualification requirements. 

Affordable Fees

Their nominal course fee structure is a prominent factor that attracts students to PTU. Compared to the other institutions in the country, the course fees for the professional and significant programs offered by the university are affordable to students from different financial backgrounds. However, there are slight differences depending on the course level and the specialisations selected by the students.

The average course fees for the undergraduate courses offered by the university, such as B.Tech, BBA and B.Sc, for the entire course duration are INR 2,40,000, INR 69,000 and INR 85,615, respectively. The course fees for the significant postgraduate courses, such as M.Tech and MBA, are INR 78,000 and INR 1,10,625, respectively. In addition to the course fees, students must pay several other fees for exams, library, etc.

The university offers financial assistance to students from economically weaker sections based on their merit and category. However, the students must meet specific requirements to avail of these scholarships and other financial aid schemes.

Attendance Policy

Based on the rules and regulations set by the university, the students must have a minimum attendance of 75% in all the theoretical and practical classes in every subject to be allowed to appear for the exam. They can only appear for the exams in the respective subject in the subsequent year after obtaining the requisite attendance percentage.

Combination of Experienced & New Professors

While most of the professors at the university are well-educated and experienced in their respective fields, there are a few lecturers appointed right after graduation who are new to the teaching profession and have less hands-on experience in the area. Additionally, the university claims to have only professors with doctoral degrees in their fields. 

A significant complaint the students have expressed about their professors is that most of them take their classes in their native language. This is acceptable to an extent, as most students are from the state. Still, when explaining the topics thoroughly, especially for Engineering programs, it becomes difficult for them to understand the complex concepts without the correct technical terms.

Apart from that, the quality of professors varies from one discipline to another, as some teachers lack proper knowledge of the subject and solely depend on the materials. This makes it difficult for the students to understand some concepts in depth when it's not mentioned in the textbooks. The lack of knowledge in subjects is also reflected in the practical sessions.

Besides the mixture of knowledgeable and other professors, the teachers are generally considered good as most are approachable and ready to solve students’ queries, even outside the classroom. 

The experienced faculty uses exciting teaching methods to make the classes more engaging and interactive. However, like in all educational institutions, certain professors are unavailable to students for doubt clarification and other assistance.

Above Average Infrastructure

The university has a modern infrastructure spread across a vast area of land, with adequate academic and extracurricular facilities to provide a holistic learning environment to its students. The infrastructure is well-maintained and constantly updated to include modern facilities and technology to cater to the evolving needs of the students. It is considered to be one of the best features of the students.

The academic infrastructure of the university is well-established, with adequate classrooms and well-equipped with modern facilities, including projectors, whiteboards, etc. The classrooms are spacious enough to accommodate large groups of students. Additionally, the university has Wi-Fi connectivity for students to access online resources. 

The university has a range of laboratories for various subjects related to engineering and science. While most laboratories meet the requirements of a proper practical learning environment, some laboratories are not equipped with the required equipment or technology, which does not support students in doing cutting-edge research and practical applications. 

The central library at the university has an extensive collection of textbooks and reference books, along with several theses, journals and other resources. Also, the university's digital library has ample digital resources that students can access. 

The university has an active sports culture that encourages students to participate in various sports and activities. To ensure the students have the necessary facilities to practice, the university has provided students with courts and fields for basketball, football, tennis, badminton, etc. There is a swimming pool and well-equipped gymnasium for students to maintain their physical health.

The university's canteen serves various snacks and beverages at affordable prices. There are sufficient seating areas, and it is one of the primary hangout spots for students. The canteen is hygienic and well-maintained.

Overall, the university has a decent infrastructure that includes the necessary facilities to cater to the needs of its students. Apart from a few drawbacks related to the laboratories, students are happy with the infrastructure.

Adequate Housing Facilities

The university has hostels for both male and female students that are well-furnished and well-maintained. There are 5 hostels, 3 for boys and 2 for girls. The hostels are located within the campus and are close to the academic infrastructure. Students can opt for single and double-occupancy rooms based on comfort and availability.

The hostels have necessary facilities, such as beds, tables, chairs and cupboards. The study rooms and other common facilities are also available for the students. As the accommodation facilities are limited, admission to hostels is based on the merit and disciplinary record of the students. An interesting fact is that the hostel buildings have a Solar Water Heating System, so the hostels have a round-the-clock hot water supply. 

Timely meals are served in the hostels, but the food quality is average. However, the mess serves the meals hygienically, and students can have their food in the designated dining halls, which are kept clean and appropriately maintained by the staff. Students' safety is assured as security guards are placed near the hostels 24/7.

The hostel rent is up to INR 4800, with additional charges for water, maintenance, electricity, etc. The mess security fees will be refundable if there are no dues. At admission, the students must also pay an admission fee of INR 1000.

Apart from the on-campus accommodation, students can also opt to stay at PGs available near the university campus, at a walkable distance. The monthly PG rents range between INR 5000 and INR 15,000, based on the occupancy, facilities and the overall luxury. Food availability varies for different PGs.

Well-Rounded Campus Life

Alongside academics, the university emphasises extracurricular activities that make the student’s campus experience vibrant and enriching. Like in almost all institutions, the university has several clubs and organisations for students to pursue their interests and passions. The university also gives equal importance to social services by promoting NSS and NCC programs on its campus. 

Cultural and tech events are organised on the campus throughout the year by different departments where students can perform and showcase their talents and skills in other areas. Most of these events are organised by students with the assistance of their faculties, which helps in their personal and leadership development. 

The university also conducts interdisciplinary competitions, encouraging more students to showcase their talents. The spirited competition between departments also prepares students for real-world challenges. The workshops, seminars and guest lectures also allow students to learn more about their career prospects and find their true passions.

As mentioned earlier, sports play a significant role in the university, so numerous competitions and tournaments are hosted on campus. Students can join the sports team of their choice and are encouraged to polish their athletic skills.

Apart from the student-led events, the university organises cultural programs performed by professionals that help students get exposure and learn more about the cultures and traditions of the state. Basically, the university believes that students should have learning experiences beyond their classrooms; hence, the campus life at the university is dynamic, lively and filled with opportunities. 

Diversity on Campus

Regarding diversity on campus, the university ensures students from different backgrounds, irrespective of their category, gender and socioeconomic status, have a chance at receiving a good education and a wholesome campus experience. To implement this, the university conducts special programs and workshops for students and professors to encourage them to be more welcoming and accepting.

In addition, the international students at the university share their cultures and traditions, which helps their fellow students to be open to new perspectives. 

Dress Code

There is no defined uniform or strict dress code that is imposed on the students at the university. They have the freedom to wear whatever they feel comfortable and confident in. However, there is a formal dress code for students for academic events, such as presentations, convocations, etc. Additionally, there are specific jerseys and sports attire that are supposed to be worn for inter-university competitions. 

Limited Placement Prospects

One of the significant drawbacks of the university is its disappointing placement records. Only a few students from specific branches have good placement opportunities available. Even then, the salary packages offered to these students are lower than those provided to the other private universities in the country. Students are more likely to obtain internships than full-time jobs.

According to the previous years’ placement reports, most students who got placements through the university are from B.Tech branches, followed by M.Tech and MBA students. The placement rates have not increased, and similar salary packages are offered to the graduates. 

As per the records, the median salary package offered to B.Tech students was INR 4.50 LPA; for M.Tech, it was INR 3 LPA, and for MBA students, it was INR 2.70 LPA. These salary packages are lower than those offered to students from other reputed universities. The absence of an active placement cell on campus may be the reason for the lack of improvement in the placement rates over the years. 

As the university is located in a rural area, students also have limited access to the major companies in the country as opposed to those universities in metropolitan areas.

Overall Impression of PTU

In conclusion, I.K Gujral Punjab Technical University (PTU) is a prominent university in the state known for its good academics and culturally developed environment. The students are impressed with its modern infrastructure and highly qualified faculty members. However, lacking good placement opportunities has made students reconsider their university choices.

Nevertheless, its wide array of courses and affordable tuition fees attract students who intend to pursue their education in a particular field at nominal prices. It also has the necessary facilities for those who wish to pursue higher education in these fields.

Overall, the university gives students the opportunity for academic and personal growth but lacks in giving them professional development. Students are advised to connect with the university alumni and experts before they make the final decision.

The pros and cons of the university are listed below to get a gist about the university.

*Source: ikgujralptu Instagram and ptu.ac.in