IIT Bhubaneswar’s Review & Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glimpse

Dreaming of conquering the JEE and making it to an IIT? IIT Bhubaneswar calls with its youthful energy, research focus, and promises of a bright future. However, let's take a closer look behind the scenes before you take the plunge and uncover the true IIT Bhubaneswar, flaws and all. Students love the calm campus surrounded by nature, ideal for focused study. The research scene is thriving, offering cutting-edge programs and chances to collaborate with respected faculty. Impressive placements await, with top companies eager to hire. A lively atmosphere is maintained through diverse clubs and events, while internships with industry giants nurture career aspirations. Yet, the picturesque campus may seem secluded from city life, and limited public transport might hinder your weekend plans. Concerns arise about faculty-student ratios in B.Tech, potentially affecting individual attention, and some infrastructure needs upgrading. Despite fluctuating rankings, lingering questions persist about the overall academic experience. Here is everything you need to know about IIT Bhubaneswar!

IIT Bhubaneswar NIRF Ranking - The Declining Trend Continues! 

IIT Bhubaneswar has consistently earned recognition in various national and global rankings, assessed by different agencies. These rankings consider diverse factors, including research productivity (publications, citations, and patents), student placements, faculty excellence, international partnerships, and more. Here are some recent rankings:

• Furthermore, IIT Bhubaneswar has secured rankings from various global organizations. According to the QS World Rankings 2024, IIT BBS holds the position of 731-740 in the University category, 73rd in the Southern Asia category, and 301-350 in the Asia category.

Our Take:

IIT Bhubaneswar has observed a decline in its rankings across various NIRF categories, including Overall, Engineering, and Research. Notably, the Overall rank has shifted from 58 in 2020 to 91 in 2023. Several factors might contribute to this decline, such as:

• IIT Bhubaneswar, founded in 2008, is relatively young compared to more established IITs. Building a robust reputation and infrastructure naturally takes time.
• In comparison to older IITs, IIT Bhubaneswar may have a higher faculty-student ratio, potentially affecting the overall learning experience.
• Factors like research output and industry perception play a crucial role in NIRF rankings. Strengthening these areas could enhance IIT Bhubaneswar's standing.
• The NIRF landscape is becoming more competitive over time. With other institutions consistently improving, maintaining top ranks becomes challenging.

While a drop in NIRF ranking is a concern, it should not be the sole measure of IIT Bhubaneswar's quality. In short, the decline in NIRF ranking is noteworthy, but it does not define the institute's overall potential. IIT Bhubaneswar holds significant promise, and directing efforts towards internal enhancements while considering external factors is key to ensuring future success.

IIT Bhubaneswar Academia & Batch Size

Academia 

• Academic Program: IIT Bhubaneswar follows a robust curriculum in its B.Tech, M.Tech, and PhD programs, designed to meet industry requirements and keep pace with technological advancements. The institute emphasizes project-based learning, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
• Teaching Staff: Despite being a relatively new institution compared to other IITs, IIT Bhubaneswar boasts a team of well-qualified and experienced faculty members actively engaged in research and industry partnerships. While the faculty-student ratio may be higher than in older IITs, measures are being taken to address this imbalance.
• Research Emphasis: The institute places a strong focus on research across diverse fields, evident in its notable achievements in prestigious grants and publications. Key areas such as Robotics & AI, Materials Science, Ocean Engineering, and Biotechnology receive considerable attention.

Batch Size

• B.Tech Programs: The batch sizes for B.Tech programs differ among disciplines, with an average of 40 to 50 students. This setup encourages personalized attention and close interaction with faculty, creating a tight-knit academic community.
• M.Tech & PhD Programs: M.Tech and Ph.D. programs generally have smaller batch sizes, ensuring concentrated guidance and mentorship from supervisors.

Schools

The institute follows the concept of Schools instead of Departments to promote interdisciplinary research. Currently, the following Schools offer academic programs:

• School of Basic Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Bio Science & Mathematics)
• School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Management (Economics, English & Psychology)
• School of Mechanical Sciences (Mechanical Engineering)
• School of Infrastructure (Civil Engineering)
• School of Electrical Sciences (CSE, ECE & Electrical Engineering)
• School of Mineral, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (Metallurgy & Material Engineering)
• School of Earth, Ocean and Climate Sciences (Geology, Atmospheric & Ocean Science)

Our Take:

IIT Bhubaneswar offers a great place for learning with helpful teachers, research opportunities, and a friendly study environment. The smaller groups in M.Tech. and Ph.D. programs are seen as a positive aspect. But, there are worries about the higher number of students for B.Tech and not enough information about batch sizes, which needs more checking. Even though the recent drop in NIRF ranking is notable, it should not take away from the institute's overall strengths. Overall, we believe that IIT Bhubaneswar seems to be a lively and improving institute with a lot of academic potential.

Total Course at IIT Bhubaneswar

The list of courses available at IIT Bhubaneswar along with fees and eligibility criteria are mentioned below:

Our Verdict:

• Compared to well-established IITs, the fees for B.Tech and M.Sc at IIT Bhubaneswar are generally similar. However, when it comes to M.Tech., some older IITs like Delhi and Bombay charge higher fees.
• In comparison to the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), where B.Tech fees usually range from INR 50,000 to INR 1 lakh per year, IIT Bhubaneswar's fees are significantly higher.
• If we look at top private engineering colleges, the fees for their B.Tech. programs can be much higher than IIT Bhubaneswar, often exceeding INR 5 lakhs annually.

For B.Tech and M.Sc programs, IIT Bhubaneswar's fees fall within the standard range for IITs. However, in the case of M.Tech, the fees are comparatively lower than some older IITs. This might be appealing to students looking for quality M.Tech. education at a slightly lower cost. The noticeable difference in fees compared to NITs and private engineering colleges reflects the distinctive brand and research focus of IITs. While the higher cost of living in Bhubaneswar is a factor to consider, the availability of scholarships and financial aid helps ease the financial burden for many students.

IIT Bhubaneswar Infrastructure

Classroom

IIT Bhubaneswar has proper air conditioning and modern classrooms with proper seating arrangements. The university lecture theaters and classrooms have a linear seating layout. The classrooms are more adaptable, with round tables to promote greater participation and interaction among students.

Auditorium/Seminar Hall

The Institute features two auditoriums, one of which includes an amphitheater. The auditorium has a seating capacity of more than 300+ people at a time. The auditorium is equipped with modern technology and innovation.

Library

The library at IIT Bhubaneswar is a hybrid library with cutting-edge technology applications that house information resources mostly relevant to management and associated courses. The students can access the books through an online database.

Internet

The IIT Bhubaneswar offers WiFi services. Wireless network access is also available in the Faculty Block, Library, classroom, Hostel Blocks, Auditoriums, and Sports Complex, among other places. The institute includes a 24-hour wifi facility. Every hostel room has a LAN connection to the Institute's network, allowing 24/7 access to internet resources for students.

Hostel

IIT Bhubaneswar has made separate spaces for male and female students. The rooms are well ventilated and equipped with basic facilities like water supply, electricity, and internet. The hostels are maintained and have strict outgoing rules.

Activities

The gym, sports complex, and swimming pool are elite, and the medical facilities are excellent at IIT Bhubaneswar which provides a relaxing spot. Sports such as cricket, badminton court, football, and table tennis are all available at the university. There are dozens of student clubs, such as the management club. Fests are the heart and soul of the institution and are conducted frequently. 

Cafe/Hang out

The Cafeteria is perhaps the most crowded and best place on campus of IIT Bhubaneswar where students enjoy delicious meals coupled with light-hearted conversations with classmates. Food prices are affordable and proper hygiene is maintained to ensure the safety of the students.

Our Take:

To make students feel at home and comfortable, the IIT Bhubaneswar offers proper campus life with all the required facilities such as hostels, library, canteen, etc. As per students' reviews on Quora, the hostels are neat, clean, and modernly constructed, mess food is good, and students can take part in various activities. According to the information mentioned on the university's official website, it has a State Bank of India ATM and a medical center with an ambulance facility (in case of any emergency).

IIT Bhubaneswar Internship & Placement 

The internship and placement opportunities at IIT Bhubaneswar are growing at a faster pace. The student receives fair internship opportunities and PPOs before completing the course. The details about the internship and placements are mentioned below.

Course-wise Internship

IIT Bhubaneswar provides several live projects and internships for students. The college offers an industry interface program as well as actual initiatives in many government domains which helps in getting proper placement. Overall, a candidate will have several internships and training opportunities available at IIT Bhubaneswar.

Course-wise Placement

As per the university's official website placement page, IIT Bhubaneswar placements in 2023 were excellent and have improved from previous years.  During IIT Bhubaneswar Placements 2023, the IT domain emerged as the top domain. A total of 140+ recruiters, including 70 new recruiters, visited the campus of IIT Bhubaneswar.

Our Take:

The Career Development Cell at IIT Bhubaneswar earns praise in many online reviews for its dedicated work in helping students secure placements and internships. The institute's increased participation in recruitment events with top companies is seen positively in online feedback. Some reviews suggest that strengthening alumni engagement and career mentoring could further improve placement opportunities.

While some well-known IITs like Bombay and Delhi may have a slight advantage in average salary and top CTCs (Cost to Company), IIT Bhubaneswar's placement rates and average salaries are comparable to most other IITs. In comparison to most NITs, IIT Bhubaneswar consistently achieves higher placement rates, average salaries, and connections with top recruiters. 

We feel that IIT Bhubaneswar stands out from many private engineering colleges in terms of the quality of placements, thanks to its strong brand reputation, industry connections, and robust academic foundation.

Diversity and Demographic Representation at IIT Bhubaneswar 

• Gender Diversity: About 20% of students in the institute's B.Tech. programs are females, which is typical for most IITs. However, it does not quite reach a balanced gender ratio.
• State and Regional Diversity: The admission data shows that a significant number of students come from Odisha and nearby states. In contrast, students from other regions are not as well-represented. This indicates a focus on admitting students from the local area.
• Social & Economic Diversity: There isn't much information about socio-economic diversity at IIT Bhubaneswar. Still, the presence of scholarships and financial aid programs suggests efforts to support students from less privileged backgrounds.

Our Take:

IIT Bhubaneswar, like many other IITs, is working towards achieving a better balance between male and female students. Although it faces challenges similar to other IITs, it may not emphasize regional diversity as much as older, nationwide institutions. NITs, on the other hand, might have varying diversity data, with some showing more regional diversity due to their locations. Private colleges tend to attract students from different backgrounds due to their flexible admission criteria and scholarships. However, ensuring diversity in terms of socio-economic backgrounds can still be a challenge.

While IIT Bhubaneswar has made progress in improving gender representation, we believe that there are still gaps in attracting students from various regions, socio-economic backgrounds, and minority groups. To address this, implementing targeted outreach programs, providing scholarships, and promoting inclusive campus initiatives could further enhance diversity and create a more welcoming environment for all students.

IIT Bhubaneswar Location

The permanent campus in Argul covers a vast 936-acre area surrounded by hills and greenery, creating a calm and pollution-free learning environment. This stands in contrast to the busy atmosphere of some other metropolitan IIT locations. Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, offers various amenities, including international airports, major hospitals, shopping malls, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. This provides a balance between the serene campus and the conveniences of city life. Bhubaneswar is quickly becoming an IT hub, with many software and IT companies establishing themselves. This opens up potential internship and job opportunities for students at IIT Bhubaneswar.

Our Take:

Unlike IITs in big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, Bhubaneswar may not feel as bustling and might have fewer immediate entertainment options. Though Bhubaneswar has improved its public transport, getting to the Argul campus might require personal vehicles or cabs, possibly leading to higher daily expenses. While students generally like the campus atmosphere and the various facilities in Bhubaneswar, some wish for more easily accessible entertainment options nearby.

Overall, we believe that the location of IIT Bhubaneswar provides a unique mix of peace, cultural richness, and growing urban opportunities. Despite challenges with public transportation and city access, the benefits of a peaceful campus and proximity to Bhubaneswar make it an appealing choice for students seeking a well-rounded academic and cultural experience. In comparison to other engineering universities, the location offers a distinctive environment not found in every city, emphasizing peace and nature while still providing access to urban conveniences.

IIT Bhubaneswar Expectation vs. Reality Verdict

Choosing an IIT is a big decision, and IIT Bhubaneswar seems like a good choice with its youthful atmosphere and focus on research. But before making a decision, it's important to look at the reality based on student feedback and data.

• The Argul campus is peaceful, but being a bit far from Bhubaneswar city can limit entertainment and convenience. Public transportation isn't always reliable, so having a personal vehicle or using cabs becomes necessary.
• IIT Bhubaneswar offers a variety of courses, but some specialized programs may still be in development. There are great research opportunities, especially in areas like materials science and ocean engineering.
• While there are new facilities, some older buildings may need upgrades. Reviews on hostel amenities and laundry services vary.
• Although recent rankings have dropped, students highlight the strengths of individual faculty and research projects. It's important to see rankings as just one measure of quality, not the only factor.
• The institute promotes extracurricular activities through clubs and events. There are frequent internship opportunities with top companies, and international collaborations are increasing.
• While the faculty is knowledgeable, there are concerns about higher faculty-student ratios in B.Tech programs, which may affect individual attention, according to some reviews.
• Placement rates for M.Tech graduates are impressive. The average salary is competitive, and well-known multinational companies actively recruit from the institute.

Final Verdict: Choosing IIT Bhubaneswar is a good opportunity for learning and development. Though some things like campus location may not be exactly as expected, the institute's commitment to research, excellent faculty, and increasing opportunities make it a solid choice. Consider your priorities, like academic goals, budget, and the atmosphere you prefer, and make a thoughtful decision after doing your own research and evaluation.

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