IIT Bombay Review and Verdict by CollegeDekho

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), founded in 1958, is one of the world's top technological institutes. It was India's second IIT and the first to be created with foreign help, using funds from UNESCO supplied by the Soviet Union. IIT Bombay is well-known for its excellent teachers and students. For its undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate programmes, it attracts the brightest students from around India. The research and academic programmes of the institution are directed by its professors, many of whom are globally recognised for their contributions. IIT Bombay has played a significant role in India's technological development. Its alumni have become leaders in industry, academia, and government. The institute is also a major hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Sadly, things are not as rosy as they seem on the surface, even for an institution like IIT Bombay, an education pilgrimage for most aspirants. The college has its own set of challenges. Due to the rigid curriculum and high expectations, students at IIT Bombay frequently endure enormous academic pressure. Students may experience stress, anxiety, and mental health concerns as a result of the competitive environment. Students are frequently subjected to immense pressure from society and family to achieve well academically, which can have a negative impact on their mental health and well-being. Also, incidents like a canteen worker at IITB being arrested for trying to record a female student while she was using the girls' hostel's washroom really broke our hearts and made us question the reputation of the institution.

Here's our take on an open and honest look at life at IIT Bombay, so students can consider the advantages and drawbacks before making a sound decision.

IIT Bombay Rankings: The Mark of Excellence! 

The following table shows the NIRF overall and Engineering category rankings of IIT Bombay over the past 3 years:

IIT Bombay International Rankings 

• QS WUR 2024: IIT Bombay ranks #1 in India and #149 in the world.
• The institute has been ranked #583 in Best Global Universities Rankings 2023, #125 in Best Global Universities in Asia 2023 and #3 in Best Global Universities in India 2023. 
• Outlook India ranked IIT Bombay #3 among government engineering colleges in 2022.

Our Take:

IIT Bombay is a leader in STEM education in India. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. According to the most recent QS World University Rankings, IIT Bombay has become the second Indian university to rank among the world's top 150 universities. The institute advanced 23 places from its 172nd ranking last year to 149th this year. 

This is a significant accomplishment for IIT Bombay and demonstrates the institute's strength in education and research. It is today one of the world's most renowned institutions, and its alumni are highly sought after by companies all around the world. The QS World University Rankings are one of the most respected university rankings in the world. They are based on a number of factors, including academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, and international faculty ratio.

IIT Bombay Academia & Batch Size

IIT Bombay awards degrees to about 1,000 students each year. The campus is home to almost 6,000 individuals at any given time, including students, academics, and non-academic personnel.

Courses Offered 

IIT Bombay offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The institute is known for its high-quality education and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, IIT Bombay also offers courses in the humanities and social sciences, design, and management. Here is a list of the degree programs offered by IIT Bombay:

• Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech)
• Bachelor of Sciences (B.Sc)
• Dual Degree (B.Tech and M.Tech in 5 years)
• Master of Science (M.Sc)
• Master of Technology (M.Tech)
• Bachelor of Design (B.Des)
• Master of Design (M.Des)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Philosophy (M.Phil)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Our Take:

Students from all over India come to IIT Bombay to pursue their chosen field of study. The institute's technical programs are particularly popular, but the humanities and social sciences programs are also highly regarded. IIT Bombay courses are demanding and require hard work and extensive research. However, if students are passionate about their chosen field of study, they will enjoy the hard work and research. Otherwise, they may find them burdensome.

Departments, Centres, and Schools

IIT Bombay has 15 academic departments, 36 multi-disciplinary centres, 3 schools of excellence, and 4 interdisciplinary programmes. The academic departments at IIT Bombay include:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biosciences and Bioengineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Earth Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Energy Science and Engineering
• Environmental Science and Engineering (ESED)
• Humanities & Social Science
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science
• Physics

Our Take:

This indicates that IIT Bombay is a large and comprehensive university with a diverse set of academic programmes. The institution is dedicated to teaching and research excellence, and it provides students with numerous chances to study and grow. IIT Bombay is also a pioneer in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. The multidisciplinary centres and interdisciplinary programmes at the university inspire students to think creatively and come up with answers to real-world challenges. IIT Bombay alumni are in high demand by businesses worldwide, and they make major contributions to society.

Batch Size 

The average batch size of students at various levels of study at IIT Bombay is as follows:

• Undergraduate: 120-150 students per batch
• Postgraduate: 60-80 students per batch
• PhD: 20-30 students per batch

Our Take:

As per our research, IIT Bombay students have conflicting views regarding the batch size. Some students say that the big batch size makes getting to know their peers and lecturers difficult. Other students say that the big batch size allows them to engage with their classmates and learn from diverse viewpoints.

IIT Bombay Infrastructure

IIT Bombay is a popular choice among engineering students not just for its advanced academics and curriculum, but also for its modern campus. The campus is surrounded by lush nature and features unique services such as banks, a retail centre, two great elementary schools, a well-equipped hospital, hostels, contemporary libraries, and more. 

• Classrooms: IIT Bombay has a well-developed classroom infrastructure. The classrooms are spacious and well-equipped with modern teaching aids, such as projectors, whiteboards, and computers. However, students demand some improvement and renovation of older classrooms and the improvement of acoustics in some classrooms.

• Library: IIT Bombay's library is one of the best in India. It is a huge and extensive library with a diverse collection of books, periodicals, and other resources. The library also has current technologies, such as online databases and e-books.

• Medical/Hospital: The campus houses a hospital that provides general and speciality treatment to students, employees, and faculty members. 

• Gym: Within the campus grounds is a contemporary gym. It enables students to exercise and stay in good shape. The gym has been modernised and updated. 

• Sports Complex: IIT Bombay has a sports complex with facilities for a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, basketball, cricket, football, and hockey. The institute's Sports Council plans and organizes all sporting events and tournaments, both inter-collegiate and intra-collegiate. For cycling enthusiasts in and around IIT Bombay, the Cyclothon is organized in collaboration with the Fit India Movement.

• Cafeteria: IIT Bombay has a variety of dining options, but Gulmohar Restaurant is one of the most popular choices for students, faculty, and visitors alike. It offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in a relatively formal setting.

• Guest Room/Waiting Room: IIT Bombay's guest house is a great place to stay if you're visiting the campus. It consists of two vihars, Jalvihar and Vanvihar, as well as faculty apartments and guest services. The vihars offer a variety of room types, including double bedrooms, suites, and family rooms. All rooms are neatly furnished and air-conditioned, and they come with a variety of amenities, such as a computer kiosk, seminar halls, WiFi, LAN connectivity, and laundry service.

• Hostels: IIT Bombay provides on-campus housing for students in boys and girls hostels. The hostels are well-furnished (bed, chair, study table and cupboard) and offer a comfortable stay to students. The hostels of IIT Bombay strive to create a home-like environment for students. Hostel rooms are furnished and ventilated, and for the safety of girls, 24/7 surveillance is provided at girls' hostels. All basic facilities are available at both boys' and girls’ hostels.

Our Take:

Students at IIT Bombay are generally satisfied with the infrastructure of the institute. They appreciate the wide range of facilities that are available to them, as well as the quality of the facilities. However, some students have expressed concerns about the condition of some of the older buildings on campus and slow WiFi connectivity on campus. Aside from that, some students have expressed concerns about the condition of some of the older hostels, the lack of space in some hostels, and the limited number of washing machines and other appliances.

IIT Bombay Placements and Internships 

IIT Bombay's Training and Placement Office (TPO) is responsible for conducting the placement and internship process for all students. The TPO works tirelessly with officers, staff, and students to ensure a smooth and structured process.

Placements

During the 2022-2023 placement season, recruiting firms made a total of 1,898 job offers to students, of which 1,516 were accepted. The highest domestic package offered was INR 1.68 crore per annum, and the highest international package offered was INR 3.67 crore per annum. Here is a brief overview of the IIT Bombay placement statistics:

Our Take:

IIT Bombay students have reason to celebrate, as the placement percentage and median salary have both increased significantly this year. The placement percentage has increased by 11.63%, and the median salary has increased by 20.21%. This implies that students have an even higher chance of landing a high-paying job after graduation. Students may also expect to make more money in their early jobs when the median pay rises.

Overall, we have found that IIT Bombay students are typically happy with the placement process. They value the TPO's efforts to bring top-tier firms to campus and give students with the resources they require to thrive. However, for some students, the placement process can be stressful and difficult. 

Internships 

Internships are not required for IIT Bombay students. Internships, on the other hand, are highly recommended since they give students useful job experience and help them enhance their skills. The institution also provides a variety of tools and assistance to students in their search for internships. IIT Bombay's TPO has a specialised team that works on internships. The team assists students in finding internships via a range of avenues, including: 

• Industry partnerships
• Online job portals
• Career fairs

Our Take:

According to our research and knowledge, the TPO at IIT Bombay makes every effort to give students the assistance they require to apply for internships. This includes assistance with resume and cover letter writing, as well as interview preparation. Aside from the TPO, a variety of other departments and organisations at IIT Bombay provide internship opportunities for students. For example, IIT Bombay's research laboratories provide students with research internships. Internship opportunities can also be found through student groups and organisations.

Course-wise & Sector-wise Placements at IIT Bombay 

• Course-wise: IIT Bombay students achieved an impressive placement rate of 82% in the 2022-2023 placement season. The following table provides a course-wise breakdown of the placement results:

• Sector-wise: Placements are available at IIT Bombay in a range of fields/sectors, including analytics, data science, design, research, consulting, finance, banking, and services. Companies that hire from IIT Bombay provide students with opportunities to study extensively, travel the world, and experience varied work cultures.

Our Take:

These statistics indicate the excellent calibre of students and the high quality of education at IIT Bombay. Graduates of IIT Bombay are highly sought after by companies/industries/sectors worldwide, and they go on to successful careers in a number of fields. What we have observed is that employers all across sectors in the world want to hire IIT Bombay graduates. Graduates of the institution have gone on to successful careers in a range of sectors and industries.

IIT Bombay Diversity & Demographics

Let us see the course-wise gender participation and demographics at IIT Bombay to help students make an informed decision: 

Course Wise Gender Participation as per NIRF 2023 

Course Wise Demographic Representation as per NIRF 2023 

Our Take:

As per our analysis of the aforementioned statistics, it is quite sad and demotivating to see that IIT Bombay is still lacking behind in gender diversity, despite being a leading institution in India and the world. The average gender ratio of 80% male students to 20% female students is significantly skewed, and it is important to address this issue. Students frequently believe that IIT Bombay can foster a more inclusive atmosphere that welcomes female students. This may entail organising events for female students and dealing with any incidents of sexism or prejudice. 

Also, we can clearly depict that international students are more interested in pursuing PG courses at IIT Bombay than UG courses. IIT Bombay is one of India's and the world's top universities. It is well-known for its challenging curriculum and strong academic requirements. As a result, it is an appealing place for international students seeking a difficult and satisfying educational experience. 

Exchange Opportunities at IIT Bombay

IIT Bombay has signed MoUs with several universities around the world to offer student exchange programs. This allows students to study at another university for a semester or a year, and to earn credits that can be transferred towards their degree at IIT Bombay. Overall, IIT Bombay's student exchange programmes are an excellent method for students to get significant foreign experience while seeing various cultures and perspectives. They are also an excellent method to meet new people and form relationships with folks from all around the world.

Our Take: The fact that IIT Bombay has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with various institutions across the world for student exchange programmes demonstrates the institute's commitment to offering a global education to its students. IIT Bombay recognises that studying abroad may benefit its students and is prepared to spend in making this feasible.

IIT Bombay College Administration

• IIT Bombay is governed by a Board of Governors, whose chairman is nominated by the President of India. The IIT Council, the Director of IIT Bombay, and the Registrar of IIT Bombay are also members of the Board of Governors.

• The Senate of IIT Bombay is the authority responsible for all academic matters, including maintaining standards of instruction, education, and examinations.

• In other words, the Board of Governors is responsible for the overall governance of IIT Bombay, while the Senate is responsible for academic matters.

• IIT Bombay is led by a team of experienced and dedicated individuals, including:

  • Director: The Director is the head of the institute and is responsible for its overall governance.

  • Deputy Directors: There are two Deputy Directors, one for Academic and infrastructural Affairs and one for Finance & External Affairs. They assist the Director in managing the institute's academic and administrative affairs.

  • Deans: There are seven Deans, each of whom is responsible for a specific area, such as Infrastructure Planning & Support, Research & Development, Academic Programmes, Students Affairs, Alumni & Corporate Relations, Faculty Affairs, and International Relations.

  • Heads of Departments, Centres, and Schools: The Heads of Departments, Centres, and Schools are responsible for the day-to-day operations of their respective units.

• The Institute Advisory Council is a non-statutory group comprised of notable commercial, industrial, and academic leaders. It advises and guides the institute on long-term strategies as well as short-term objectives.

Our Take:

Overall, IIT Bombay students and professors feel satisfied with the college administration. Students value the administration's efforts to deliver a high-quality education while also creating a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. The administration's support for faculty research and instructional initiatives is much appreciated.

However, students and staff have voiced their opinions about the college management in various areas. Lack of communication, transparency, and bureaucracy are all typical problems. In addition, there have been a few occurrences in recent years that have generated questions about the IIT Bombay administration. As an example:

• In 2022, an IIT Bombay canteen worker was arrested for recording a female student in the hostel washroom. The student had noticed the worker recording her on his phone and had reported it to the authorities. 

• A guy and his wife were arrested in 2023 for unnatural sex and black magic on an IIT-Bombay student. The student said that the pair had been harassing him for months and had even attempted to hurt him with black magic. 

IIT Bombay Location

The 545-acre IIT Bombay campus is located in Powai, East Mumbai, between the Vihar and Powai lakes. The campus is divided into clusters of buildings. Its proximity to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park gives the campus significant green cover and protects it from the pollution of the rest of the city. This proximity has also led to occasional sightings of leopards and mugger crocodiles along the banks of the Powai Lake. 

In other words, the IIT Bombay campus is a beautiful and green oasis in the middle of a bustling city. It is a place where students can learn and grow in a peaceful and inspiring environment. The neighbourhood is also home to a variety of schools, hospitals, restaurants, and shops. This makes Powai a convenient and desirable place to live and work.

Our Take:

We have observed that students at IIT Bombay have the benefit of being located in Powai, one of the best suburbs of Mumbai, beyond the hustle and bustle of the city yet not far from the city's attractions on weekends. The location is a popular residential and commercial neighbourhood in Mumbai and is known for its beautiful lake, Powai Lake, and its well-developed infrastructure. The neighbourhood has wide roads, well-kept gardens, and all the essential civic amenities. But, the location also has its own bag of drawbacks such as:

• The rising cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Lack of nightlife (as compared to Mumbai)
• Distance from other parts of Mumbai (such as South Mumbai and Bandra)

IIT Bombay: Expectation vs Reality CLD Verdict!

IIT Bombay is one of India's mecca institutes for higher education and a dream destination for many students. However, before applying to IIT Bombay, it is critical to have reasonable expectations. IIT Bombay is routinely placed among India's and the world's best institutions. According to the QS World University Rankings, IIT Bombay is among the top 150 universities in the world. The institute does, in fact, provide a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate engineering, scientific, and management programmes. The placement numbers are also astounding, with the foreign top package reaching INR 3.67 crore and the domestic highest package reaching INR 1.68 crore. The campus is located in Powai, a Mumbai neighbourhood. The campus is surrounded by greenery and is near a lake. 

However, the university is located in a slightly remote place, making certain facilities difficult to obtain. Having said that, it is one of the country's most competitive institutes. Only the top students from throughout India are admitted due to the very stringent admission procedure. The academic culture at the university is very challenging. Students are expected to study hard and achieve academic success. The weather too can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months, which is another challenge for students living in the hostels.

Final Verdict: IIT Bombay is a world-class institute offering several opportunities for students. However, it is essential to be aware of the difficulties that come with attending IIT Bombay. Students can expect a challenging academic environment, a competitive batch size, and a high cost of living.

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