IIT Roorkee's Review and Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glance

Established in 1847, IIT Roorkee is the oldest technical institution in Asia and the seventh IIT to be recognized as an Institute of National Importance. Founded 176 years ago as the College of Civil Engineering in British India by Lieutenant-Governor James Thomason, its purpose was to train officers and surveyors involved in constructing the Ganges Canal. After the canal's completion and Thomason's death in 1854, it was renamed the Thomason College of Civil Engineering. In 1949, it was renamed the University of Roorkee, and in 2001, it was renamed IIT Roorkee.

Located in Roorkee in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand state, IIT Roorkee is a public technical research university accredited by NAAC and approved by AICTE and UGC. The university boasts 23 departments across the fields of Engineering, Science, Architecture, Management, and Social Sciences, offering 14 undergraduate (UG), 24 postgraduate (PG), and various other PhD courses. The main campus covers a vast area of 365 acres and the entire building is painted white which looks magnificent.

IIT Roorkee has a separate campus of 25 acres in Saharanpur and a new 10-acre campus was established in Greater Noida in 2011. The institute has everything a student can need - excellent classrooms & labs equipped with all the modern facilities and equipment, a central library with a vast collection of books, journals, magazines, etc., hostels, messes, cafeterias, auditoriums, OAT, cinema theater, entertainment block, shops, banks, cafeterias, sports areas, hang-out places, guest houses, and more.

IIT Roorkee is a dream college of many students across the country who want to get a world-class education from excellent faculty and bag an impressive placement offer upon graduation. Despite the institute's rich history contributing to its heritage and fame, there are a few pressing concerns students encounter like strict administration, unnecessary fines, timings, etc. Before you get into IIT Roorkee, have a look at our honest verdict to get an insight into everything it does or does not offer.

IIT Roorkee Rankings: Keeping it Consistent!

IIT Roorkee is renowned for its academic excellence both nationally and internationally. As a prestigious engineering institute, it has earned excellent rankings from top-ranking organizations. Here are the various rankings of IIT Roorkee.

IIT Roorkee International Rankings

IIT Roorkee QS World Ranking 2023: Parameter-Wise

IIT Roorkee NIRF Rankings

IIT Roorkee NIRF Ranking 2023: Parameter-Wise

IIT Roorkee Other Rankings

Our Take:

Seeing the national and international rankings of IIT Roorkee, it is quite evident that the institute has been consistent in providing the best quality education across different streams. It has consistently maintained its position among the top 10 institutions in the overall category of NIRF Rankings, which is an impressive feat. It is among the top five IITs in India that are dedicated to offering an at-par education and learning environment to its students.

IIT Roorkee Academia & Batch Size

IIT Roorkee was initially built as a Civil Engineering college and presently, it has 23 departments across the fields of Engineering, Science, Architecture, Management, and Social Sciences. The institute offers 14 undergraduate, 24 postgraduate, and various other PhD courses in different specializations to the students through its school.

The institute takes pride in its innovative curriculum, which includes courses on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, Indian Knowledge System, Tinkering and Mentoring, Talent Enhancement Basket, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science and Sustainability Course, Community Outreach, Soft Skills, Theme-based Minor Specialization, Design thinking-based projects, and many other subjects.

Courses Offered by IIT Roorkee

Undergraduate Courses

• B.Arch - 5 Years
• B.Tech - 4 Years (Civil Engineering, Biosciences & Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electronics & Communication Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering, Engineering Physics)

Integrated Courses

• Integrated Master of Technology (Geophysical Technology, Geological Technology)
• 5-year BS-MS programs with an exit option after four years with a BS Degree (Mathematics & Computing, Physics, Chemical Sciences, Economics)
• Integrated Master of Science (Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics)

Postgraduate Courses

• M.Arch (Master of Architecture ) - 2 Years
• M.E./ M.Tech (Master of  Technology) - 2 Years (40 Specializations)
• M.Des (Industrial Design) - 2 Years
• MIM (Masters in Innovation Management) - 2 Years
• MURP (Master of Urban and Rural Planning) - 2 Years
• MBA (Master of Business Administration) - 2 Years
• PG Diploma in Hydrology, Irrigation Water Management, Water Resources Development for Sponsered Students

Ph.D. Courses

The institute offers Ph.D. programs in all departments and accepts new students every semester. A student's thesis is evaluated by three external examiners and defended in front of an Oral Defense Committee. The Senate awards the Ph.D. degree based on their recommendations.

IIT Roorkee Fee Structure

Getting an education at IIT Roorkee is quite affordable compared to other premier institutes in India. Check the fee structure for different courses offered by IIT Roorkee.

Batch-Size at IIT Roorkee

IIT Roorkee Admission Process

For admission to IIT Roorkee's flagship B.Tech programme, applicants must obtain a qualifying rank in JEE Advanced after taking the JEE main exam. Once JEE Advanced results are announced, those who meet the criteria must register online for JoSAA counseling for seat allocation. IIT Roorkee offers several postgraduate programs, including M.Tech, M.Sc, MArch, MURP, MBA, and Integrated courses.

Admission to the M.Tech /MArch/ MURP programmes requires taking the GATE exam followed by an interview. For M.Sc. admission, applicants can submit their IIT JAM scores and participate in the PI round. Those hoping to pursue an MBA must pass the CAT exam. IIT Roorkee offers both full-time and part-time Ph.D. programs, with candidates required to submit valid scores from exams such as GATE, JRF, UGC NET, or GPAT. Furthermore, for PG courses at IIT Roorkee, those who have graduated from IIT with a CGPA of at least 8 are exempt from the entrance exam.

IIT Roorkee Alumni

IIT Roorkee boasts a strong alumni network, comprising distinguished graduates who have contributed significantly to various fields, including industry, academia, and public service in India as well as abroad. India's prestigious Padma award has been won by 10 alumni from this institute, while 25 have received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology. The institute has also produced 7 chairmen of the Indian Railway Board and over a hundred secretary-level officers in the Government of India. Some of the most prominent alumni include-

• Amit Singhal, former senior vice president at Google
• Digvijai Singh, chemical engineer, former vice-chancellor of the University of Roorkee
• Shyam Sundar Rai, a Seismologist
• Papias Malimba Musafiri, former Cabinet Minister of Education of Rwanda
• Sudhir K. Jain, Vice Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University
• Nilmani Mitra, a 19th-century architect, and designer of several palaces in Kolkata
• Mangu Singh, managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited

Our Take:

It is undeniable that IIT Roorkee has an outstanding academic standing both in India and abroad. The institute offers a variety of courses, all taught by highly qualified and experienced educators with extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. Moreover, the institute has a thriving research environment, with faculty members conducting innovative research in various subject areas.

Despite this, a few students have expressed dissatisfaction with the college's administrative policies. 5 CGPA criteria is one of the most infamous things that put a dent in the image of this college. In 2015, students who scored lower than 5 CGPA in the second semester were expelled from the institute as per a decision of the Senate consisting of over 100 professors.

IIT Roorkee Infrastructure

IIT Roorkee is situated amidst the beautiful Himalayan foothills, offering a picturesque and tranquil setting for students' holistic growth and learning. Upon visiting the campus, the elegance of the main building in the Renaissance style of architecture, spacious lawns, and sports grounds leave a lasting impression. The awe-inspiring James Thomson Building, which serves as the main administrative block, stands out with its magnificent white structure.

Three Campuses

IIT Roorkee boasts a vast campus spanning over 365 acres, making it one of the largest IITs. Additionally, IIT Roorkee has a well-planned campus in Saharanpur, spanning 25 acres and located approximately 49 km away from the Roorkee campus. This campus is known as the Department of Paper Technology and offers a two-year M.Tech. degree program in Paper Technology, catering to the needs of the paper and packaging industries while simultaneously imparting knowledge of the allied chemical and process industries.

IIT Roorkee also has a campus located in the NCR region called the Greater Noida Center (GNEC). The centre offers various programs, including Post Graduate Courses (part-time M.Tech and MBA), Sponsored short-term courses/QIP courses, National and international Workshops/Conferences, Entrepreneurship development, incubation and marketing surveys, Workshops for Industry-Academia Interaction, and liaisoning with industry and government departments in and around Delhi for promoting/supporting sponsored research and industrial consultancy.

Classrooms

IIT Roorkee’s classrooms include modern infrastructure and a stimulating academic environment that fosters the development of students across various streams. Each classroom is centrally air-conditioned and equipped with cutting-edge amenities, including audio and video conferencing, a digital podium, a laser projector, a motorized projector screen, and a digital writing board. The new state-of-the-art lecture hall complex is designed to deliver the best utilities and facilities. Plus, it's sustainably built with a focus on maximizing natural daylight and ventilation to complement the building's orientation.

Library

The Mahatma Gandhi Central Library at IIT Roorkee has an impressive collection of over 320,000 documents, including CDs, online databases, audio-visual materials, and more. With access to over 8,000 electronic journals, the library is housed in a modern building spanning 80,000 square feet and four floors. The building is centrally air-conditioned and equipped with the latest ICT facilities, accommodating up to 500 users with ease and comfort. Natural light floods the space, making it an ideal spot for reading. The library also uses RFID technology to offer a seamless experience without the need for human assistance. Wired connectivity is available for over 200 computers, while Wi-Fi access is available throughout the building.

Labs

IIT Roorkee has various labs for practical training and research in each department with the latest equipment and modern amenities. For instance, the mechanical and Industrial engineering department has labs like the Advanced Manufacturing Process Laboratory, Aerodynamics Lab & Solar Energy Laboratory, Computer Aided Engineering Laboratory, Dynamics of Machines Laboratory, etc.

Convocation Hall & Auditoriums

At IIT Roorkee, there is a convocation hall that can accommodate up to 1827 students. This hall features centralized HVAC technology that uses chilled water cooling. Furthermore, it has LED lighting with a dimming function that is controlled through BMS. Additionally, the doors are fire-resistant for safety purposes. The institution boasts multiple auditoriums located in various departments that are outfitted with advanced audio-visual equipment. These auditoriums can facilitate video conferencing, sound systems, and audio-visual materials. They are well-suited for a range of events, including international conferences, symposiums, meetings, seminars, concerts, presentations, and performances.

Hostels

IIT Roorkee has 10 boys' hostels, 3 girls' hostels, 6 hostels for married candidates, and one co-ed hostel. These hostels, known as ‘Bhawans,’ have basic amenities like a cyber cafe, gym, Wi-Fi, water purifiers, common room, recreation room, mess, canteens, TV, laundry services, security and surveillance system, etc. The internet speed is quite good in the hostel, as some students have suggested that it is the best among other IITs. However, the female students in the hostels are not allowed to go out from 11 PM to 6 AM which has been objected to by many.

Hostel Fees (Per Semester)

Provided below is the minimum charge for a bachelor’s hostel. For married accommodation, charges will be as per actual.

Mess

IIT Roorkee has multiple messes that offer good quality food to students. Rajendra Bhawan mess and Sarojini Bhawan mess offer the best quality food and are well equipped with a TV and music system. Also, food is provided to students in their rooms who are unable to go mess due to health issues. Visitors are allowed to eat food in a mess.

Mess Fees (Per Semester)

Canteens & Hang-outs

There are several eateries available on the IIT Roorkee campus, conveniently located at various spots. Each hostel has its own canteen and fresh fruit stalls, providing students with ample seating space to eat and socialize with their peers. The Multi Activity Centre boasts a Cafe Coffee Day, an Amul parlor, and Saatviko Idea Cafe. To satisfy late-night cravings, students can visit the Shri Balaji Cautley Bhawan Cafe which operates from 2 A.M to 2 P.M, after all other canteens have closed. These canteens offer a wide range of food items, including Maggie, poha, coffee, milk, cold drinks, packaged food, and beverages.

Sports Facilities

At IIT Roorkee, there is a wide range of sports facilities available, including Badminton, Tennis, Squash, and Basketball Courts. Additionally, there are full-sized, competitive-grade pitches and grounds for sports such as Athletics, Football, Hockey, and Cricket. Indoor games like Table Tennis are also available. For those looking to swim, there is an Olympic-sized swimming pool. A professional gymnasium is also available for weight lifting and general well-being.

Banks

On the IIT Roorkee campus, there are two banks available to students: Punjab National Bank (P.N.B.) and State Bank of India (S.B.I.). Both banks offer Centralised Banking Services, Internet Banking, and ATM facilities. It is mandatory for every student to open an account with either bank upon enrollment. The banks are conveniently located, with P.N.B. situated near the post office and S.B.I. located in the main building on campus. The Punjab National Bank's A.T.M. is located right next to the bank, while S.B.I. has two A.T.M.s on-campus, one near their bank branch and another in Cautley Bhawan.

Post Office

There is a post office located on the campus near the U.G. club. It provides services to students, faculty, and non-residents of the campus. The post office is well-equipped and open on weekdays from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and on Saturdays from 9 A.M. to 2 P.M.

Aarohi Child Care Centre and Playgroup

Aarohi Child Care Centre and Playgroup is a facility provided by IIT Roorkee for the welfare of staff with children. It caters to the children of employees, students, and research scholars. It offers facilities like a library, sleeping rooms, outdoor and indoor play areas, dining room, activity rooms, etc.

Other Facilities

IIT Roorkee provides comfortable accommodations for visiting dignitaries with four fully furnished guest houses and one visitors' hostel located on campus. Excellent healthcare facilities are provided within the campus hospitals. Additionally, the campus has a mosque, a temple, and a church. Indian Railways has set up a computerized railway reservation counter on campus for the convenience of students. E-rickshaws are also available for use by students and faculty.

Our Take:

The infrastructure of IIT Roorkee is indeed world-class as students really enjoy their time here. However, as nothing is perfect, the institute too has a few flaws. Some students have complained about the quality of food at the mess and sometime back, many suffered from food poisoning after eating hostel food. Female students are not allowed to go out of the hostel after 11 PM and before 6 AM, which has upset many as no other IIT has this rule. During fests and events, this causes a lot of trouble. A few students have also complained about the labs which are not properly maintained.

IIT Roorkee Internships & Placements

IIT Roorkee provides various types of placement and internship opportunities to students studying in their final year.

IIT Roorkee Internships

SPARK is an internship program at IIT Roorkee offered to undergraduate and postgraduate students for industry exposure. The institute organizes 6-8 weeks of institute-funded SPARK fellowships for internships with a weekly stipend of INR 2500/week and project-funded internships.

IIT Roorkee Placements

Based on IIT Roorkee NIRF data 2023, a total of 764 undergraduate students were successfully placed through the campus drive. The median salary package offered to these students was INR 17,00,000. Meanwhile, the median salary package offered to postgraduate integrated 5-year students was INR 22,54,000. Numerous well-known organizations such as IBM, Outlook, Infosys, Cognizant, Deloitte, Vedanta, and NatWest took part in the placement drive at the Indian Institute of Technology in Roorkee.

IIT Roorkee Placement Report 2023

IIT Roorkee Course-wise Placement Report (NIRF 2023)

Our Take:

The institute has achieved a 100% placement rate during the MBA placement drive of 2023 which is quite impressive. The engineering placement rate is also excellent in the institute as students are selected by various renowned organizations at lucrative salary packages. The institute even provided pre-placement training to students.

A few students have complained that only students from the CS branch are given the best placement opportunities, the rest are not treated well. Since the placement drives are conducted at the main campus, students from the Saharanpur campus face issues travelling to and fro from their campus to the main campus. Also, the Noida campus was supposed to be the hub for placements; however, nothing has been done since its inception.

IIT Roorkee Diversity Representation

IIT Roorkee, being a premier institute in India, attracts students from all across the country and even abroad. You can find students belonging to different states, cultures, and ethnicities here. Let us have a look at the gender ratio across various courses:

Gender-wise All Admitted Students in AY 2023-24

Gender-wise International Admitted Students in AY 2023-24

Our Take:

The gender ratio at IIT Roorkee is around 78:22% which is not very impressive. The institute needs to take some strong measures to bridge this gender gap to create a balance. Since its establishment in 1847, this institute has had a strong international presence. IIT Roorkee has the highest number of international students among all IITs. To date, students from 55 different countries have been educated at IIT Roorkee. The institute is proud to continue its tradition of being a major educational hub for Asia and Africa even in recent times. The institute is committed to international cooperation and actively partners with countries to develop initiatives in engineering, applied sciences, social sciences, and management education.

IIT Roorkee Management/ Administration

As IIT Roorkee is a huge institute, different areas of administrative importance are handled by respective deans. These areas include Academic Affairs, Finance and Planning, Administration, DOSW, Faculty Affairs, Infrastructure, International Relations, SRIC, Resources and Alumni Affairs, Saharanpur Campus, etc. The college management is dedicated to offering the best education and facilities to keep up with its legacy and historical importance. Students here are encouraged to be involved in sports, research, robotics, and more.

Our Take: Despite the excellent management, a few students have complained about the college's administrative policies. The Spring Semester commences on December 30 or 31, requiring students to return a day before New Year's Eve or pay a fine of INR 500. Despite this, classes may not begin for up to four days. At the start of every semester, students must register for academic courses and institute electives, among other things. Those who fail to do so on time are subject to a fine of INR 1000. The restriction on female students to stay inside the hostel between 11 PM and 6 AM is also not taken positively by many students.

IIT Roorkee Location

IIT Roorkee is situated in Roorkee town, located in the Haridwar district of Uttrakhand state. The campus is surrounded by the stunning Himalayan foothills, providing a serene and scenic environment for students to learn and grow holistically. The campus is spread across a flat terrain under the Sivalik hills of the Himalayas. The city is built along the banks of the Ganges canal, which flows from north to south, dividing the city in two.

The most convenient option to reach Roorkee is viad Delhi which is around 180 km. It takes about 6 hours to travel from Delhi to Roorkee by car or bus. The distance by train from Delhi to Roorkee is 212 km. There are 18 direct trains from New Delhi to Roorkee. The most preferred airport to approach Roorkee is Delhi Airport and the distance is 200 km on the road (5.5 hours journey by taxi) from Roorkee. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 70 km away from the town.

For students seeking a tranquil and green environment free of pollution, IIT Roorkee is the perfect choice. While there may not be a large mall for shopping and hangouts, most brands are available nearby. Additionally, there are many options for weekend getaways such as Mussoorie, Dhanolti, Rishikesh, Shimla, Delhi, Nainital, Jim Corbet, Devaprayag, and Lansdowne, which can be enjoyed on a bike trip. Since most of the items of daily need are available inside the campus, students don’t need to worry about going out every now and then.

IIT Roorkee Expectation vs Reality CLD Verdict!

While IIT Roorkee is too famous for its history, it’s not the only reason students dream of studying here. It offers excellent infrastructure and world-class education provided by highly qualified faculty. Facilities like hostels, labs, libraries, canteens, banks, sports, hospitals, etc. are provided to the best of management’s capabilities to give students the best experience. By examining the roster of graduates from this institution, it's clear that one can achieve great success in their career by diligently studying here.

In addition to receiving a quality education, students have the opportunity to participate in various cultural events, such as Thomso, which is famous as the "Annual Youth Festival of Uttarakhand." Numerous well-known bands, including the Beatles, have performed here. The institution offers a plethora of groups and clubs, including technical, coding, and cultural groups like music, dance, photography, literary, poetry, drama, lighting, stand-up, culinary, and more. Whatever your interests may be, there is something for everyone!

Although this institute has its merits, there are several areas that require improvement. The management team must be more receptive to the feedback and suggestions provided by their students and faculty. Additionally, students seem disconnected from the faculty due to the large class sizes and disrespectful attitudes toward their teachers. If you are considering IIT Roorkee, then we suggest considering all these points we talked about here so that you can make an informed decision about your career!

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