MAKAUT’s Review & Verdict by CollegeDekho

Campus at a Glimpse

If you are contemplating Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), West Bengal for your higher education journey, this article aims to furnish you with a comprehensive perspective to facilitate your decision-making process. Established in 2001, MAKAUT stands as a public university that extends a spectrum of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs specializing in engineering, technology, and allied sciences. With affiliations to numerous colleges across the state, it has garnered popularity among individuals aspiring to enter the tech field.

When gauging MAKAUT's reputation and reviews, a nuanced evaluation emerges. Reviews from various credible sources commend its affordability, qualified faculty, and satisfactory placement records. However, criticisms have surfaced, citing concerns about outdated infrastructure in affiliated colleges and a perceived lack of industry exposure in certain programs. These concerns occasionally find an echo in social media discussions.

Differentiating itself from conventional universities with centralized campuses, MAKAUT operates through a network of affiliated colleges. This distinctive structure cultivates a diverse learning environment, where each college contributes its unique culture and facilities.

Students have expressed apprehensions regarding placement and internship prospects within the university. This comprehensive overview aims to provide essential information about MAKAUT, assisting students in making well-informed decisions.

MAKAUT's NIRF Rankings: An Average Show! 

NIRF rankings for MAKAUT are only available in the Engineering category for the years mentioned.

Our Take:

Between 2021 and 2023, a discernible positive trend in MAKAUT's NIRF ranking for Engineering has been observed through analysis. This suggests a concerted effort by the university to enhance the quality of its engineering programs. However, the absence of MAKAUT under the "University category" raises concerns and prompts a closer look at the institution's standing. The fluctuations in rankings hint at a lack of consistent adherence to the evaluation criteria established by NIRF. While the rise in the 2023 ranking is encouraging, it signifies the potential for further improvement to elevate MAKAUT to the upper echelons of engineering institutions. This analysis underscores the need for sustained efforts to ensure a more stable and higher-ranking trajectory for MAKAUT in the future.

MAKAUT's Academia & Batch Size

MAKAUT stands as a state university, offering a spectrum of UG, PG, and PhD courses across its diverse colleges. Employing a Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), the university empowers students to tailor their education by selecting both core and elective subjects. Boasting affiliations with 200 colleges, this state government institution opens its doors to students from varied socio-economic backgrounds, facilitating education at a reasonable cost. Reports indicate a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:25 for undergraduate programs and 1:15 for graduate courses. While MAKAUT houses highly qualified professors, the teaching quality and tutor qualifications can vary based on the specific affiliated college. In essence, MAKAUT serves as an academic hub, striving to provide accessible and diverse educational opportunities.

Our Take:

According to the reports of students, most of the MAKAUT faculty members are experienced and highly qualified but some are far from perfect. The relevance of the curriculum has also been a topic of discussion among students. In their opinion, all the other private universities have advanced curricula but MAKAUT is still following an old curriculum, which may not serve the present industry demands. Perhaps, the university must take the necessary measures to solve this problem. 

Being a state university, the institution can keep up the student-to-faculty ratio as per the set standards. The faculty and student ratio in all the Government and Private Affiliated colleges depends on the strength of the colleges.

MAKAUT's Infrastructure

Classroom:

The classrooms at MAKAUT are spacious and furnished with modern technology. Some classes also have air conditioners. According to a few alumni, the university has a very limited number of classrooms and requires an upgrade.

Library:

MAKAUT library houses a rich and varied collection of books, journals, magazines, e-books and resource books. There are two libraries at the university: a Physical library and a Digital library. The physical library can accommodate around 150 students and the Digital library 50 students. During the exam season, the library is overcrowded as per the opinion of the students.

Labs:

MAKAUT proclaims to have a good number of labs well equipped with modern technology for UG, PG, and Ph.D. courses.  All the labs have proper ventilation and lighting.

Hostels:

MAKAUT offers a separate hostel facility for boys and girls. The university claims that the rooms are spacious and tidy. Both the hostels situated inside the campus have a pleasant atmosphere but limited seats. Hostel facilities include common areas, TV rooms, a washing machine, a special room for indoor games, a gym and cycles. Students are allowed to use cycles to move around the campus. Having said that, hostels do not have air conditioning which might cause discomfort during summer. According to the report, the quality of food is okay. Nothing special.

Canteen:

The canteen at MAKAUT has ample seating. The food served in the canteen is quite good according to the students. A variety of food items are provided in the canteen.

Our Take:

MAKAUT University operates without a centralized campus, functioning instead through a network of affiliated colleges scattered across West Bengal. Assessing the available online feedback and information provides a nuanced perspective on the state of the infrastructure. Noteworthy strengths include diverse infrastructure offerings, as each affiliated college boasts its distinctive facilities, such as modern amenities like air-conditioned classrooms, Wi-Fi access, and well-equipped laboratories. Additionally, some colleges feature spacious campuses with supplementary amenities like sports facilities, canteens, and libraries (as reported by Telegraph India). However, there are notable weaknesses to consider. The quality of infrastructure exhibits significant inconsistencies among colleges, with concerns raised about outdated facilities and inadequate maintenance in certain reviews. Another drawback highlighted in feedback is the limited exposure in specific colleges, where advanced laboratory equipment and industry-standard infrastructure may be lacking.

MAKAUT's Internships and Placements

Internships:

MAKAUT offers internships to a limited number of people. The university publishes the internship notification and deserving candidates out of all the applicants are shortlisted. The selected student gets INR 5,000 per month as a stipend. As per the opinion of the students, internships should be offered to all the students.

Placements:

MAKAUT has a placement cell that invites various companies for the campus drive. The placement percentage of MAKAUT is average. Most of the students either attend the placement drives or are not interested in them at all.

According to the placement report of 2022, the total number of students selected during the placement drive was 85. The majority of them were from a B.Tech background. Around 36.47% of selected candidates were from post-graduation and the highest package offered was 19 LPA.

Top Recruiters:

Some of the top recruiters of MAKAUT are Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, WIPRO, Infosys, ICRA Analytics Ltd, Capgemini, Alumnus Software, India MART, Qspider, Accenture, Infosys, Amazon, and HCL.

Our Take:

The official website of MAKAUT provides limited information, making it challenging for individuals seeking comprehensive details. Reports from various sources indicate a positive trend in MAKAUT placements over recent years. Companies such as TCS, Capgemini, Infosys, and Wipro are reportedly visiting campuses for recruitment, offering packages ranging from INR 3.5 LPA to INR 19 LPA. However, there is a notable scarcity of official information on internship opportunities, leaving students with limited guidance. While faculty support may play a role in directing students towards internships, the responsibility of finding such opportunities often rests on the students themselves. Despite the improving placement records, the lack of centralized data hampers the assessment of the overall scenario. It is suggested that good placement outcomes may vary across affiliated colleges and programs, highlighting potential disparities in opportunities.

MAKAUT's Diversity and Demographics

According to the data of NIRF 2023, around 63% of the students pursuing UG, PG or PhD programmes at university or in affiliated colleges are male. The percentage of female students constitutes only 37% of the total strength of the university. Most of the students are from within the state, which accounts for 85% of the university's strength. The remaining 15% of the students are from neighbouring states.

Student Gender Diversification at MAKAUT University

Course Wise Demographic Representation

Our Take:

Although a definitive, unbiased source providing precise data on MAKAUT's gender distribution and demographic composition is unavailable, information gleaned from reviews, newsletters, and social media indicates a noticeable prevalence of male students at MAKAUT compared to their female counterparts. This raises concerns about potential shortcomings in gender diversity within the student body, suggesting that the institution may lack a balanced representation of perspectives and experiences. Addressing this discrepancy is crucial for fostering a more inclusive campus environment. To enhance gender diversity, MAKAUT could consider implementing initiatives specifically designed to attract and support female students, thereby enriching the overall educational experience for the entire student community. Acknowledging and proactively addressing this gender gap aligns intending to create a more well-rounded and equitable learning environment at MAKAUT.

MAKAUT's Faculty & College Management/Administration

MAKAUT is administered by the General Council, which is the highest authority of the university headed by the Chancellor of the university, Executive Council, Academic Council and Financial Committee led by the Vice-Chancellor. The university is further divided into three schools that consist of five departments. The directors of the schools are responsible for creating new departments and taking care of all things academic.

MAKAUT has some exceptional faculty members. The University focuses on recruiting highly qualified and seasoned professors. It also invites distinguished industry-experienced people to expand the intellectual horizon of students. The faculty and students ratio for UG is 1:25 and PG is 1:15 at the university.

Our Take:

Analyzing MAKAUT's faculty and administration reveals a varied perspective, drawing insights from reviews, social media, and news articles. Regarding faculty, positive reviews emphasize the expertise and quality of teaching provided by qualified instructors. However, these commendations often pertain to specific departments or programs, hindering a comprehensive evaluation of the university's overall teaching quality. Notably, there's a dearth of comprehensive data on faculty qualifications, research contributions, and teaching approaches, limiting a holistic understanding. Shifting the focus to college administration, available information is notably sparse online, making it challenging to gauge the efficiency and responsiveness of MAKAUT's administrative practices. As such, a more detailed and transparent overview of both faculty and administration would greatly benefit those seeking a clearer understanding of the institution.

When we look at universities in West Bengal, those with a longstanding history often excel in attracting and retaining exceptionally qualified faculty members. These institutions tend to boast a faculty with robust research backgrounds and extensive experience. Moreover, established universities typically exhibit a more mature administrative structure, characterized by well-defined policies and procedures. This organizational strength contributes to their overall appeal and effectiveness in delivering quality education.

MAKAUT's Location

MAKAUT's primary campus is located in Haringhata, within the Nadia district of West Bengal. Situated between Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, an agricultural university, and IISER Kolkata, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, the campus enjoys a serene setting in the suburban area of Haringhata, providing a respite from the bustling city life of Kolkata. Covering an expansive 40 acres, the campus offers a spacious environment conducive to academic pursuits. However, detailed information about the immediate vicinity of the campus is somewhat scarce, reflecting the need for further exploration and local insight.

Our Take:

One of the notable benefits of residing in Haringhata is the serene atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, fostering a peaceful and less polluted environment conducive to focused studying. Additionally, the proximity of various educational institutions creates a vibrant academic setting, enhancing the overall learning experience. However, there are drawbacks to consider, such as the limited availability of amenities in the suburban area. Residents may find fewer options for shops, restaurants, and entertainment compared to a city centre location. Another challenge involves potential time-consuming commutes, particularly for students relying on public transportation, depending on their place of residence. Moreover, the quality and availability of on-campus hostels, as indicated in reviews or on the university website, could impact the necessity of frequenting areas outside the campus. It's advisable to explore public transportation options from different parts of West Bengal to Haringhata to assess the feasibility of commuting.

MAKAUT Expectation Vs Reality: CLD Verdict

Selecting a university is a significant choice, and examining what MAKAUT, West Bengal, commits to versus its actual performance, as conveyed through student feedback, is essential. In terms of expectations, MAKAUT positions itself as a contemporary and innovative institution, emphasizing a commitment to technical education. Additionally, it promotes a diverse array of MAKAUT courses, spanning engineering, technology, and management programs, with an assurance of providing education tailored to industry requirements for successful placements.

However, the reality reveals certain disparities. Students' reviews indicate that MAKAUT's network of affiliated colleges is spread across the state, presenting varied facilities and environments, potentially lacking a centralized campus. The opinions on infrastructure differ, with some students finding it satisfactory at affiliated colleges, while others note certain limitations. The availability of research opportunities appears to fluctuate depending on the specific college.

Furthermore, when examining national rankings, MAKAUT itself does not attain a high position. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that some of its affiliated colleges possess commendable reputations. This nuanced evaluation seeks to provide a comprehensive perspective on MAKAUT's offerings, highlighting both the positive aspects and potential areas for improvement, contributing to a well-informed decision-making process for prospective students.

Final Verdict: MAKAUT provides diverse courses, yet the quality of experience hinges on the specific affiliated college you choose. It is important to delve into the particulars of each college, engage in discussions with current students, and weigh your priorities, such as placement opportunities and research offerings. This thoughtful approach will empower you to make an informed decision that aligns with your academic goals and aspirations.

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