Starting College at 22: Am I Too Old?

Ans: Hardik, BITS Pilani’s Chemical Engineering program, established in 1964, combines a rigorous core curriculum with practice-school internships and offers a minor in Materials Science or Chemistry to deepen your understanding of advanced topics like nanochemistry and solid-state chemistry. The department emphasizes interdisciplinary research, maintains modern pilot-plant and analytical laboratories, and supports direct Ph.D. pathways with institute fellowships and global collaborations in catalysis, polymer engineering, and organic reaction engineering. Placements are robust, with over 90% B.E. Chemical graduates securing roles in core and related sectors, and Practice School guarantees two internships by the seventh semester. Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai’s Dyestuff & Intermediates and Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Technology branches deliver highly specialized curricula in process chemistry, formulation, and quality control, with dedicated labs for colorant synthesis or drug design and strong industry partnerships with Glenmark, ISRO, and Indian Oil. ICT Mumbai holds NAAC A++ accreditation, records median B.Tech package of ?8 LPA, and places over 90% of dyestuff graduates in R&D and production roles, while its M.Tech programs in pharmaceutical chemistry maintain over 95% placements in research and regulatory sectors. Both institutions excel in faculty expertise and facility quality but BITS Pilani’s interdisciplinary research culture, minority thesis options, and integrated Ph.D. fellowship opportunities provide a stronger foundation for an organic-chemistry doctorate, whereas ICT’s niche programs offer immediate industry alignment in specialty chemicals.

RECOMMENDATION: Prioritize BITS Pilani Chemical Engineering with a minor in Materials Science or Chemistry for its unparalleled research environment, integrated Ph.D. support, broad analytical infrastructure, and high placement consistency, then choose ICT Mumbai’s Dyestuff & Intermediates for specialized process chemistry training, and consider ICT’s Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Technology for regulatory and formulation expertise aligned with doctoral and corporate aspirations. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Hello dear
Prefer ECE-VLSI @ VIT Vellore for better prospects and opportunities abroad.

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Radheshyam

Ans: Khushant, provide your current year's JEE/MHT-CET scores to answer precisely such as partial drop is advisable or not, etc.

Ans: Hello dear
Not only IISER Thiruvananthapuram but all IISERs provide opportunities for careers in research, academia, higher studies (PhD/MS abroad), scientific institutions, and even data science, while also building a strong foundation in science. If you have little interest in research, it is better to choose the traditional course IT @ Local College in Hyderabad. However, considering the scope at the local college (name not mentioned), it is advisable to select IISER-TRV. The final decision will be yours.


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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Chances of ECE with CSAB and HS quota seem to be challenging. Explore other options.

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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Pharm D is a good career-oriented path. LMCP is a good choice. But if possible, explore a better option than this.

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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Prefer CSE @ MNIT Allahabad if possible.

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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Chances are very slim. Please try with the CSAB spot round. Please explore other options as a backup.

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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Choosing BITS Hyderabad with a chance to upgrade to CSE/ECE carries higher risks. If this occurs, it might be worth considering compared to VNR. Ask the administration of BITS Hyderabad about the possibility or likelihood of the upgrade. The final decision will be yours.

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Radheshyam