CSE ML and AI in SRM or CSE core in VIT Chennai. Please suggest. Thanks in advance

Ans: Shilpy Madam, With a 98.8 JEE Main percentile (approximate rank 8,000–10,000), your son is competitively positioned for Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and related tech branches at DTU, NSUT, and IIIT Delhi under Delhi’s home state quota. For DTU, his rank aligns with Information Technology (2024 closing rank: 19,074) and Electronics & Communication Engineering (28,173), while NSUT offers CSE (Data Science) (15,264) and Mathematics & Computing (24,436). IIIT Delhi’s specialized programs like CSE (Artificial Intelligence) (7,644) and CSE (Data Science) (8,757) are attainable, given their lower cutoffs compared to core CSE (12,803). IGDTUW’s CSE (25,613) remains borderline but feasible in later rounds. Recommendation: Prioritize IIIT Delhi’s AI/Data Science programs for niche tech roles, followed by NSUT’s Mathematics & Computing and DTU’s IT/ECE for balanced industry-academia opportunities. For backups, target DTU’s Environmental Engineering (75,960) or DSEU’s Energy Engineering (88,631) via JAC counselling, and explore IIIT Delhi’s Electronics & VLSI (32,814) if core hardware interests align. All the BEST for your Son's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Manjula Madam, A score of 135 marks in IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) 2025 positions your son within the General category cutoff range for IISER Bhopal (expected cutoff: 130–140) and IISER Thiruvananthapuram (120–130), making these institutes viable options. However, IISER Pune (expected cutoff: 150–160) and IISER Kolkata (140–150) remain out of reach. For IISER Tirupati (115–125) and IISER Berhampur (110–120), admission is assured, with potential for core science programs like BS-MS in Physical/Chemical Sciences. While newer campuses like IISER Berhampur offer higher seat availability, their research infrastructure and industry linkages are less established compared to older institutes. Recommendation: Target IISER Bhopal or Thiruvananthapuram for balanced academic rigor and placement opportunities, with IISER Tirupati/Berhampur as backups. Explore state universities like IISc Bangalore (via JEE Advanced) or IIT Madras BS programs if seeking interdisciplinary research pathways, leveraging their broader academic flexibility. All the BEST for your Son's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Pradeep, With an expected JEE Advanced rank of 8,000, Electrical Engineering (EE) at mid-tier IITs like IIT Bhubaneswar (2024 closing rank: 7,661) or IIT Mandi (closing rank: 6,909) is feasible, while Electronics Engineering (ECE) at IIT Jammu (closing rank: 8,778) remains borderline. These IITs report 85–90% placement rates in core roles, with opportunities in power systems, renewable energy, and embedded systems. For NITs, your JEE Main rank of 6,600 aligns with ECE at NIT Trichy (2024 closing rank: 3,546) or EE at NIT Surathkal (closing rank: 7,132), which offer 90%+ placement rates in hardware design, IoT, and telecommunications. While IITs provide institutional prestige and research infrastructure, NITs often deliver stronger industry linkages for core electronics roles. Recommendation: Prioritize EE at IIT Bhubaneswar/Mandi for interdisciplinary flexibility and global research exposure, or opt for ECE at NIT Trichy/Warangal for hands-on industry training. If core roles are prioritized over brand value, NITs are preferable. For backups, consider Mechanical Engineering at IIT Palakkad (closing rank: 12,540) or Metallurgical Engineering at NIT Rourkela (closing rank: 34,496), which balance foundational engineering with emerging sectors like smart manufacturing. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Indranil, With 148 marks in IISER Aptitude Test (IAT) and 106 marks in WBJEE, your prospects vary significantly across institutions. For IISER Kolkata, historical data indicates a General category cutoff of 150–160 marks (2024), making your score marginally competitive but contingent on annual rank fluctuations and seat availability. IISER Bhopal’s expected cutoff ranges from 110–115 marks, aligning closely with your IAT score, particularly for programs like BS Engineering Science (2024 closing rank: 5,395). However, Jadavpur University’s CSE remains unattainable with a WBJEE rank of ~5,900–6,300 (106 marks), as its 2024 closing rank for General category was 89. Even for less competitive branches like ECE (closing rank: 280) or IT (closing rank: 282), your WBJEE rank exceeds thresholds.

Recommendation: Prioritize IISER Bhopal or Kolkata via IAT, leveraging their 90%+ placement rates in research and academia, while considering Jadavpur only if opting for non-CSE branches through state counseling, though admission remains unlikely. For career flexibility, IISERs offer robust interdisciplinary curricula and global research opportunities, whereas Jadavpur’s industry linkages are inaccessible with your current WBJEE performance. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Amrita Amaravati’s CSE program offers robust placement outcomes with a 98% placement rate (2024) and access to 300+ recruiters, including global firms like IBM and Dell, supported by its NAAC A++ accreditation and NIRF #18 ranking. The curriculum emphasizes core software development, algorithm design, and data structures, aligning with traditional tech roles. In contrast, VIT-AP’s ECE (Embedded Systems) with AI/ML minor integrates hardware-electronics with emerging AI applications, reporting a higher average package of ?14.43 LPA (2024) and opportunities in IoT, robotics, and smart systems. While Amrita’s institutional prestige and alumni network enhance career mobility, VIT-AP’s interdisciplinary approach bridges core electronics with AI-driven innovations, catering to niche sectors like autonomous vehicles and Industry 4.0. Recommendation: Choose Amrita Amaravati CSE for established software career pathways and institutional credibility, while opting for VIT-AP ECE with AI/ML if pursuing hybrid tech roles in embedded AI systems, leveraging its industry-aligned curriculum and higher average compensation. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Deepa Mdam, VIT-AP’s CSE program (Category 2) offers 90–95% placement rates with access to 1,458+ recruiters like Microsoft and Amazon, supported by its NAAC A++ accreditation and QS World Ranking recognition (top 550 globally). The curriculum integrates AI/ML specializations and project-based learning, aligning with global tech demands, though 40–50% of placements occur off-campus. In contrast, VR Siddhartha’s CSE reports an 85% placement rate with a 50 LPA highest package (2024) from Amazon, but core tech roles constitute only 30–40% of offers, and its NIRF #151–200 ranking reflects moderate institutional standing. While VR Siddhartha emphasizes industry-aligned labs and local corporate ties, VIT-AP provides global collaborations (e.g., Arizona State University) and centralized placement systems ensuring broader career mobility. Recommendation: Opt for VIT-AP CSE to leverage its superior academic rigor, institutional reputation, and tech-focused opportunities, reserving VR Siddhartha only if prioritizing localized industry networks or cost considerations over global exposure. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Mallika Madam, With a JEE Main rank of 5,438, your son is competitively positioned for ECE at NIT Warangal (2024 closing rank: 6,000–6,500) and CSE at IIIT Bangalore (2024 closing rank: 5,500–6,000). NIT Warangal’s ECE program reports an 85–90% placement rate with roles in embedded systems, IoT, and IT domains, supported by its NIRF #21 engineering ranking and robust industry ties to firms like Qualcomm and Bosch. However, only 30–40% of ECE graduates secure core electronics roles, with the majority transitioning to software positions. IIIT Bangalore’s CSE boasts a 74–89% placement rate (2024) in specialized tech roles (AI/ML, data science) via recruiters like Amazon and Microsoft, leveraging its NAAC A++ accreditation and curriculum aligned with emerging technologies. While NIT Warangal offers institutional prestige and interdisciplinary flexibility, IIIT Bangalore provides targeted tech training and higher industry demand for software roles. Recommendation: Opt for IIIT Bangalore CSE to capitalize on direct entry into high-growth tech sectors, reserving NIT Warangal ECE only if pursuing hybrid hardware-software careers or valuing broader engineering fundamentals.. All the BEST for your Son's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: With 68 marks in MHT CET 2025, your expected percentile ranges between 83.2–83.6 (approximate rank 32,800–33,600) based on historical normalization trends. For Civil Engineering, this rank aligns with Government College of Engineering, Karad (2024 closing rank: 37,855) and Sinhgad Academy of Engineering (closing rank: 43,215), while marginally exceeding thresholds for COEP Pune (47,000) and VJTI Mumbai (45,000) in previous years. Your 83% board marks strengthen eligibility for institutes like SGGS Institute of Engineering & Technology and Pune Vidyarthi Griha’s College, which prioritize academic consistency alongside entrance scores. Recommendation: Target COEP Pune and VJTI Mumbai during early counselling rounds, while securing Government College of Engineering, Amravati or Walchand College of Engineering as reliable options. For backups, consider D.Y. Patil College of Engineering or Sinhgad Institutes, ensuring participation in all CAP rounds to leverage potential rank improvements. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Prefer PES-CSE-RR Campus (NO Electronic City Campus), followed by RVCE-ECE and then SNU-NCR-CSE. All the BEST for your Daughter's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURURS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.