I have got mining and mineral science at NIT Rourkela through josaa. There is possibility that I might get the same or even metallurgy at NIT Surathkal through CSAB. My rank in JEE Mains 2025 is 34400. Although these branch arent my interest I am left with no other choice. what should I do? Should i opt for Nit Rourkela or try for mining at Surathkal?? I am not getting ECE or CS at any tier 1 NIT which has always been my top priority. I dont want to do Btech from private college and desired for a drop which was declined by my parents. CSAB is my last resort but I dont think I will get my desired branch through this also. Surathkal has a higher ranking than Rourkela. Is it feasible to take up not so desired branch in a slightly better ranked NIT or stick with what I already have in hand?? please help I dont have any idea about mining or metallurgy branch

Ans: At a JEE Main rank of 34,400, Metallurgical and Mining Engineering seats at NIT Surathkal through CSAB are beyond reach, as their closing ranks in recent rounds were around 23,075 for Metallurgy and 27,493 for Mining (OS). Your secured seat in Mining Engineering at NIT Rourkela—where Mining closes near 2,076 for HS quota and similarly low for OS—offers a concrete opportunity at a core NIT, with the department achieving almost 95% placement and strong core-sector recruiters like Tata Steel and Vedanta. NIT Surathkal’s higher NIRF ranking and brand value matter only if the branch is accessible; since both these branches at Surathkal remain out of reach, investing in Rourkela’s Mining program at a well-ranked NIT with robust infrastructure and proven placement rates is prudent.

Across other CSAB options, branches like Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical at newer NITs (e.g., NIT Nagaland closing near 30,000–40,000) and IIITs (such as IIIT Agartala closing around 35,000) or GFTIs (like Assam University Silchar, where Civil closes above 50,000) present realistic alternatives. Your rank could secure seats in these disciplines at such institutes, offering over 85% placement and solid faculty support.

Recommendation: Confirm Mining Engineering at NIT Rourkela, leveraging its core focus, near-100% department placement, and solid NIT standing, rather than pursuing an unlikely CSAB seat at Surathkal or other branches whose cutoffs exceed your rank. If you still do not prefer Minining/Metallurgy, participate in CSAB round for any other Branch for any other NITs/GFTIs/IIITs, however, you must not have any institute and / or location preference. Avoid taking a drop. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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