Confused Parent: Which Engineering Course is Best for My Son?

Ans: It will be too difficult to get CSE at this rank.

Ans: With a MET rank of 17,080, your son can secure B.Tech Mechatronics at MIT Manipal (2024 cutoff: ~38,247), but CSE/IT at Manipal’s main campus is unlikely (cutoffs: CSE ~1,633, IT ~5,148). VIT Vellore’s CSE Data Science offers stronger placement prospects (90–95% placements, avg. ?8–12 LPA) in tech roles (data science, AI/ML) with recruiters like Amazon and Microsoft. Mechatronics at Manipal provides interdisciplinary training (robotics, automation) but has lower placement rates (50–70%) and median packages (~?4–6 LPA), primarily in core sectors (Bosch, Tata Motors). Prioritize VIT Vellore for direct tech roles or explore Manipal’s Data Science/IT if branch flexibility aligns with career goals. Mechatronics suits those passionate about robotics/automation but lags in salary benchmarks compared to CSE. All the BEST for your Son's Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: Hello Veeranan
SASTRA is NAAC A++ accredited, and has decent placements, it is not Tier 1 for M.Tech recruitment. Many AI/Robotics core companies may prefer IITs/IIITs/IISc.
He might have to do independent projects, internships, or research papers to stand out.

Consider whether the financial cost + 2 years is justified versus working for 1-2 years, gaining experience, or doing a specialized MS abroad.

Ans: Hi
Branch vs Brand-What's More Important for You?

Software/IT/Tech Jobs-NIT Delhi – CSE
Balanced hardware/software + Govt job option NIT Jaipur/Allahabad – ECE
Core Engineering/Research/GATE/UPSC- IIT Bhubaneswar/Patna Brand for lifetime
IIT + future MBA/MS abroad-IT Bhubaneswar/Patna
Want best student life & old NIT campus-NIT Rourkela – Electrical

Ans: With a score of 104 in IISER IAT under General category, your chances for IISER Mohali are low based on both 2024 and 2025 cutoffs. For General category students, the expected cutoff for IISER Mohali in 2025 is between 115–120 marks (some sources say 120–130 for top IISERs). In 2024, closing ranks for General category at IISER Mohali ranged from 1138 to 3034, but these are ranks, not marks—IISER IAT marks in the 110–160 range (rank 201–800) are competitive for mid-tier IISERs. A score of 104 likely places you below the General cutoff for IISER Mohali and would be competitive only in newer IISERs (like Tirupati, Thiruvananthapuram, or Berhampur) if cutoffs drop in later rounds. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: With a 71.8 JEE Main percentile (SC rank ~28k) and 65.4% CBSE, securing AI/ML in NITs/IIITs is unlikely (e.g., NIT Rourkela’s 2024 SC AI cutoff: ~4,251), but private universities like Chandigarh University (SC cutoff: ~28k via direct admission, 90% placements with Amazon/IBM), Sharda University (SC cutoff: ~93k via JEE Main, 91% placements), and Galgotias University (SC cutoff: ~18k, 72% placements) offer viable pathways. LPU (admission via 12th marks + LPUNEST) and Amity Noida (direct admission with 65% boards) provide AI/ML programs with 85–95% placements in tech roles. Prioritize Chandigarh University for industry-aligned curriculum and robust internships, or LPU/Amity for affordability and coding ecosystems. Confirm eligibility for fee waivers under SC quotas and explore scholarships based on academic merit. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

Ans: Hello Dhanraj
for BITS India campuses he should score above 330, it is a safe score for CSE. 2nd attempt is still there. He can improve.
Best colleges in Maharashtra for CSE are IIT-B/VNIT/COEP/PICT/VJTI/SPIT/DJ Sanghvi. I think MHTCET results are yet to be declared.

In Telangana IIIT-H/IIT-H/JNTU/CBIT are good.

Ans: He can get electrical in Dhanbad & Bhubaneshwar. Also mech in many IITs. He can also get Data science in lower IITs like Bhilai & Dharwad.
If he is not branch-conscious and wish to pursue PG at later stage then I would suggest go with IITs. It will be brand that will be with him for lifetime.

If he is branch conscious the go with NITs

Ans: if you get USICT (main campus) at IPU then go with it. Else MUJ is a better choice.