Dear Sir, last question from my side, my son has very realistic chance of getting electrical and electronics at VNIT Nagpur in CSAB rounds. He also has realistic chance of getting AI and ML or electronics at COEP pune based on MHTCET result. What should we prefer considering college life, campus placements and future prospects?

Ans: Hello Keval
Prefer CS @ IIIT Pune if possible. The final decision will be yours.
Good luck!
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Ritenkumar
Prefer COEP with any branch like CSE, AI, or DS if possible. You might be unsure about choosing the IIT brand or not, but respect your son's choice. Considering prospects and working conditions, students prefer technical branches more. Also, honestly consider your son's interests. The final decision will be yours.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Surya, Electrical engineering at NIT Surat and Computer Science at IIIT Pune are both recognized undergraduate pathways, each offering a multidisciplinary foundation, modern curriculum, and exposure to research, but their suitability for a strong academic career in the US differs considerably. NIT Surat, as a NIRF-ranked Institute of National Importance, provides solid core engineering education, industry-linked projects, and periodic research opportunities with a reliable alumni base. While it emphasizes practical training and teamwork, undergraduate research output is generally oriented toward applied outcomes, and opportunities for high-impact publications or independent research for undergraduates remain limited compared to global research expectations. IIIT Pune’s Computer Science program, although newer and operating temporarily, is modern in curriculum, emphasizes project-based learning in emerging technologies, and has started building connections with international institutes through Memoranda of Understanding. While this gives an edge in contemporary computing skills and technical placements, its research ecosystem and tradition of international academic placements are still evolving. In both these institutions, students eyeing US MS or Ph.D. programs need to proactively seek out internships, research opportunities, and faculty mentors to build a compelling academic portfolio, as the undergraduate culture is not singularly focused on research immersion or international academic progression.

In contrast, the BS-MS program at IISER Kolkata is purpose-built for research excellence, fostering advanced inquiry from the first year through small cohort mentoring, early lab work, interdisciplinary coursework, and continuous thesis-driven research. IISERs are globally recognized for high-quality scientific publications at the undergraduate level, consistent exposure to international research conferences, abundant summer research internships, and direct access to leading scientists as faculty advisors. Their graduates are exceptionally placed in US and global Ph.D. programs, often securing prestigious fellowships such as NSF-GRFP, Rhodes, and DAAD. The IISER alumni association and faculty regularly facilitate letters of recommendation tailored for academic careers, while the curriculum’s emphasis on original research, presentations, and international collaboration mirrors the expectations of advanced MS/Ph.D. programs abroad. Importantly, IISER's culture instills scientific rigor, publication skills, and the confidence needed to transition smoothly to global doctoral environments, making it an unparalleled launchpad for academic ambitions. While NIT Surat and IIIT Pune deliver top-tier undergraduate training in their domains, for a focused research-intensive academic future, IISER Kolkata’s platform is unique in the Indian context and highly respected internationally for its careful grooming of future scientists and professors.

Recommendation: The BS-MS at IISER Kolkata is the most suitable and advantageous choice for an academic career leading to MS/Ph.D. abroad, for its intensive research exposure, individualized mentorship, international academic partnerships, and a proven track record of successful placement in elite US universities, setting it significantly ahead of NIT Surat EE and IIIT Pune CS for such ambitions. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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