Steps to select the right branch at IIT, an OPEN MINDED APPROACH

Choosing a branch in IIT can be a tough task. It is indeed one of the most important decision to make in life since it'll shape your future. 

You'll be hearing all sorts of advice from your friends and parents. Even your distant mausi will not hesitate in giving you her holy advise. The net is flooded with sites like quora, engineeringclasses blah blah where you might develop more conflicting thoughts (contrary, my blog is also one such web-page). Reading on the internet why one branch is better than another, is futile. Unfortunately, most of them are based on campus packages that few people in "those" particular branch get (you know the hype about CS).

Confused? Still figuring out which branch/IIT to chose?

God created all humans equally but all branches aren't equal. Some might suit you, some might not.

The following steps will develop an open-minded approach for selecting the right stream:

1. Remember packages aren't everything. Follow your interests. Choose what you feel passionate about. For instance, Civil Engineering means a lot of field-work and if you are not suited for that, you better not choose Civil Engineering in the first place.

2.  Don't chose PHYSICS ENGINEERING if physics was a nightmare during your JEE preparation days. IITs have ample amount of time to explore new things and courses. Later you'll find METALLURGICAL guys choosing COMP. SCIENCE electives. It's the way the institute runs. IITs allow one to study beyond their disciplines. Most people do not even pick jobs of their major department.

3.  There is no such thing as NO/LESS scope in the future. The reality is, every branch has good scope and opportunities if you perform well in it. It's your determination that'll shape your destiny. Engineering provides opportunity to specialize. Find out about the Post graduate courses and which branch can get you there. You might want to pursue a non-core career (MBA, IAS, advertising, marketing, ) for which META, MECH, CIVIL are considered better.

4.  Talk to seniors who are presently studying at IITs. This is the most important step. Almost all seniors are on Facebook, trouble them a bit. Ask them questions about what they are studying presently. Follow related groups on Facebook.

5.  Gather information about campus life, professors, facilities (some new IITs still don't have complete labs, services, faculty etc.) and further opportunities.  Start finding about life after your stay at IIT. You need to have a basic idea about what is expected from the course you wish to pursue. Run through the college websites and the course material they offer under the branch you aspire for to make the right decision.

6.  Your 4 years of college life should be memories to cheer for lifetime. Old IITs are far better in making this statement meaningful. Compare hostel and academic life, sports facilities, clubs and committees in IITs. Search for the best college fests and IITs organizing it. Metro cities provide more exposure, while IIT Kanpur's professors are considered one of the best in the country. Distance of the IIT from your city might be a point to consider for some.

7.   Don't just run for an IIT tag. BITS-PILANI is equally at par with most IITs.  Getting a branch of your interest in BITS must be favoured compared to opting an IIT just for sake of it.

8.  Chances of branch change (BC) is close to nil. You'll have to be a topper among all toppers. Don't pick an IIT keeping BC in mind.

Important links:

1. UG Programs, IIT Bombay

2. Branches overview, IIT Bombay : Look for similar Brochures of other IITs.

3. Student Mentor Program, IITB

Take a few days to figure out what's good for you. Patience is rewarding.

If you are unable to find your interests, chose branch by opening-closing ranks.

That's what the majority does, shoots in the dark *_*

Hope you make a wise decision and be responsible for what you chose.