Chandigarh University: Disappointed in Reality vs Promises
As a current student at Chandigarh University, my experience has been vastly different from what I had anticipated. My hopes for a world-class education have been overshadowed by disappointment at almost every turn. From the placement records to the student support services, the reality falls short of the promises made by the university.
Challenging Placement Records
One of the main reasons I chose to join Chandigarh University was the impressive placement records they boasted about. They highlighted a 90% placement rate and mentioned students securing handsome salaries from top companies. According to my research, the university even claimed to have 9000 placements in a single year and the highest package of INR 1.7 cr. However, the reality is quite different.
My experience has shown that the placement process is overwhelmingly competitive and chaotic. Students who excel in academics or have connections often secure placements in good companies. However, the majority of the so-called top companies rarely visit the campus, and the jobs they offer do not meet the advertised standards. My seniors have struggled to secure placements despite impressive grades, indicating the flawed nature of the placement process.
In terms of the average salary, it is far lower than what the university promotes. Most engineering students, especially those in Computer Science, may receive slightly better offers, but non-tech students often have little to no options. The frustration arises from the gap between the promises and the reality, making it a challenging journey for many students.
Subpar Facilities and Overcrowded Classrooms
Another aspect of Chandigarh University that has disappointed me is the quality of its facilities. The university markets itself as an elite institution, claiming to have cutting-edge resources such as 24/7 Wi-Fi, power, and state-of-the-art gyms. However, the reality is quite different.
The Wi-Fi often experiences slow and unreliable connectivity, making it challenging to stay connected. The gym is small and equipped with outdated machinery. Reading rooms are overcrowded, and finding a seat during peak hours is nearly impossible. Common rooms, intended as relaxation spaces, are loud and chaotic, hardly providing a place to unwind. The food on campus is another issue, with the night canteens serving subpar meals and priced higher than off-campus options.
Stressful Pressure and Insufficient Support
Another disappointing aspect of my experience at Chandigarh University is the immense pressure students face. The institution creates a high-pressure environment from day one, with expectations to excel in academics, sports, extracurricular activities, and social work. This pressure extends to parents and the university, who push students to perform well at all times.
The academic workload is heavy, and there is little support from faculty. Students are tasked with managing everything themselves, including assignments and projects, with no real assistance. The pressure to participate in every event, regardless of relevance, is another issue. Students are often forced to pay extra for these events, and the university creates a sense that failure to participate equates to missing out on opportunities.
Lastly, the lack of student support services is a significant disappointment. If faced with personal or mental health issues, there is no one to turn to. The university lacks a genuine counseling system, and students struggle to get academic guidance. The university's focus on its image rather than providing quality education and a supportive environment is evident in the lack of care for students' well-being.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Chandigarh University, while marketed as an elite institution, fails to live up to these expectations in numerous ways. The placement records, facilities, and student support services are all less than satisfactory. My advice to prospective students is to conduct thorough research and speak to current students to get the real picture. Don't be swayed by glossy brochures and flashy marketing; the reality is that the university is more concerned with its image than providing a quality education.
If your well-being, mental health, or overall career goals are priorities, you may want to consider other options. Chandigarh University may not be the best choice if these aspects are important to you.