Choosing Between UPES and PES for Computer Science: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right college for your Computer Science (CS) degree can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of enrolling in two prominent Indian institutions, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) and PES University, along with some insights from a fellow UPES student. We will also discuss the importance of actual skills over specializations and the challenges faced by students in the field of Computer Science.

Review of UPES: From Coding Competitions to Global Exposure

UPES, located in Dehradun, offers a unique student experience that blends academic rigor with practical industry exposure. A fellow UPES student provides a detailed review, highlighting the pros and cons of studying at UPES.

Pros

Lively Campus Life and Flexibility: Life at UPES is described as very cool yet hectic. Students are often engaged in online tests scheduled on weekends and foreign university courses, which require daily commitment. However, this teaches students to manage their life effectively and prepares them for industry pressure.

Abundant Coding Competitions and Technical Festivals: UPES fosters a vibrant coding culture, with competitions held every month. These include big technical festivals like IGNITE, IBM WEEK, CIT CONCLAVE, PRODIGY, and YUGMAK, lasting 2-3 days and comprising various technical events.

Opportunities for International Exposure and Societies: Students at UPES have ample opportunities to visit famous places and travel to foreign countries. The university also boasts many student chapters for various specializations, where students can participate in organizing events and gain valuable experience. The International Computer Society, like the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), is highly valued.

Cons

Specializations vs. Fundamental Skills: UPES offers specializations such as Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, and Open Source, but these do not necessarily make students ahead of their peers from other institutions. The misconception among students is that these specializations make them experts in their fields, when in reality, these skills are just the beginning.

Faculty Qualifications and Teaching Quality: Some faculties are not qualified enough and lack genuine interest in teaching. This is a significant drawback, as it directly affects the quality of education. Many faculties seem to have merely memorized a few concepts instead of truly understanding them. A small fraction of experienced faculty members are there, but they often focus more on earning their livelihood rather than imparting knowledge.

Why UPES May Not Be the Best Choice for CSE

UPES and some of its engineering colleges may offer specializations and emphasize certain skills, but these factors alone do not make a computer science department 'good'. Here's why:

Focus on Fundamental Skills

Programming and Problem-Solving Skills: What truly makes a computer scientist is expertise in programming and problem-solving. Students at UPES are expected to be efficient at coding to solve real-life problems. Skilled computer scientists can write code that addresses complex issues, rather than just calculating basic arithmetic.

Importance of Data Structures and Algorithms: A solid understanding of data structures and algorithms is essential for any aspiring computer scientist. At UPES, it is observed that a significant percentage of CS students are unaware of what they want to do in the field. This lack of direction is a red flag for the quality of education provided.

Real-World Relevance

Career Readiness Beyond Specializations: Specializations such as OGI (Open Geospatial Information) are often overrated. Studying rocks at the college level is unlikely to benefit a computer science student in the long run. The reality is that the most valuable skill set is one that can be applied across various domains, not just specialized areas.

Industry Expectations

Professional Competence Over Specializations: Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google expect candidates to be highly skilled and efficient problem solvers. Simply acquiring specializations or having exposure to certain technologies is not enough. Over 99 percent of CSE students at UPES may not be able to compete with industry standards with packages of 3-5 LPA (Rupees per Annum) after their BTech degree.

Conclusion

The choice between UPES and PES or any other college is highly dependent on one's personal goals, interests, and career aspirations. While UPES offers a vibrant and dynamic campus life with numerous resources and opportunities, it is crucial to look beyond specializations and focus on developing fundamental skills in programming and problem-solving. PES University, with its strong industry connections and emphasis on practical learning, may be a smarter choice for students seeking a robust education in Computer Science.

Keywords

UPES, PES, Computer Science