Introduction to ITER
The Institute of Technical Education and Research (ITER) is an educational institution that has garnered mixed reviews from its students and stakeholders. From 2015 onwards, numerous students and alumni have shared their disconcerting experiences, much of which tends to depict a negative light on the college's academic quality, management, and campus life. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the institution based on these feedbacks and data from recent years, especially its performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
About ITER
ITER is known for its solid performance in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for the years 2018 and 2019. As a result, a large number of students, particularly in the field of Computing Science and Engineering (CSE), opted for admission in ITER. The oversubscription of students for the CSE course, leading to the division of the class into 26 sections, also highlights the demand for the institution's engineering programs. This trend is reflected in the college's increasing number of students in recent years, yet questions persist about its ability to provide adequate academic and living conditions to its students.
Student Experience and Academics
The experiences shared by admitted and current students about academics and teaching quality at ITER paint a rather worrying picture. Firstly, there are concerns about the academic curriculum and the teachers' commitment. Students report that even achieving a decent CGPA is not particularly challenging. The teaching method is more focused on rote learning rather than in-depth understanding. Additionally, the language barrier is a significant issue; instructors often teach in a mix of English and Odia, leading to miscommunications among non-Odia speaking students.
Placement assistance also faces scrutiny. The college often advises students to take courses from online or coaching centers for subjects such as Java, which can become a hindrance in placement drives. Placements are generally not a priority for ITER, and a lot of students have to rely on their own efforts and connections to secure job interviews. There is also a concern that, given the current economic climate, a large number of students, especially from the 2019 batch, might face difficulties in finding placements.
Management and Infrastructure Issues
The management at ITER has been criticized for its unfulfilled commitments and lack of transparency. The college boasts a modern online ERP system, but it often fails to function properly outside the college premises. Further, the virtual system is not browser-friendly, which can be a significant inconvenience. Additionally, the campus life is marred by certain negative aspects such as ragging, and a lack of ID cards even after the completion of the first semester.
Another area of concern is the standard of food served in the mess. Recent protests by students against serving rotten food express dissatisfaction with the quality and hygiene of the dietary options available on campus. This situation reflects a general decline in the overall student experience and satisfaction levels at ITER.
Conclusion
Given the mixed reviews and the specific issues highlighted by current and former students, it is suggested that aspiring students do thorough research and homework before considering ITER as an option for their future. The NIRF rankings, while providing a positive outlook, do not necessarily guarantee a fulfilling academic and living environment. Prospective students should carefully evaluate the institution's infrastructure, teaching quality, and placement assistance as well as their own educational goals and future career plans.
Note: This review is intended to provide an objective analysis of ITER based on feedback from various sources. Students should make informed decisions after considering personal, academic, and professional goals.