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Flags in bright yellow and red fluttered in the wind even as the sun shone benevolently through the hazy sky. Colourful festoons hung around the place, lending a festive atmosphere. Posters in bright and bold hues adorned the walls even as youngsters shuffled around with excitement writ large on their faces. The mood was definitely festive and the ambience, eclectic. Not surprising, for the setting was the sprawling campus of the M S Ramaiah Group of Institutions where students of the M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) were celebrating their cultural fest. A fest that gives the students a break from routine and helps them unwind from the everyday grind of projects, assessments, books and studies.

Located in the heart of the city, the Ramaiah Group of Institutions, managed by the Gokula Education Foundation, is spread over a whopping 65 acres and offers graduate, post-graduate and research programs in medical, dental, pharmacy, computer applications, technology and business administration. Though each individual institute of the Group has its own unique identity and specialty, it is the MSRIT that stands out prominently.

Founded in 1962, MSRIT is one of the leading IT learning institutions in the country. Training students in various streams of engineering - Instrumentation Technology, Chemical, Mechanical, Computer Science, Information Science, Electronics & Communication, Biotec-hnology, Electrical & Electronics, etc - MSRIT is one of the most sought-after colleges in Bangalore. The number of foreign students studying in the college is proof enough.

Popular courses

Though the college offers a wide array of courses, the most famous among them is the Mechanical stream of engineering. Known for the unique projects that come out of this department, year after year, it is hardly of any surprise that students wanting to pursue Mechanical Engineering see MSRIT as 'THE' college for the same. Some of the unique projects carried out by the students of MSRIT include a hybrid 2-wheeler that combines battery-operated motor and petrol engine to give the dual benefits of a comfortable drive and better mileage and an automatic cooking machine that cooks the required dish without any human effort.

“Students are encouraged to come up with innovative ideas and on completion of their projects, they are even persuaded to take their projects forward and develop them into bigger ventures,” says K R Phaneesh, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering.

It is a matter of great pride to MSRIT that both VTU and UGC have granted the institute academic autonomy for all its graduate and post-graduate programs. All the 11 eligible engineering departments offering Bachelor's degree programs have been accredited by the NBA.

“We follow an outcome-based curriculum that strives to make students industry-ready. Our laboratories are closely integrated with theory. Our aim is to see MSRIT graduates become competent, responsible and successful professionals,” says Dr K Rajanikanth, vice-principal, Department of Information Science & Engineering.

The college also boasts of a huge pool of qualified and helpful faculty, most of them being either post-graduate or doctorate degree holders, with a teacher-student ratio of 1:15.
“The number of ranks bagged by our students at the university level lends credence to the fact that the college provides an ambience that fosters good academic achievements,” adds Dr Rajanikanth.

The distinguishing feature of MSRIT is its state-of-the-art laboratories with latest machines and computers. The entire campus is also wi-fi enabled. The institute is a participant of the Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme of the Government of India. Well-equipped libraries in each department, spacious seminar and lecture halls, huge classrooms, drawing rooms, faculty chambers, administrative offices, auditoria, reading rooms, reference rooms, bank, post office and canteen... these infrastructural facilities coupled with willingly helpful faculty members make MSRIT any student’s dream institute.

Another important aspect of MSRIT is its emphasis on bridging the academia-industry gap. As a positive step towards this direction, the Group’s Centre for Advanced Training and Continuing Education offers industry-relevant training programs in the emerging areas to help students enhance the quality of their competencies.

The Entrepreneurship Development Cell and the Technology Incubation Centres are the other distinct features of MSRIT where students are provided with ample opportunities to hone their entrepreneurial skills.

“Not just fresh graduates but even the alumni are encouraged to acquire and harness their entrepreneurial skills at these centres. All that students need to come up with are innovative ideas that are practical and workable,” adds Dr Rajanikanth.

While the college attracts students from across the world, facilities are provided to make such students follow the curriculum with ease. In this direction, the college conducts special classes to foreign students in English, Maths and Physics. Such classes are generally held for 3 months before the commencement of the regular course.

Placements

The placement record of the college has been very good, claim the faculty members of MSRIT. While most students are quite successful in landing themselves plum jobs, the ones who fail to do so are tracked down by the college and assisted in finding themselves a job. The Placement and Training Department of MSRIT regularly counsels students as regards placements and higher education opportunities.

But, it is not only academics that rule the hearts and minds of students in MSRIT. Lecture series, cultural and tech fests, and project exhibitions provide ideal platforms to students to showcase their talents.

MSRIT is working towards producing well-groomed professionals who are also good samaritans. The NSS wing of MSRIT is proof enough. Blood donation camps, AIDS awareness programmes, and slum adoption are some activities undertaken by the members of NSS. Students' penchant to contribute to the society sees them actively participate in the various activities of NSS.

“MSRIT’s thrust on practical training, focus on research and extracurricular activities keeps the students mentally stimulated,” says Dr Rajanikanth. Amen to that!