Indian Institute of Science - [IISc], Bangalore - associated department

IISc - Indian Institute of Science - seems like a different world. There are many elite institutions and universities in India, but IISc is one of its kind.

The first thing every student feels after entering the serene and green campus of IISc is belongingness. Every student immediately connects to this beautiful campus. The vision of Jamsedji Tata and the advice of Swami Vivekananda, combined with the generosity of Maharaja of Mysore state Shri Krishnaraja Wodeyar lead to the formation of IISc. There is a statue of Jamsedji Tata that overlooks the main building of the institute.

Most of the students join IISc owing to a genuine interest in their respective subjects and fields. Being mainly a research institution, IISc attracts post-graduate and doctoral students across numerous fields of science and engineering streams. There are over 25 departments that belong to either pure sciences, applied sciences, or engineering streams.

The atmosphere is very calm and ideal for academics. There is hostel accommodation inside the campus. The food provided in the hostel is hygienic and is also food joints near the campus.

Students enjoy academic freedom thoroughly here. It is not uncommon to find a student of electrical engineering sitting in a class of advanced mathematics. Even professors do that. They attend classes and take notes along with the students. Students are free to sit in any lecture (though, with the permission of the advisor, who generally obliges). One can see students from different departments discussing their work, sharing ideas, and even collaborating. There are also public lectures that students can attend.

There is a placement cell, but several students, including Masters degree holders, opt to go for jobs that are inclined towards research, and not the usual high-paying corporate jobs.

Apart from research, a lot of campus activities are there. There are plenty of student clubs, such as Literary Club, IISc Cycling Club, IISc Gymkhana, etc. The institute organizes a technical and cultural fest, Pravega.

Life at IISc is different from life at other universities owing to its uniqueness.

The campus of IISc is mesmerizing. The new hostels are pretty good and comfortable. In a mess, one has an option between 4 different types of meals(South Indian veg and non-veg; and North Indian veg and non-veg). Regardless of how good the mess menu is, one is bound to get bored of the taste eventually. But there are many food joints that deliver food just outside the hostels.

Academic life in the institute is quite hectic. Students have to spend a considerable chunk of their time in academics.

In IISc, there are numerous student-run clubs. It includes the major clubs like Dance, Music (Classical and Rock), Theatre and Sports. These clubs also conduct regular workshops and training for interested students. Apart from these clubs, there are plenty of other clubs like Nature club, Vivekananda Circle, Adventure Club, Notebook Drive(these club works for students and teachers from various schools to simplify lessons by incorporating play, models and fun activities), Bird watchers club, Photography club, Yoga club, the list is endless. Students from almost all parts of India study in IISc. Most of the festivals are celebrated by each and everyone irrespective of their background.

Gymkhana offers all sports facilities such as badminton, tennis, volleyball, basketball, swimming, etc.

IISc offers excellent infrastructure and facilities for most departments, and the professors are extremely qualified and experienced in their field. Also, many Nobel Laureates regularly visit to impart their share of knowledge.

IISc organizes an Open Day, which is the only day IISc allows anyone to visit the campus. On this day, IISc students display fascinating experiments, models, and posters. School and college kids can also participate in various quizzes and competitions organized on Open day.

IISc students, with the help of authorities, organize a fest called Pravega. It is similar to fests organized by most colleges. It includes competitions and concerts.

The number of male students is higher for engineering courses. The male-female ratio is higher for core sciences and undergraduate courses.