Which Branch Should I Choose in LNMIIT

Hello All,

This blog is intended for students from LNMIIT , who are utterly confused  while choosing a branch in LNMIIT.  I am putting up some thoughts of my own about this doubt which comes in most of the students’ mind when they have to decide their branches while at LNMIIT. And please do not hold me responsible for any mis-happenings which might happen if you follow this write-up. It is at the end you to decide about your career.

I have organized this write-up as follows

1. My Background
2. Short Description of each branches
3. Open electives and Programme Electives
4. The CCE Advantage
5. Why I Personally don’t prefer CSE or ECE
6. Possible Problems with CCE
7. FAQs

If you don’t wish to know more on subjects in each branches you may skip section “Short Description of each branches”.

 

My Background

Before I start the entire discussion let me tell you about my academic background. I am from Y08 batch while means that, I am in 4th year (as of 2011). My branch is CCE. I have a particular interest with computer programming etc, but I am not too much into stuff like robotics, electronics. If you like to know more you can either explore this blog.

 

Short Description of Branches

At LNMIIT, we have five branches (at least on paper :P). However, I would be talking about only the three branches main branches(CCE, CSE & ECE). If anyone is interested in Engg. Physics or the degree in Mathematics, this may be a wrong place for you.

 

To earn a degree in LNMIIT, at the end of your 8 semesters, you should complete a prescribed list of Compulsory courses, Programme Electives, Open Electives and HSS Electives. You can find a detailed list of it at — http://www.lnmiit.ac.in/BTech-programme.aspx.

 

The remainder of this section would be about the courses that each of this branch offers. I am trying to put my view point about those courses.

 

CCE:

This course Communication and Computer Engineering is a unique feature of LNMIIT. As the name suggest it offers courses in communication and computer science. Let us have a go at each of the compulsory courses. I am grouping these courses belonging to either of computers or communication or independent.

 

Data-Structures (DSA or DS). This course would teach you new algorithms for sorting and some other things. Would also teach you about new types of data structures like linked lists, stacks, queue etc. You would have to implement these as a program. This means, a skill in programming is very much required if you plan to excel this course. Computer Organization (CO). This course is about computer hardware. However, this has nothing to do with electronics. It would tell you about how things are organized inside of a computer CPU. I believe, those with interest in computer as well as electronics, may find this course interesting. Computer Networks (CN). In this course you would learn in detail about how computers actually send packets of data to one another. Also, you would get a fair idea about what happens behind the scenes when you open your facebook for example. Design and Analysis of Algorithm (DAA). This course will teach you even more advanced algorithms. It would also give a mathematical treat to those algorithm, by means of proving the correctness of the algorithm and so on. Implementation in a programming language would be there, but not as much as you might have with DSA (or DS). Digital Circuits and Systems. In this course you would learn in detail about the logic gates (you are right if you guessed AND, OR, NOT gates). You would also have to design such circuits with a device called FPGA in the lab. Usually, this is quite straight forward.

 

Principles of Communication (POC). This subject shall deal with representation of signals, noise, power spectrum etc. You would also get to know how an FM and AM actually works. To be honest, I found this course a bit difficult. But let me tell you, there are very many people who found it really a piece of cake. If you think, this course would involve some kind of electronics, you might be wrong. Digital Communication (DC). This one is about digital signals and you may get an idea about how the digital data is transmitted and other factors involved in it. Mainly it will be about a concept called modulation. Again, to be honest, I found this one a bit difficult but not as difficult as POC.

 

Discrete Mathematical Structures (DMS). This course would really cover — Mathematical logic, Graphs, Groups, Sets, Combinatorics. I think, if you are really interested in computer science, programming etc, this course is a foundation course for better understanding in this field. Overall this course is good. Probability and Stochastic Processes (Probability). As the name suggests it is something to do about probability. It might be a little tough. But, I think regularly attending this class is very important. But after completion of this course, let me tell you, the things thought in this course appear in many many other courses. Just to mention a few — DC, DAA, and quite a few of the electives. So, from the perspective of your future courses, this course is very important. My little advise is that, ‘Don’t screw yourself in this course….:P’.

 

Signals and Systems (Signals), Digital Signal Processing (DSP). If you have an impression that these courses are those scary electronics courses you are wrong. They are really a sequel of movies (:P). What you learn is Signals will be continued in DSP in the next sem.  These courses are really about understanding the Fourier Transform in a better way. However, if you have forgotten what Fourier transform is. Don’t worry, you would be taught about it again this the signals course. Over all, both these courses are not so difficult if you practise the problems and be regular in the class.

 

CSE:
I would just give a brief about courses which are not covered in CCE section.

Database Management Systems (DBMS). This will each to use a database like MySQL. If you already know how to use MySQL, you already know half of the stuff in this course. The only half that you will have to learn is, about the ‘behind the scene’ of database server like MySQL. If you are not aware of what MySQL and stuff like this is. Don’t worry. This course is pretty straight forward. Operating Systems (OS). This is about the inner workings of an operating systems like windows or linux. I have not done this course. But from what it seems, many people find it pretty straight forward. Theory of Computation (TOC) & Compiler Design. I am not really sure about these two courses.

 

ECE:

Semi-conductor Devices and Circuits (semi-conductor). Here they teach more on the inner workings of a transistors and a few other such devices. To my perception it is about mugging up and so gals have an advantage (:P). I may be wrong about this course. Please don’t hold my neck…:D. Ok…to be honest, I don’t really know about it. And seems like, I also don’t have much idea about Engineering Electromagnetic & Microprocessors and Interfaces as well.

 

I am definitely the wrong person for advise on ECE course. But, let me give you a simple advise. If you plan to ask your seniors about it, please ask 3-5 different people before coming up with an opinion.

 

Open electives, Programme Electives, & HSS Electives

There is generally also a lot of confusion about the difference between open electives and programmer electives. This is may be because, LNMIIT has not put a clear definition of it on the website. Let me try to clarify it for you. Please read this section carefully, otherwise you might end up in a much deeper confusion.

 

Programme Electives are course which are related to your field. For example, if you are in CSE, then a course like ‘Advanced Algorithms’ may be a programme elective. This is usually mentioned if the course is programme elective or not.

 

Open electives are any other elective. These may also include HSS and/or programme electives. This is the point where the confusion is for most of the students (also some faculties alike :P). For a CSE course for example 24 HSS credits are prescribed. So, if you happen to do 28 HSS credits, you can convert those extra 4 credits as open electives. Similarly, a CSE programme has prescribed 20 Programme elective credits. If you happen to do 24 credit programme electives, you can convert those extra 4 credits as open elective.

 

Now, let me tell you how this can be beneficial for you. Imagine a person who is really interested in HSS but does not have much interest in either of computers or electronics. What they can do is, they should do more HSS credits. 32 for example instead of normal 24. This way, they would cover their open electives with courses of their own interest. Similarly, if you are more interest in Computers, do more of computer courses then expected in you programme elective and convert those courses as open electives. People interested in either communication or mathematics should also follow similar trend.

 

So, if you have to choose electives do so wisely by keeping in mind your interest and its effect in long term during your degree. People generally tend to take courses which they have heard to be easy and grade giving. My suggestion is, please take courses which interests you, rather than easy ones. And, I am sure, you would get a good grade, if you do courses which even slightly interest you.

 

The CCE Advantage:

Now time for some publicity about CCE. Rather, this is my opinion why I like CCE. During a speech by Prof. Dheeraj Sanghi (Ex-director of LNMIIT) he said the following in favour of CCE, “In this era where our computers are becoming our communication device and our mobile phones becoming computers, it is really important for an IT professional to have a basic knowledge of computers as well as communication. And, I think, this statement by him is the reason, I have held on to CCE.

 

Now, let me also tell you about advantages that CCE has compared to other branches. First of all, you get to learn about communication as well as computers. Now, you might have a doubt, “Is it too much of a burden”. Please refer to the FAQ section for its answer.

 

Next advantage is that, for CCE you get much much more flexibility in choosing your electives. One because, all the programme electives for ECE and CSE are also programme electives for CCE. Also, all courses offered to ECE and CSE are open electives. In conclusion, there is no boundary between open and programme electives and you get more options to choose from. Like in my case, I am interested in computers and I don’t quite like communication. So, when it comes to electives, I always tend to take courses on computers. Also it is possible to do CSE compulsory courses as electives. Thus, there are much higher number of courses to choose from. Also, from the point of view of GATE etc (GATE is for admissions to IITs, IISc etc for PG), you can choose courses which might be of interest to it and are not normally a part of CCE.

 

Another advantage, I just got to know today (14th Oct, 2011). Some of the companies like TCS sometimes set a criteria for on-campus placement. It is, top 5 students from each branch get a direct entry for interview. CCE generally has lesser students than CSE and ECE, so, the chances of you getting through directly get higher.

 

In conclusion, you get more flexibility in your electives.

 

Why I Personally Don’t CSE or ECE

As I had mentioned earlier, I didn’t have much interest in electronics and I had no idea about what communication is about. So, ECE was out of question for me. I had to really decide between CSE and CCE. Now, about CSE. I personally don’t like it when I am asked to do rather  theoretical courses. And, I think course like TOC etc are more of theory than application. Put differently, I don’t like to see a and study a proof of something which does not make practical sense.

 

I am particularly interested in application of computers. So, I like courses like Computer Networks, Data-bases. CCE has all these courses as compulsory courses. The course, which I am missing as OS which I can always do as an programme elective. So, this way I get to choose my courses better.  Also, I wanted to know roughly how FM, AM radio and our mobile phone work. Although, till now, I don’t understand 100% but I think, I have a slight clue.

 

Lastly, I am quite a lot influenced by Prof. Dheeraj Sanghi and his statement has hit my mind very hard. This is why, I am held onto CCE rather than CSE.

 

Possible Problems with CCE

A couple of years ago (when, I was in 2nd yr, I think), it had come to ears that, some companies don’t recognize this degree CCE. However, on-campus placement is no problem at all. And, these days, even off-campus is not a problem, because there are so many of our pass out seniors who have the CCE degree and they have no difficulty in finding an off-campus job.

 

Another possible problem is, some university especially for MBA and other management universities, some times don’t recognize CCE. But top universities like IIMs etc are no problem. We already have a few of our seniors already pursuing a MBA at different IIMs.

 

If you plan to go abroad (in UK, USA or EU) for your masters, CCE is infact more beneficial, since they generally don’t look at your degrees rather on the courses you have taken in your UG. However, this does not necessarily give you an advantage over CSE or ECE.

 

And yes, “thoda jyada padna pad sakta hai”….

 

But, if all these points don’t drive you against CCE go for it.

 

FAQs

These are some of the questions which we seniors often come across. This is the last bit of this write up. I hope you find this a useful read and hopefully helps you make your decision. If you still have any further questions, comments or any criticism to make please do not hesitate to contact me at – swaroopcool21[-At-]gmail[-dot-]com.

• Do I have to study more?
• Is CCE is more difficult than ECE or CSE?
• Can I change my branch in my 3rd year?
• I plan to do an MBA in future and B.Tech is just a degree for me, what branch should I choose?
• In CCE, I get to study little of both. Is it not preferable to study one in more detail?
• From job point of view which branch is better
• I have an interest in HSS, which branch would be beneficial for me?
• I don’t really have an interest in computers, neither in electronics nor in HSS, what should I do?
• From pointer point of view, which branch can give me more pointer?
• Which branch can give me a better summer intern-ship?
• Which branch has more scope in the future?
• All my friends are taking either CSE or ECE. Won’t I be all alone if I take CCE?
• Should I take a good branch (CCE) and be a low scorer or take a branch like CSE and become a higher scorer?
• I plan to go for higher studies. From that perspective which branch is more beneficial?

Now let me have a go at answering these question. However, if you any other specific questions feel free to contact me.

 

Do I have to study more?

Actually speaking, you might have to study a little more than the people in CSE or ECE. This is because, you would be studying subjects from two different domains — communication and computer science. That is why you might feel so. But speaking from the point of view of number of course, these is no difference. But, its only for 2-3 sems you would be loaded more than others. But remember, once your compulsory courses are over, you would feel like a free person (this does not mean, you dont have to study…:P).

 

Is CCE is more difficult than ECE or CSE?

The thing is, you have to study from two domains thats why you might feel so. But once you get the basic foundations of each domain, you would be at ease. So, there is nothing like any of the branches is difficult or easy. At the end, it depends on how you take it.

 

Can I change my branch in my 3rd year?

Sure, by all means you can change your branch. In fact, you can change your branches anytime you like (yes, even in 8th sem). The basic criteria is that you need to finish the compulsory courses and electives as prescribed for the degree at the end of eight semesters. But, I would say, one must decide their branches latest by their 5th sem.

 

I plan to do an MBA in future and B.Tech is just a degree for me, what branch should I choose?

“B.Tech is just a degree” – this mentality is very bad. It may seem, I am giving an idealized advise. But believe me, I know a few people who screwed up due to this mentality. The thing is, if you plan to join prestigious B-schools they look at what and how well you finished your UG. And, if they feel you have done your UG “Naam ke waste”, they would show no mercy but to reject you in-spite of your 99.9 percentile in CAT (CAT is the exam for getting into IIMs).

 

In CCE, I get to study little of both. Is it not preferable to study one in more detail?

Some people also think of CCE as putting your feet on two boats. But actually speak, that analogy is horribly wrong. As per Dr. Sanghi (our ex-director) – ‘UG degree is not really about depth of knowledge but is about width of your knowledge’. As you might have realized, knowledge is enormous and one person cannot go very deep into a field in a matter for 3-4 years. So, even if you have done a CSE course, it does not mean, you have a deep knowledge on computer science. So, it is better to be a jack of all trades in your under-graduate. Later on if you go for your PG studies, you would definitely go deeper in your field. I hope, I am clear in my message.

 

From job point of view which branch is better?

For your information the branches CSE and ECE have been introduced from Y08 batch. This means all previous batches before Y08 have a CCE degree only (all the students). You already know the placement statistics of LNMIIT. So, in conclusion, your branch has nothing to do with your job, but your individual capabilities sure play a role.

 

I have an interest in HSS, which branch would be beneficial for me?

So, if you feel you are the kind who is not interested in technical field but are interested in HSS, I would suggest you go for CCE. The reason being, you don’t do too many hardcore course in either communication or computers. Next you have more flexibility with your electives.

 

I don’t really have an interest in computers, neither in electronics nor in HSS, what should I do?

If you are one of such person, and you are serious about finding out your real interest then follow this advise. But, if you don’t really care, your branch does not really matter, your grades do not really matter and you know it. But if you are serious, my humble advise is that, try out the fields. For example try doing a project in computers for example. And be sure you finish it. And at the end of this successful project you feel that you still do not have an interest in computers then it means truly computer science is not for you. You should try doing and completing an electronics or  robotics project. If you get interest great but if not, you might like to try the same strategy with HSS. But if it so happens that, you still don’t have interest, this means you left your projects half way or you are something different.

 

From pointer point of view, which branch can give me more pointer?

Your pointer would be based on your own hardwork. One thing, I would like to say is, you may score a better pointer if your subjects interest you.

 

Which branch can give me a better summer intern-ship?

All branches can give you equally good intern-ships. Its really dependent on your personal ability.

 

Which branch has more scope in the future?

If you excel in your field, there is scope for everything. But if you, yourself are no good, even the best of the best degrees are no good.

 

All my friends are taking either CSE or ECE. Won’t I be all alone if I take CCE?

Honestly speaking, this is a stupid question to ask. But still, if you have this question, I have an answer. First of all, you are becoming a mature adult and you should learn to make your own decisions. Secondly, CCE people have courses common with both CSE and ECE so you should be able to always find your friends in some class. You hardly have classes for more than 4 hours a day, so loneliness is not an issue at all and this question is infact stupid.

 

Should I take a good branch (CCE) and be a low scorer or take a branch like CSE and become a higher scorer?

I don’t understand how people become low scorers with CCE and high scorers with CSE. Your grades are something that would depend on your personal ability and interest.

 

I plan to go for higher studies. From that perspective which branch is more beneficial?

If you plan to go for a management degree after your B.Tech you would invariably do one of these things — 1) Attempt GATE and/or other Indian exams, 2)Attempt GMAT for MBA abroad, 3) Get a work experience before starting your MBA. And as far as I know, these exams are non-technical. But in the interview sessions they look at you profile (What you did during your UG).

If you plan to go for a technical degrees like MS or PhD. You would give either or both of 1)GATE (for admissions to M.Tech in IITs, IISc and other Indian Universities); 2) GRE (for admissions mainly in USA but also in Singapore and some other countries). GRE is not a technical exam and consists of language skills, vocabulary and basic mathematics. So, your branch does not play a role for GRE. As far as GATE is concerned, the exam is technical. You would have to give GATE for either ECE or GATE for either CSE. So, the syllabus is more similar to the courses of CSE or ECE. However, it does not mean that a student from CCE is not eligible and cannot succeed in it. An issue might be that, with CCE, you may end up doing compulsory courses of CSE (for example) as your elective since you are preparing for GATE. So, if you are OK with this possibility, CCE is works equally good as either CSE or ECE. It might also be interesting to know that, one of our senior (who was ofcourse CCE) secured a AIR rank of 77 in GATE and now studies in IISc, Bangalore.

One last thing, I would like to say about this question is that, most universities in Europe and UK generally do not ask for any exams, but rather decide your candidate purely by your profile (what you did in your UG), your recommendations  and your letter of intention. If you don’t understand this bit, let me put it in simple terms. Most Europeans and UK universities don’t have an exam or any kind and so your branch does not really matter for your PG admissions later on.

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