Tier 1 vs Tier 3 Engineering Colleges: The Ultimate Reality

In this blog, we will be mainly discussing the placement journey of a Tier 1 and a Tier 3 engineering college. Earlier for those studying in Tier 3 engineering college the journey of a coveted software job seemed to be a distant dream. Students thought among themselves that “The big companies only recruit from IITs”, for tier 3 students opportunities were just not there. But hold on aspiring software engineers I am here to tell you that the narrative is outdated and frankly inaccurate.

We can recall those days when access to the internet was a luxury, computers were costly and the only mediums to learn something advanced were books and journal papers. All this is changed now and the democratization of education has created a level playing field.

What is a Tier 1 Engineering College?

These are the prestigious and highest-ranked educational institutions in India. Tier 1 engineering colleges are known for their academic excellence, quality infrastructure, and opportunities for holistic development. They have a very elite alumni background, typically these colleges are IITs, NITs, and BITs. The NIRF (National Institute Ranking Framework) ranking of these institutions is very high generally they occupy the top positions. Some examples of Tier 1 engineering colleges are IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras etc. 

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What is a Tier 3 Engineering College?

These are the recently opened colleges, they lack the resources of Tier 1 and Tier 2 engineering colleges. They are perceived to have a lower ranking or standing compared to higher institutions. Tier 3 engineering colleges may vary widely in terms of academic standards, while some may provide decent education others may struggle due to limitation of resources. These colleges often have very basic infrastructure facilities and they lack connections with industries which might affect the On-campus hiring opportunities. Although a Tier 1 college might look good on the resume ultimately it is up to the student what decisions he/she has made that define his future.

Key Differences: Tier 1 vs Tier 3

Aspect	Tier 1 Engineering Colleges	Tier 3 Engineering Colleges
Academics	Tier 1 colleges often provide more rigorous academic training as the professors are highly qualified. The focus of research is higher with students having access to technologies.	Academics in Tier 3 engineering colleges can vary some provide good education while others might struggle to.
Infrastructure	Tier 1 colleges do not have the problem of money as they are funded by the government. Hence they have great infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories, and modern classrooms.	Tier 3 engineering colleges have the basic infrastructure, they may lack modern facilities.
Industry Connections	Tier 1 engineering colleges have strong ties with big companies which provide students with ample opportunities for internships , training, and placements.	Tier 3 engineering students may face problems grabbing internship placements as their colleges have limited industry connections.
Placements	The big tech companies visit Tier 1 colleges offering lucrative job opportunities. There is less competition in On-Campus recruitment in Tier 1 engineering colleges.	Tier 3 engineering colleges may not attract as many companies as Tier 1 hence students have to lookout for Off-Campus opportunities. There is huge competition in off-campus opportunities hence students need to invest more time and energy in their preparation.

What has Changed Now?

In today’s scenario, the education of faculty members in engineering colleges might not hold as much weight as it did once. Most of the students are turning to online resources to learn where the focus is on self-learning. It does not matter where you learn but the kind of student you become and the skills you acquire. Today the availability of smartphones and the access of the internet everywhere has created a level playing field. Online resources, tutorials, and courses are accessible to any student with a smartphone and a Wi-Fi connection. So, it doesn’t matter whether you are sitting in an IIT classroom or a Tier 3 college classroom the world of learning is at your fingertips.

Facts and Figures

The list of tier 3 students who have landed jobs at top product-based companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Adobe, etc., is long enough. The average salary offered by Amazon to tier 3 students in India is ₹43 lakhs. For Adobe, the average salary is ₹39 lakhs. Google India offers a CTC of about 45+ lakhs for fresher software engineers. The best thing about these FAANG companies is they don’t discriminate in the salaries of Tier 1 or Tier 3 students; they are paid for their skills and many Tier 3 college students have grabbed jobs in them.

Practical Guide for a Tier 3 Student

This is where your own hard work comes into play. Forget waiting for campus placements, the future of job hunting is online. Participate in online coding challenges, hackathons, and open-source projects. There is a monthly contest held on GeeksForGeeks for job hiring known by the name as Job-a-Thon. Freshers as well as experienced folks can participate to get access to diverse career opportunities offered by numerous companies. Build a portfolio or a solid resume showcasing your achievements and abilities. Invest your time in networking on websites such as Linkedin which is going to open many doors for you outside of the campus boundaries.

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Now let us address the question about the disparity in the quality of students in Tier 1 and Tier 3 engineering colleges. This is really an important point, and the percentage of quality students in colleges like IIT is much higher. But in all Tier 3 colleges, there are always some quality students. So if you form a really good group even in a Tier 3 college, you may grow like an IITian or maybe more. Also, remember one more thing: engineering study is different from school education. Apart from academics, you need to be a lot more aware of current technology, groups or channels where opportunities are available, and market situations.

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Conclusion

In summary, Dear Tier 3 college reader, stop doubting yourself. The key to a successful future of yours lies in your own hands. Use the online resources, build your coding community, and participate in contests. You should start looking for internship opportunities as soon as possible in your engineering field. Everyone gets rejected a lot of times before getting selected, so keep trying even if you are being rejected. As a Tier 3 student, you might need slightly more hard work as companies do not visit your campus, but the hard work would be worth it. You will realize it when you reach a top position in your career and see yourself doing great. So do not lose hope, keep working hard, and remember that every stable success takes time.

FAQs

Can Tier 3 engineering students land jobs in top companies?

Yes, many Tier 3 engineering college students have secured jobs in companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Adobe. Salaries are based on skills and these companies do not discriminate based on college tier.

How can a Tier 3 student increase his job prospects?

Tier 3 students can participate in online coding challenges, hackathons, and open-source projects. Building a strong portfolio, networking on platforms like LinkedIn, and actively seeking internship opportunities can significantly boost their chances.

Is there a disparity in the quality of students between Tier 1 and Tier 3 colleges?

Tier 3 students should leverage online resources, participate in coding contests, and focus on self-improvement. Persistence is key, as rejection is part of the process. Hard work and dedication can lead to success, even without on-campus placements.