Cluster Innovation Centre B.Tech Review By Sharad Dubey

Isn’t it cool when your college promotes entrepreneurship rather than getting a job? Well, my college does so. The motivation behind starting the college is hidden in the name itself. Cluster Innovation Centre, Only college under Delhi University which offers Bachelors in Technology in IT and mathematical innovations. Started in 2011, CIC offers two more courses other than B.Tech. and these are B.A. and M.Sc. CIC emphasis on innovation, research and project based learning which is unique in itself. It is surely different from traditional engineering colleges. It should not be compared with the well established colleges like old IITs and NITs because it serves a different purpose. CIC is more about self learning. No faculty will be spoon feeding you with the course content. The admission is governed by the merit list that is created after DU conducts its entrance test. It is highly competitive because there are only 40 seats that are available.

CIC offers unique course content. Unlike traditional engineering colleges where you have mathematics for only three semesters, we have mathematics in all the semesters. As mentioned above college offers three courses. For B.Tech you need to pursue an internship every even semester, which gives you the industry exposure from the first year itself. Moreover, there are almost equal credits shared between theory and practicals (projects). The college falls under University of Delhi which holds a good reputation in the country. CIC also promotes project based learning so that we can apply the concepts in solving real world problems. Moreover, attending classes becomes optional if you are working in a startup or on any innovative project.

Since, the college falls under University of Delhi, there is no doubt over the quality of faculties. Most of the faculties are experienced and they are having a good research profile. They are really supportive. They help us in brainstorming with the ideas. They can even help us by selecting the project that addresses a huge problem, or by identifying the loopholes which we might face during implementing the project. They are really punctual about time and most of the time, you’ll find them inside class even before the starting time.

Well, CIC doesn’t have a placement cell. This does not mean that you can’t get placed. In fact, many of my seniors got placed by applying in off campus recruitment. Most of the students choose to pursue either entrepreneurship or they go for further studies. So, there are very few students who go for the off-campus placements. They too get the job at decent companies. If you are the one looking for a job, there are high chances that you’ll get it after completing your six-month long internship in the final semester.

Hostels are allocated as per DU’s rules and regulations. Hostels have large, well-ventilated rooms, clean washrooms, large play areas and all the basic requirements that students might need. There are a lot of events that take place in the hostel too, including refreshing parties and talks. Well, there are very few seats that are available for CIC students. So, it is really hard to get a hostel. You can choose a PG in the nearby areas.

Infrastructure is best in class. Since the building is newly built, it is equipped with all the modern day technologies. The building is centrally air conditioned and classrooms are well lit. There is a well equipped computer lab which has everything that you might need as an IT student ranging from the basic software to complex GPUs. CIC also has a small library which has all the relevant books which you might need for your project and other coursework. Other than these, CIC has some of the labs for the project based learning like robotics lab and engineering kitchen. There is also an AI lab which is under construction.

Campus life is similar to the other DU colleges. Since the college is situated in the heart of North campus, you’ll be experiencing a better college life. Fests are being organized quite often by nearby colleges. There are a lot of places like restaurants, cafes and gaming parlors where you can chill with your friends. Last but not the least CIC has it all what you need. Good course structure, amazing faculty and an awesome college life.