5-point checklist to choose top undergraduate institute in India

Fresh out of school and exiting the shadow of a protected life for the first time, it  can be daunting for aspiring students to find the right undergraduate programme and undergraduate scholarships for their needs. Yes, combing the internet for top undergraduate colleges can help, but how can students list out each college based on their various merits? It can help to measure the merits and demerits of each undergraduate degree programme based on a range of criteria and apply to colleges that check off the maximum number of asks on the list. 

Here, we have put together a few important things to keep in mind when looking for the right college for your undergraduate degree.

Faculty member credentials

Nothing is more important about a college than to gauge its teachers for your undergraduate education. The first thing before choosing the right college for your undergraduate degree is to research the qualifications of the faculty members. Aspiring students can scan the qualifications and experience of these professors through the website of the college in question, on social media, or by getting in touch with alumni. 

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of an institute is very important when it comes to choosing the right college for you. Depending on the undergraduate degree you are pursuing, watch out for laboratories, data management and analysis, auditoria, theatres and even hostel facilities. It is also important for each university to have computers, software, library and access to quality publishing like journals and books for a well rounded undergraduate education.  

Curriculum

It is crucial to ensure that the course and curriculum is comprehensive so that you can make the most out of your college degree. A good undergraduate programme not only includes the subject matter at length, but also focuses on developing your soft skills, internship opportunities, case studies, field trips and some exposure of workplace experiences. All these help you develop the right set of skills for an entry level job, increasing your chances of employment. It is also equally important to make sure that your prospective undergraduate degree keeps upgrading its curriculum to keep up with the education and industry standards.

Placements  

The end goal of any undergraduate degree should be its employability. College placements offer an unparalleled opportunity for you to set your foot into the workplace. Firstly, ensure that the college you apply to has an active placement cell. All top undergraduate colleges will also ensure that the quality of employers who come to hire from the college is high. Nevertheless, before you apply, you should look into the percentage of students who are placed, the average CTC packages offered to them and the kind of roles and positions they are hired for. 

Another good indicator of a quality placement is the nature of collaborations with companies, other institutes and organisations nationally and internationally. This helps students build networks through participatory events and exchange programs which can help them secure jobs in the future.

Selection process

Knowing the selection process of an undergraduate degree program well in advance ensures that you know how to prepare for the entrance examination, group discussion sessions and interviews. The higher the bar for admission, the fiercer will be the competition of any given batch of students. Having intelligent, driven and ambitious class mates will inspire you to seek excellence in your academics and encourage you to give it your best and become the best version of yourself during your undergraduate education.

Conclusion

The quality of undergraduate education available today differs from college to college. Naturally, every student aspires to get into the best college. However, to avoid disappointment, they should fine tune their approach to seeking the best college for their individual needs. The above mentioned points can help prospective students to narrow down their options to undergraduate programs tailored for themselves personally. Whether you are looking to apply to colleges abroad or here in India, it is good sense to select your college based on a range of factors, instead of simply relying on a list of top undergraduate colleges.

FAQs

How do I decide which college to choose?

You should learn all about the college like faculty credentials, infrastructure, curriculum, placements and selection process. Then, shortlist the best colleges. Also, you must factor in your interests, discipline you want to pursue and budgets.

Which university is best for an undergraduate degree?

The best university for pursuing an undergraduate degree depends on the stream of your interest as well as the course you want to study. Moreover, you should account for infrastructure and faculty credentials.

What should I keep in mind when choosing a college?

Keep in mind your budget, the location, curriculum, faculty, infrastructure, selection process and placements before selecting the right college for you. 

About Sunstone

Sunstone is a leading higher education services provider that works with academic institutions in upskilling students for employability. Sunstone offers career-oriented training interventions for undergraduate and postgraduate students at 40+ institutions across 30+ cities.

Sunstone’s training programs are industry-endorsed to enhance employability. These programs are designed for hybrid delivery with an unparalleled focus on soft skills and personality development. Sunstone’s focus is to provide students with a holistic educational experience.