CUP - My Alma Mater

If a student wishes to get admission in M.Tech at the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda popularly referred to as CUP, Bathinda, there are two ways to do so. The first method is by clearing national entrance examinations such as GATE with good scores. Even candidates who have cleared the GATE examination receive scholarships from the institution. While the other method is to clear the CUCET examination which is the 'Central University Common Entrance Test.' A good score of a minimum of 60% in graduation is required in both of the admission criteria regardless. Now, talking about my experience on counseling day, after achieving a good CUCET score. I was selected for the counseling procedure. During my interview, my preliminary knowledge was assessed as well as I was asked about my future endeavors. The selection committee was quite cooperative in explaining every facet of the admission process. A seminar program for parents/guardians was also conducted alongside lunch arrangements. It was a good experience overall.

I selected M.Tech in Computer Science and Technology. The reason is that not only I have completed my graduation (B.Tech) in similar course, but also I would get opportunity to learn about modern technologies effectively. At CUP, Bathinda, M.Tech is provided in two streams namely Computer Science and Technology (CST) and Cyber Security (CS). When I was part of this institution, there were 24 students in CST and 15 students in CS. Further talking about faculty:student ratio in the department, it is approximately 10:40. All professors have either completed or are pursuing doctoral degree. The teaching method includes both whiteboard teaching and PowerPoint presentations. While final examination is conducted in objective mode online, monthly examination is subjective of 24 marks. Also, surprise quizzes and assignments are conducted. Examination is of above average level. Moreover, emphasis is led on increasing R&D quotient in students.

Although I did not receive any scholarship, I found fee structure quite reasonable as compared to other institutions. During admission, candidate has to pay around 17000 Rs for M.Tech course out of which approximately 4000 Rs is for security. From second semester, payable fees is around 11000 Rs which includes tuition fee, library/e-library fee, Computer laboratory fee, examination fee, marksheet fee, sports fund and student welfare fund for general category. Hostel fees is not included in this fee structure, and its approximately 13,400 rs during admission which includes security. There is relaxation in fee structure for candidates belonging to reserved category and quota.

The university has student clubs that work on both cultural and technical aspects. A yearly fest that marks the foundation of the institute is conducted every year in February. Furthermore, the university's library is quite vast containing academic books in various educational streams, monthly journals, and newspapers as well as there is provision for e-books. All a student requires is to have a library membership. Now, talking about classrooms, although not spacious enough, they are well-ventilated with comfortable furniture, and good quality whiteboards plus projectors. Alongside cultural fests, the institution has teams excelling in sports such as Badminton, Tennis, Cricket to name a few. In addition, universities have been host to many national-level educational seminars and conferences.