1. It’s National
As it says in the name an NIT is a national institution. The place may not be run like an IIT but it’s bonafide. The courses will happen on time. The exams will be clean. The students won’t get duped on fees and such things. Some of the best NITs are as good as some of the IITs in most things. You can sign up for a course at most NITs blindly.
2. The Infrastructure
It may not be Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but an NIT normally will have good infrastructure across the board. The newer ones even more so. The libraries will have books, the classrooms will be hospitable and the hostels won’t be too bad. No temporary iron sheds here like those shady private colleges that are a dime a dozen. And yes, most NITs have great computing facilities.

3. The Academics
NITs offer an array of courses and electives second only to the IITs. So your academic program will be sound. You may not get every subject you want or aspire for but still, the NITs are a good compromise to the IITs. The classes will be decently scheduled, books will be available, labs will be adequate and you should have a fairly decent faculty resource. No ad hoc cost cutting as often seen in private colleges.

4. The People
We think this is one of the strongest things going for an NIT. You will be studying with a bunch of people from every nook and corner of the country and every strata of society. This is absolutely impossible to replicate in any other institute. A wonderful opportunity to mix with and be explosed so many different cultures.This is an NIT special!

5. The Alumni
NITs produce some great alumni too. So when you’re looking for a job or funding for your startup having a good network helps. The NITs have been around for years and years. And a good alumni network is worth it’s weight in gold. And don’t forget that a lot of NIT alumni study abroad too. Always helps when you need that MS at Virigina Tech desperately.

6. The Brand
Sure it ain’t the IITs. (we get sick of saying that.) But it’s miles ahead of Popat Lal College of Technology in Vellore. The NITs are recognized in India AND abroad AND by HR people in companies.

7. The Heritage
The oldest NITs are 40+ years old. This in itself should give you a sense of security. Heritage also means recognition, infrastructure and a great alumni network with many CEOs and such like. Old, in the academic world, is gold.

8. The Value
Fantastic value for money. You get a top notch education at low to pathetically, senselessly, insanely pittance fees. You should have no trouble at all paying off your education loans.

9. The Atmosphere
The mix of people makes it a really cool place to hangout. Also you normally get the freedom to do several extra-curricular activities and some of the best college festivals are hosted by the NITs (they get good sponsorship you see). Most people from the NITs will tell you that their greatest takeaway from their course was the great atmosphere.

10. The Placements
Kickass placements. All the top names, across sectors and industries. And top class salaries. Some companies prefer NIT alumni to the IITians because apparently the NIT-ians ‘stick’. The top NITs place close to 100% without breaking into a sweat. Of course it all depends on the economy. But when things do go wrong globally it does pay to be at an NIT!

This is an excerpt fom an article that originally appeared in JAM mag.hope this will give all budding aspirants an insight into the NIT life to aid in making an informed decision