How is IIT Dhanbad (mineral engineering)?

As a former student of Mineral Engineering at IIT Dhanbad, I will offer some insight into my department-

Advantages

1. The number of lectures and syllabus of Mineral Engineering are quite manageable. With some effort, you’ll easily score a good CGPA in all your semesters.
2. The course will give you free time to study for CAT/GRE/UPSC, or to practice coding.
3. The department allows more freedom to enjoy campus life and perform other activities on the side.

Disadvantages

1. You can’t write the GATE exam.
2. Very few core companies visit the campus, and the placement scenario is in a poor state for Mineral students. However, with good communication skills and an 8+ CGPA, you can hope to get placed in a good organization.
3. The curriculum is light, so you’ll severely lag behind foreign university students.
4. The package offered to Mineral students stands nowhere compared to that grabbed by CSE students.

But despite the disadvantages, you’ll have to make peace with the fact that your rank isn’t enough for CSE. Also, not everyone in CSE performs exceptionally. 

Mineral Engineering (especially at IIT Dhanbad) has very limited scope, but it offers you ample freedom and time to work on your skills and build your future. 

My friend is currently pursuing a BTech in Mineral Engineering from IIT Dhanbad. As per the info I got from him, the course structure of Mineral Engineering at IIT Dhanbad is quite similar to other branches. The workload is minimal and you don’t have to attend the classes necessarily.

A few recruiters who have visited the campus in the past include Tata Steel, Vedanta, Adani, Aditya Birla, Tega, PwC, Reliance Power, TCE, Mecon, IPCL, and Terex visit campus for placements. Some students even opt for non-core organizations like JEE Coaching institutes and all. The curriculum opens many doors of opportunity for higher studies.

Recently there have been rumors regarding incorporating Material science and engineering into the mineral engineering course. These positive changes can be seen since the new director from a Material science background has joined. 

Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference and future goals.