Which is better, IIITM Gwalior (Dual IT) vs BITS Pilani (M.Sc Bio)?

The integrated degree program at IIITM Gwalior offers two formats; B.Tech + MBA and B.Tech + M.Tech. While most students might not go for the dual degree, it does offer an advantage over other degrees in the following terms:

• Students can save one year of master’s degree as integrated programs are of 5 years.
• Students also get the opportunity to opt for other courses that might not be available in mainstream B.Tech programs.
• Students can decide on their masters after the third year; about if they want to pursue an MBA or M.Tech. In this choice, IIITM Gwalior is more famous for its M.tech degree rather than an MBA.
• It also gives students an extra year to prepare for further exams like GSoC, ICPC, and TGMC.
• Students are also allowed to participate in intense and advanced research projects which add value to their portfolio.
• One potential drawback could be that an integrated program does not grant you a specific specialization. Students are only awarded an M.Tech degree. However, this factor does not affect placements and dual degree alumni get the same placement offers as mainstream master’s degree students do.
• The student-faculty ratio in the dual degree program is also high which allows students to get personalized attention by the best research faculty on the campus.

BITSPilani also offers integrated dual degree courses, but the specialization is dependent on the overall performance of the students.

• Students are given CS or M.Sc Bio depending on their performance in the first year of the integrated program. While M.Sc. Bio has a completely different course structure than CS, it does open several different opportunities for a career in foreign countries.
• The Biology department at BITS Pilani is relatively reputed for its famous slogan ‘Biology at BITS is taught in a way where you’ll not have to memorize.’
• For students who wish to pursue only CS for their integrated degree, it is important to know that getting CS in master’s has a ratio of 1:5 as compared to all other courses.
• While purely CS students might not be looking at Bio for their Master’s, an M.Sc. in Bio from BITS is highly reputed and prompts students to go for unconventional career options.

In the end, it completely depends on the student, if they wish to pursue an integrated degree at IIITM Gwalior or BITS Pilani. However, students need to do their ground research on the modalities and course structure of these courses that are offered.