Bachelor of Technology [B.Tech] (Electrical Engineering) From IIT Madras, Chennai

This question can only have a subjective answer. I have myself done my B.Tech EE from IIT Madras, but I would recommend you consider several factors before arriving at a decision-

Your subject of interest matters a lot, even more than your college. Make sure to select the branch that interests you. Take a good look at the curriculum and course offerings of both these options, and find out which of them aligns with your career/academic goals. Also consider the specialization opportunities offered by each option. 

Look at the research interests and projects undertaken by faculty members of each program. Realize whose interests align with you the most. Getting into research work at UG level will only be beneficial for you. Take a visit to both the institutes or consult some seniors to find out which one offers better infrastructure, campus life and other facilities. 

Personally speaking, I’ve had an excellent experience at the Electrical department of IIT Madras. So, if you don’t have a particular interest in CS, you may very well consider EE at IITM.

Unless you are considering IIT Delhi because of its location advantage, IIT Madras is the best option. No one ever leaves IIT Madras disappointed. Another factor people consider is the environment provided by the Institute. Most North Indians consider the culture at IIT Madras way different and thus end up losing focus and motivation. If you are affected by such elements, choose the Institute you think will have a culture and people similar to your tastes.

Many North Indians are settling well in IIT Madras and ending up in the top 5% of the batch. So what matters is that the Institute you are choosing should provide the kind of environment that motivates you to learn and excel.

You will face tremendous competition and thus you will have to stay focussed and motivated to do well in that kind of environment. It is extremely necessary to choose the right environment for you as you will be spending 4 years of your life there.

Thus if a certain Institute, for instance, IIT Madras has more facilities than IIT Delhi but you stay among average students in IIT Madras but among the top 5% in IIT Delhi, then the right option for you is IIT Delhi.

Both the Electrical Engineering program at IIT Mandi and the Engineering Design program at IIT Madras are well-regarded programs and have their unique strengths and weaknesses. The better program for a Keralite can be determined by comparing important factors like the curriculum, faculty, research opportunities, and job prospects

From the options you have mentioned, I assume you prefer convenience over academic quality. However, it’s better to look at the bigger picture and focus on the branches more than the institute. To strive for the best, one has to come out of their comfort zone so that only one can grow and reach new heights. 

In order to determine the right branch, research on the respective branches and the job opportunities offered by each. I am sure one or the other branch will intrigue you and trust me that will be the right one for you irrespective of how many Km you have to travel to reach there.

Ultimately, the decision of which program is better for a Keralite will depend on the individual's interests, goals, and career aspirations. It would be best to speak with current students, faculty, and alumni of both programs and gather as much information as possible in order to make an informed decision.