From Jammu to Rajkot: Engineering Journey at Government Engineering College

I'm from Jammu and Kashmir, currently pursuing BTech in Computer Engineering from Government Engineering College, Rajkot, Gujarat. I'm an aspiring Engineering, and I like to learn new things.
My hobbies are playing Cricket and Volleyball. I also love to sing and read books. I want to be a successful Software Engineer, and I am trying my best to be that. My college journey is like a rollercoaster ride. I've had both positive and negative experiences. The very first day when I arrived in this college, my thinking was, "I don't deserve this college. I deserve something better than this." The college is not so bad. 

Journey to Computer Engineering at GEC, Rajkot

When I was in Class 10, I hadn't decided which profession I'd like to pursue. Then, I researched about the best stream that I can choose in order to get a bright future. I was the kind of student who needed to earn money as soon as possible by following his passion. I was also good in Maths. So, I selected to pursue Science Stream in 11th and 12th which became my road to BTech in Computer Engineering. The journey from class 11th to 12th was quite challenging, as it was the time of COVID that took all concentration away from me. As technical things excite me, so, I decided to pursue Computer Engineering. I was passionate about my course as I love to code, design things, solve problems, and so on.

I've got admission through PMSSS. My selection in this college was only through my 12th mark sheet. I got a 4243 rank in PMSSS merit list. PMSSS is a special scholarship scheme only for the students of Jammu and Kashmir. I didn't attend any coaching classes for preparation. I just referred to free online material for preparation.

I was considering DU, Jadavpur University, ABES Engineering College, etc. to get admission, but unfortunately I got admitted to Government Engineering College, Rajkot.

Language Barrier at GEC, Rajkot

The infrastructure is good; placements are also acceptable, but the only problem in the college is the ‘language issue.’ There is a language barrier in my college. Despite being an English-medium college, the faculties teach in their native language, i.e., Gujarati. It's very difficult for us to understand it in lectures and seminars. Many efforts were made by me to report this issue, but it's not solved yet. You have to ask the faculty multiple times to speak in Hindi or English. That's really frustrating for both of us. I used to live in college hostel premises. The environment of the hostel is really nice. We enjoy hostel life more than college life.

Experience at GEC, Rajkot

I'm pursuing a BTech in computer engineering, and I think it's very good in combination with our college. Our college has very educated faculties that help the students to learn and grasp things effectively. They focus on the overall development of a student's character and skills. Computer Engineering is flourishing in the college. We have a dedicated placement cell for the students to get placed in reputed companies. The faculty and students use Gujarati to teach the class. But, the college is very good for the students living in Gujarat
If you can focus on yourself, then only you can grow. Study on your own, focus on skills and be unique. This course is very important for me to enhance my coding and problem-solving skills. College life, maybe or may not be, suitable for students who are out of Gujarat.

Since it is a professional course, the faculties use Gujarati to teach the students. I do not go to college regularly. But, whenever I go to college, I used to attend lectures to get attendance. Currently, I'm involved in the sports team of our college. A sports tournament is conducted by the student council every year. If I get a chance to change something in my college, I would like to change the language to English or Hindi so that each and every student gets to know about what is going on in the class. I didn't attend any classes for preparation. YouTube is enough for the preparation of university exams as well as for placement. You have to work for yourself rather than trusting blindly on college faculties. Sports are the only events that encourage me to feel good.

About the author:

Abhishek is a 3rd year student in B.E. in Computer Science department at GEC, Rajkot, Gujrat. He is passionate about coding, and designing. He is an aspiring Software Engineer.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely the author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha.