You should be trying something related to Algorithms. Try better than simple Java-related projects like CMS, Library Management System, Job Portal, etc. Be focused on algorithms or machine details. If you are thinking of algorithms, you can take a look at some of the mini-projects hosted by students.

In my friend’s recent conversation with a faculty member of the department, he discussed the trend of students getting away doing simple application-level projects during their B.Tech.

Students who were ready to take up good system-level projects like those related to Linux kernel, networks, compilers, etc. are not wanting to do the same later.

It's engineering that you are trying to learn, application development can be done by anyone. So, you don't have to go through 80% of the courses for that.

It’s hard to say if you will get in or not. While 2,040 is a perfectly good score on its own, last year's closing rank was 2,092. But the cut off varies every year, so it’s a possibility that you may get in. You can even get into IIT Bhubaneswar in the very 1st round if luck favors. Don’t be disappointed if you can’t get in as there are also other IITs like IIT Ropar and IIT Jodhpur where you can try to get admission.

Also if you scored below 3000 in JEE Mains then you can go for IIIT Hyderabad. For CSE IIIT, Hyderabad ranks along with top IITs like IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi. So if you can secure a place in IIT Hyderabad, you should go for it. As there's a good possibility you can bag good job offers as an IITian from IIT Bombay or Delhi. Although the tag of IIT adds a certain value to your degree in the end it’s skills that matter most. So make your decision wisely.

One of my friends is currently enrolled for the 2022 batch at IIIT UNA. He has completed two years already with a rank below 30,000 and he got into CSE, if you have a rank between 30-36k then you won't have many other options available. 

He had the option to choose between Thapar Institute of Technology, IIIT UNA, and UIET Chandigarh, and unfortunately, the choice of IIIT UNA was a regrettable decision. Firstly it does not have a good rank; secondly, you may see why as follows-

• NIT Hamirpur is the mentor institute at which my friend’s batch studies as part of the 2022 batch which is the only batch there without any seniors, labs, or societies.
• Administration-The institute lacks efficient management, it is headed by a dictatorial administrator who likes to make changes without prior announcement. Recently, a fine of INR 5000/subject was imposed on students for a shortage of attendance.

• Tuition Fees- For each year of the academic program, you'd have to deposit a high Tuition Fee of INR 2.05 LPA, which is steep because of the lack of facilities.

• College Environment- If you're seeking a happening campus life at IIIT UNA, then you'd be disappointed. There are hardly 2 or 3 clubs like Aavesh and Force, but joining them will be difficult owing to their eligibility criteria.

Lastly, I'd like to highlight the placement scenario as the placement cell clearly states that they are not responsible for the placement provision. Only CSE and IT departments receive some companies, for ECE there are only coding jobs available.

So, Thapar Institute of Technology and UIET Chandigarh are much better in terms of opportunities provided, college life, and alumni support.