What is better, metallurgical in the old IIT (Kharagpur/Roorkee) or electrical in the new IIT (Ganghinagar/Mandi)?

Both metallurgical and electrical engineering are highly respected fields of study. The choice between them will depend on your personal interests and career goals. The old IITS like Kharagpur and Roorkee has a long-standing legacy in metallurgical engineering, whereas the new IITs like Gandhinagar and Mandi have strong electrical engineering programs. 

However, personally, I feel metallurgy in Kharagpur or Roorkee is a better option than joining EE in newer IITs. Here are a few points that support my stance 

• The exposure, culture, opportunities, peer groups, and overall campus life you will experience at IIT Roorkee cannot be compared to that of newer IITs which are still growing and have a long way to go.
• The branch does matter to a certain extent, but if you look at the bigger picture, the Institute’s brand and opportunities overshadow the drawbacks of a less preferred branch.
• Those who are desperate can always opt for a branch change at the end of the first semester.

Ultimately, the choice between metallurgical engineering at an old IIT and electrical engineering at a new IIT will come down to your personal inclinations and career goals.

Nobody knows what you truly desire better than you.

Brand matters, infrastructure matters, and the people around you matter, but what matters most is what gives you happiness, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment when you walk out of even an old IIT campus with a successful degree in your hands. So, rather than succumbing to the short-term allures of branding, follow your passion.

Neither metallurgy nor electrical engineering is bad at IIT KGP. Only you can determine what is best for you. After all, you are an IITian, capable of making sound decisions. It will be easier for you if you pass JEE Adv.