Yes, there is an option for branch change after the first year at NIT Rourkela. The conditions for branch change vary depending on the specific program and the student's academic performance. Generally, students must attain a CGPA of 8.5 with no backlogs to be eligible for a branch change.
Here is what the institute has officially declared regarding branch change:
All B. Tech, Int. MSc and BTech- MTech dual degree students who have secured a GPA of 8.5 or more (without any backlog) at the end of the first year are eligible for a branch change given they fulfill the following criteria
Additionally, students may also be required to participate in an interview or other selection process.