NITs are generally much better than Cochin Institute Of Science & Technology (CUSAT) as they receive higher funding, seminar, workshops, facilities and have reputed international Scientists. They include -
The funding is straight from the government and therefore tends out to be more advanced in terms of technology and curriculum. All facilities are provided in order to make it a global course.
The NIT across the nation are actively engaged in seminars/workshops that allow its candidates to have a great exposure towards good & eminent scientists across the globe.
CUSAT can compete with NOT only on the grounds of the Physics department as it is the only department that fulfils the criterion of good faculty and advanced projects in a general sense. The major areas to look up to are :
CUSAT gives you good opportunities but when it comes to choice between CUSAT & NIT ; surely the latter will be more preferable.