My brother studied in this institute, so I might be able to help you with the question. Let me discuss how his first year went. 

• Honestly, at first, you do feel that your first semester is tougher than other colleges. 
• The faculty is good and very friendly and cooperative. 
• The marking scheme, the assignments, and the volume of study, plus the skewed branch-wise ratio can result in excessive peer pressure. 
• But once you've figured out how the system works it will be easier to manage.

Furthermore, from ex-students and present students, you will get to know both sides of the coin. You can then compare both of their experiences. You will get to know what changed and how tougher the first year became from before. 

Other than your dedicated departmental subjects. Both physics and chemistry are also equally difficult. They require some surreal level of effort to achieve a good GPA. You just have to stay focused and concentrate on your studies. It is easier to improve your GPA in the first year.