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If you're considering studying at IIT Mandi, here are some points you might find useful:
Ragging is not something you need to worry about at IIT Mandi. The seniors are helpful and supportive.
The smaller batch strength (compared to other IITs) at IIT Mandi comes with its own advantages. You get opportunities to work on projects even if you have no prior knowledge, as long as you're willing to learn.
Unlike other bigger institutions where hundreds of students stay in one hostel, at IIT Mandi, you have clusters of hostels with about 150 students in each hostel. In your first year, you'll stay together with almost the whole batch, but in later years, you get to stay with awesome seniors in your hostel. Some seniors even hold positions in technical secretariats and club coordinators, making it a great environment to work in. You can join clubs and be part of the core team as long as you're willing to work.
If you're concerned about placements, rest assured that top companies come for placement and internship drives at IIT Mandi. The institute was placed 6th in median salary.
In terms of drawbacks, the sports facilities at IIT Mandi aren't quite up to the mark, but this is expected to improve with more students returning to campus and a new Director taking charge. The roads have been in bad shape this season, but repairs are expected as soon as the weather permits.
On the brighter side, there are some fun fests at IIT Mandi to lighten the mood. While not all fests are legendary, Exodia and Rann-Neeti are quite awesome if you get involved. Even the intra-college fests are cool and enjoyable. The sports culture here is just awesome, not just on the campus but even in Mandi, where people are great sports enthusiasts. You can also showcase your technical and non-technical talents at various events. And there's unlimited high-speed internet, although with some restrictions to make you think and explore for solutions.