Colleges can be resource-hungry institutions. Built with a large population in mind, college infrastructure includes hostels and other buildings that regularly consume more water and energy than other institutions. RV College of Engineering (RVCE), Bangalore, which is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year, is however, unique. With a strong focus on the environment and on resource conservation, the college has already set up rainwater harvesting infrastructure, which saves over 7 million litres of water every year. In addition, the college has also set up a sewage treatment plant which treats 2.5 lakh litres of sewage every year and has a capacity of 5 lakh litres. The college also generates its own power and has plans of becoming a ‘zero water consuming and zero power consuming’ building over the next ten years.
This concern about the environment extends to the classroom as well where students are asked to take biology as a compulsory subject for two years in all branches. Topics like ‘waste to wealth’ are taught as well. “We give them assignments at the end of every semester in order to ingrain practical experience in the students. These assignments are based on what they have studied during the year,” says Professor BS Satyanarayana, the college’s principal.
Bhavani, second-year student of electronic and communication engineering, says, “I’ve heard this is one of the best colleges to pursue engineering in Karnataka. Be it infrastructure-wise or encouragement from graded lecturers. They give more importance to practicals than theory subjects. It is not always mugging up and writing in exams. It is also known for 100 per cent placement.” She adds, “The huge campus is also a relief.”
Known for its strong research facilities and placements, students in the third or fourth year are allowed to choose a specialisation along with extra subjects based on their interest. The college currently plays host to 120 PhD faculties and 220 more research scholars are expected to complete their doctorates in the next eight months. “We are also proud of our digital library. While the normal library contains around 1,30,000 books and 4,000 journals, the digital library contains around 20,000 e-books. We also provide WiFi facility and the library functions till 11pm during exams,” Satyanarayana adds.
College officials feel it is the facilities provided to students and research scholars, which has earned the college its fame and ensures it completes 100 years. A strong student focus ensures that all facilities from study materials to placements are provided.
Navya Varghese, a student of biotechnology opines, “As a final-year student, I can call this college my second home. RVCE is not like other colleges. We get more exposure by taking part in competitions and presenting papers. The clubs in the college help us interact with each other. I’m a member of Rotaract and Kannada Sanga and take part in many activities.”
Courses
RVCE currently offers 12 bachelor and 22 master programmes in the fields of biotechnology, chemical/civil/computer science/electronics and communication/electrical and electronics/information science/mechanical and telecommunication engineering, industrial engineering and management, and instrumentation technology. All departments carry out research, allow students to read for PhD and engage in consultancy activities. The college presently has 5,250 students, faculty strength of 400 and 250 research holders.
Achievements
RVCE is ranked among ‘Six Technical Institutions’ in the country which was declared by a survey conducted by AICTE-CII-PWC in 2012. Another feather to its crown was its ranking as the top institute in the country in self financed engineering for Return on Investment (ROI)/Value for Money for students by Outlook magazine in 2013.
Other activities
The college fest, ‘8th mile’, is held annually. Students of all departments work together for its success. Different departments come up with innovative ideas and concepts. They form teams to participate and help students learn how to interact, take on leadership roles and enhance their individual skills.
RVCE is coming up with video recording classes wherein classes will be recorded and shared with students. That is a new development the college is looking forward to.
— sanjanam698@gmail.com