Pros & Cons of Being ISI MSQE GRAD!

Honest Confession of MSQE AIR 17, 2022!

A warm welcome to my amazing readers!

Today I am going to share with you my experience in ISI, Kolkata as a part of the batch 2022-24. This is intended to highlight all the highs and lows in my journey which will help you to plan better and also to know what to expect.

We all know, the entrance examination of ISI MSQE is very different from other Universities in India. Both the papers PEA and PEB has it’s own challenges and requires dedicated preparation. But cracking the examination is just the beginning. It is almost like a snapshot of what is coming next. It is pretty normal to initially believe that if you have cracked ISI you know everything.

But let me tell you, ISI will make you humble in every step of your way.

PROS

The Most Cost-Effective Master’s Program

The admission process requires a nominal security deposit not more than Rs. 5000/- which will be returned back to you once you complete the degree! In that sense it is absolutely FREE!

Moreover, you are paid a monthly stipend of Rs. 8000/- ! So ISI makes you financially independent from the very first day!

Of course you have to maintain a percentage of at least 60 percent to be eligible. Once you do that by the end of 2 years you have a very good amount saved in your bank account. There are hardly any institutions other than ISI which pays it’s students to study!

Excellent Peer Group

ISI gives you the opportunity to share class with the top most students all over India. In my batch there were students from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and honestly I have learnt a lot from them. Everyone was very hard working and passionate to do their job at their highest potential.

When you are in such an environment, it gives you additional motivation and pushes you to better yourself every single day. You could discuss various topics and upgrade your knowledge in the subject.

The classes are more interactive as there are only 16 people in a batch of MSQE!

Amazing Internship Opportunities

We started with our semester 1 courses on 1st August, 2022. Within 3 months I saw there were multiple summer internship opportunities from leading companies starting from JP Morgan, Bain & Company (where I joined as intern), Atlassian, Capital One, American Express, PWC, ICICI Bank, Citi Bank to name a few.

Almost everyone got through the interview process and secured a very good company for themselves. The stipend paid was excellent.

Some of the students did projects under some of our professors who wanted to deepen their knowledge in some specific area.

Campus & Library Facility

ISI campus is beautiful. It is like a big garden in which some academic buildings are here and there. It has a well-maintained library, gym, and sports ground. Annual fest and picnics are organized every year.

CONS

Heavy Curriculum

In every semester we had to take 5 compulsory papers which are a lot for a course spanning over 4 to 5 months at max.

Consequently, you have to balance many things all at once. The syllabus is lengthy and somewhat complex to understand. You have to study each and everyday what is been done in class, otherwise you can not catch up later on.

A lot of self study is required. Professors only guide you in what to read. You have to plan your schedule and ask your doubts whenever necessary and no one else is going to do this for you. In a way, it’s your degree and solely your responsibility.

Placement Oriented Study

From the second year onwards, people usually study only to secure a final placement. If you want a career in corporate, you have to learn Coding, Machine Learning, Case Studies, Logical Reasoning and so on, absolutely on your own along with the semester papers.

People who want to pursue a PhD, focuses on clearing PhD entrances and other tests associated. This takes a toll on the overall grade of the students since their focus gets shifted for the future.

Many students struggle to even pass the exams and it gets overwhelming for them. People who get placements assume that their future is “secured” and hence they stop giving effort. Yes, exceptions are there. But in general, the mood of the class is completely different from 3rd semester onwards.

People Treat You Differently at Work

During my internship, I realized that when you come from ISI, people expect you to know everything. Which is quite unrealistic. Academia to corporate is a big shift. Yes, you prepare for that. But still you have to adjust to the new world and deliver which certainly requires some time. More often than not, that time is not given, which can give birth to self doubt.

Not Enough Academia Related Jobs

As ISI MSQE grad you do similar jobs as done by M.Stat or M.Tech guys. There is no scope for jobs in research focus institutes directly from the campus. If you want those, you have to apply on your own. This is I think the biggest challenge that I faced in my journey.

In the end….

I just want to say, ISI makes you a different person altogether. It gives you a new identity. If you ask me, I would say it is 100 percent worth it. I was a completely different person two years back. I am immensely grateful that life has given me this chance and I could share this with all of you.

I hope you like this!

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Thank you for your precious time!