Need help choosing a BCA college for AI/ML + IIT Madras BS. Running out of options after admission issues
So, I'm from West Bengal and recently completed Class 12 (WBCHSE, Commerce with Computer Applications). I don't have Mathematics in Class 12, which has already ruled out quite a few universities. My original admission plan completely fell apart because of unexpected issues during the admission process at SICSR, and by the time everything happened, most good colleges had already closed admissions.
I'm now trying to find the best possible option before admissions completely close (preferably colleges still accepting applications till July/August 2026).
My long-term plan
I don't want to stop at just a BCA.
My plan is:
Offline BCA (preferably 4-year Honours/Honours with Research under NEP)
Simultaneously pursue the IIT Madras BS Degree (online)
Build a strong GitHub, LinkedIn, Kaggle and project portfolio throughout college
Participate in hackathons and internships
After graduation, prepare for NIMCET, CUET PG, GATE and IIT JAM to keep multiple options open for higher studies (MCA/MS/M.Tech depending on where I qualify)
Because of this plan, I need a college that won't make pursuing the IIT Madras BS degree impossible.
What I'm looking for in a BCA college
I'm not looking for flashy advertisements or ranking websites. I'm looking for genuine student experiences.
My requirements are:
• 4-year BCA Honours/Honours with Research preferred
• AI & Machine Learning as a real Core Specialization (not just a certificate)
• Updated curriculum including Python, DSA, DBMS, OS, Cloud, AI, ML, Deep Learning, NLP, MLOps and GenAI
• Reasonable attendance (not extremely strict) so managing IIT Madras BS is possible
• Good coding culture
• Active GitHub, hackathons and technical clubs
• Decent placements (₹5-8 LPA average is completely fine)
• Recruiters like TCS, Infosys, Accenture, IBM, Cognizant, Capgemini, Deloitte, LTIMindtree, etc.
• Boys' hostel available on campus
• Safe campus with decent food and Wi-Fi
• Total budget around ₹15-18 lakh including hostel
• No major controversies or serious management issues
• Preferably NAAC A++ or A+
Preferred locations are Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Kerala, Delhi NCR or anywhere else if it's genuinely worth it.
Colleges I'm currently considering
I'm currently looking at a few options, but before making such a big decision, I want honest opinions from students or alumni instead of marketing material.
If you've studied there or know someone who has, I'd really appreciate hearing about:
• Academics • Faculty • Coding culture • Placements (specifically for BCA) • Attendance • Hostel • Overall student life
Whether pursuing IIT Madras BS alongside BCA would realistically be manageable
I'm honestly in a difficult position because I don't have many backup options left, and I don't want to spend 4 years or a significant amount of money at the wrong place.
If you've been in a similar situation or have any recommendations for colleges whose admissions are still open, I'd really appreciate your advice. Even if it's a college I haven't mentioned, I'm open to considering it if it genuinely fits what I'm looking for.
Thanks in advance.