u/SuspiciousTwo6913

Hi everyone,

I'm a JEE 2026 aspirant and am considering Engineering Physics at IIT Patna. I've heard from some seniors that EP is now considered a circuital branch for placements and internships.

Can any current EP/EE/ECE student please clarify:

• Are EP students allowed to sit for the same internships and placements as EE/ECE students?
• Is EP officially classified as a circuital branch by the placement cell, or is it only eligible for some companies?
• For someone interested in semiconductors, VLSI, electronics and hardware, would you choose IIT Patna EP over Electrical in NITs like MNNIT Allahabad, MNIT Jaipur, NIT Calicut, etc.?

I have AIR 11,5XX in JEE Advanced 2026 and I'm trying to finalize my preference order.

From the IIT options available at my rank, one branch that stands out is Petroleum Engineering at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. From what I've seen, the placement records seem quite good compared to many other non-circuital branches available to me.

At the same time, I may also get options like:

• NIT Rourkela Electrical Engineering
• MNNIT Allahabad Electrical Engineering
• MNIT Jaipur Electrical Engineering
• ECE in some other good NITs

My confusion is about long-term prospects.

1. How good is Petroleum Engineering from ISM Dhanbad in terms of career growth and future opportunities?
2. Is the oil & gas sector expected to remain strong over the next 15–20 years?
3. Would you choose ISM Petroleum over Electrical/ECE at top NITs?
4. For someone without a strong preference for any specific branch, which option offers the best combination of placements, career flexibility, and future growth?

Thanks!