JEE Advanced rank 5000 — core branch at old IIT or CSE at newer IIT?

Branch vs college is a classic dilemma, but here's the reality: with your rank, you're in a sweet spot. IIT Bombay/Delhi in any branch (except maybe Mining) will open doors. CSE is flooded now — placement variance is huge depending on your coding skills and interview prep, not just the degree. If you're genuinely interested in core engineering, take it; if you're chasing CSE because of hype and salary, reconsider. What are you actually passionate about?

I'm in my 3rd year at IIT Bombay doing Electrical Engineering (got in with rank 4800). Honestly? Branch matters for core placements and further studies, but college *also* matters for your overall growth. My mechanical and civil friends placed well in tech companies by doing side projects and leetcode. What you do in 4 years matters way more than the initial branch name. Choose based on interest, not just optics.

I'll be real — NIT Bangalore CSE is a solid option too, don't dismiss it. But IIT Bombay Mechanical is objectively stronger for your career flexibility. Placements from IIT Bombay even in non-CSE branches are robust: top tech, finance, manufacturing. NIT Bangalore CSE has placement advantages only if you're competing in the general tech pool. IIT prestige + core branch > NIT + non-core. That's just how it is.

Congratulations on the rank! I had a similar dilemma in 2015 with rank 6200. I chose Mechanical at IIT Delhi over CSE at a newer IIT, and honestly it was the right call for me. The IIT Delhi tag, better faculty, stronger alumni network, and access to internships made a huge difference. Yes, CSE placements are hotter, but a solid mechanical engineer from IIT Delhi can still land great roles in tech companies. The brand matters more than you think in India.

Definitely feasible! I did Mech at IIT Bombay (2018 batch), learned Python and finance in my 3rd year, and now I'm a quant analyst at a top HFT firm. The key is: (1) strong fundamentals, (2) proof of coding skills (GitHub, Codeforces), and (3) internships that show transition. IIT tag + self-taught fintech skills is actually an advantage because you stand out from the CSE crowd doing the same thing.

Just chiming in to say: I did Civil at IIT Delhi (rank 5500, 2016), learned web dev on the side, and now I work in construction tech startups with a 25 LPA package. The IIT brand + proactive learning worked way better than blindly chasing CSE would have. You're making the right call. Enjoy IIT Bombay!

From an academic perspective: older IITs have stronger core engineering curriculum, better labs, and more specialized electives. Newer IITs are still building research ecosystems. If you're considering higher studies (M.Tech or PhD), an older IIT in mechanical/civil is actually a stronger foundation. For jobs, both work, but older IIT brand recognition is tangible.

One thing to factor in: newer IITs like Indore and Guwahati CSE do have strong placement numbers for placements *within tech*, but recruitment is heavily skewed towards core IITs for premium finance and consulting roles. If you ever want to explore management consulting or investments later, older IIT > newer IIT, even in different branches. Just something to consider long-term.

My son faced similar choice with rank 7000 two years back. We went with Metallurgy at IIT Madras because he loved the subject, and he's now placed in a steel company with excellent package. But I also know kids who took unwanted CSE and struggled with motivation. Please talk to your son about what he actually wants to study for 4 years — that's the real differentiator.

Glad you've made a decision! One last piece of advice: in your first year, focus on building strong fundamentals in physics and mechanics. The coding and specialization can come later, but a solid grasp of core concepts will serve you regardless of whether you pivot to tech or stay in engineering. Best of luck!