B.Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) 

at SASTRA University, Thanjavur

As per the official website, 2265 seats are available across all 32 BTech specialisations. These specialisations include Aerospace Engineering, CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence and Electronics & Instrumentation Engineering, among others. Other than these courses, SASTRA University also offers two specialisations under 5-year integrated M.Tech programme, namely Biotechnology and Medical Nanotechnology. Admission to BTech is possible at SASTRA Deemed University via two methods:

1. 50% of the seats are filled based on JEE Main scores and normalised marks of Class 12. JEE Main scores and Class 12 scores are given equal weightage. 
2. Only Class 12 scores are required for admission to 50% of the remaining seats.

The total BTech fee at SASTRA University for the entire course ranges between INR 50,000 and INR 7.7 Lakh. The exact amount varies across the BTech branches/specialisations. Additionally, candidates have to pay a one-time fee of INR 17,000 at the time of admission. This fee includes various components like development fee, charges for ID card, marks verfication, sports, etc. Candidates must note that this fee is sourced from the official website of the institute/sanctioning body. It is still subject to change and hence, is indicative.

Based on the information you've provided, your JEE Mains percentile of 79 is decent and could be a competitive score for admission to Sastra University, Thanjavur. However, your class 12 percentage of 66% might be slightly below the usual cutoff for some courses at the university. To increase your chances of admission, I recommend checking Sastra University's official website or contacting their admission department for the specific cutoff scores and eligibility criteria for the course you are interested in.

Sastra University is known for its competitive admission process, and the cutoff marks can vary each year. It's essential to have a clear understanding of the admission requirements and eligibility criteria to make an informed decision.

In case your JEE Mains percentile meets or exceeds the cutoff set by Sastra University for your desired course, you stand a good chance of getting admission. However, if the cutoff is higher, you may consider other options or explore different courses that align with your JEE Mains score and class 12 percentage.

Remember, admissions to universities can be competitive, and it's always a good idea to have backup options. There are many other reputable institutions that offer quality education in engineering and other fields. Research thoroughly, consider all available choices, and apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of getting accepted.

I wish you the best of luck with your admission process, and I hope you find the right university and course that aligns with your academic goals and aspirations!"

As per the data collated from various unofficial sources and NIRF report 2023, the total tuition fee of INR 6 Lacs for its complete BTech course gives students the opportunity to get a median salary of INR 7.5 LPA. Hence, with respect to ROI, it can be considered a decent option. Additionally, for Engineering courses, the deemed university comes under the top 50 institutes in India (by NIRF, Ministry of Education, which makes again makes it a decent option among students. NIRF ranking for SASTRA for the Engineering category has dropped over the past three years. Ranking trends for BTech at SASTRA Seemed-to-be University are as follows:

Ranking Body	2021	2022	2023
NIRF	34	41	34

At the undergraduate level, this deemed University offers BTech across 30 specialisations along with Integrated MTech across two specialisations. Spread over four years and eight semesters, admission to BTech is possible at SASTRA Deemed University via two methods:

Stream 1: JEE Mains + Class 12 marks (50% weightage given to each), for admission to 50% of the total seats

Stream 2: Class 12 marks (100% weightage), for admission to the remaining 50%

The following qualifications must be met by the students to secure admission to BTech at Sastra:

• Candidates must have obtained 60% aggregate in their Class 12 with Physics, Maths, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Computer Science, and Biology from a recognised board.
• Taken JEE Main exam

Candidate should have passed Class 12 with Maths Physics and Chemistry/ Bio-Technology/ Computer Science/ Biology as their subjects from any recognised Board with a minimum aggregate of 60%. The total course fee for the BTech course ranges between INR 4.7 lakhs to INR 7.7 lakhs. SASTRA University offers BTech across 23 specialisations along with integrated MTech across two specialisations. Spread over four years and eight semesters, admission to all these courses is subject to JEE Main scores for 70% of the seats and is subject to Class 12 scores for the remaining 30% of the seats.

There is no such provision for getting direct admission in any courses at SASTRA University. SASTRA University admission is both a merit and entrance exam based on the course for which the candidate has applied. Given below are the eligibility and selection criteria for some of the most opted courses at SASTRA University.

Course Name	Eligibility & Selection Criteria
BTech	Eligibility: A pass in Class 12 with Maths & Physics as compulsory subjects with Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Computer Science/ Biology with 60% aggregate + Age should be less than 19 Selection: JEE Main + Class 12 scores
BCA	Eligibility: A pass in Class 12 with Mathematics/ Statistics as a subject Selection: Merit in Class 12
Integrated MTech	Eligibility: A pass in Class 12 with Maths & Physics as compulsory subjects with Chemistry/ Biotechnology/ Computer Science/ Biology with 60% aggregate Selection: JEE Main + Class 12 scores
BOptom	Eligibility: A pass in Class 12 in a single sitting with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology from a recognised board with at least 60% aggregate + Age should be less than 20 Selection: NEET + Class 12 scores
BA LLB (Hons)	Eligibility: A pass in Class 12 from a recognised board in the first attempt with at least 50% aggregate with English as a subject Selection: CLAT + Class 12 scores
BBA LB (Hons)	Eligibility: A pass in Class 12 from a recognised board in the first attempt with at least 50% aggregate with English as a subject Selection: CLAT + Class 12 scores
BCom LLB (Hons)	Eligibility: A pass in Class 12 from a recognised board in the first attempt with at least 50% aggregate with English as a subject Selection: CLAT + Class 12 scores
MTech	Eligibility: A pass in relevant BE/ BTech Selection: GATE (preferred, not compulsory)
MBA	Eligibility: A pass in any UG degree Selection: CAT / XAT / AIMAT / CMAT / AIMCAT + Merit scores in UG
PhD	Eligibility: A pass in any PG degree with a 55% aggregate Selection: UGC-NET/ UGC CSIR-NET/ GATE/ UPSC

Selected candidates can register further for the counselling process after submitting the counselling fees; during this round, candidates will be required to report to the admission cell at SASTRA University for document verification and other admission formalities along with fee payment.

Admission to all the BTech courses is subject to JEE Main scores and Class 12 scores(given equal weightage) for 50% of the seats and is subject to Class 12 scores for the remaining 50% of the seats. However, as per the official website, there is no fixed or specific cutoff to get a seat here. It depends on the students who score the highest marks. If a student has appeared for JEE Main then they need to apply under stream 1 of admission. Additionally, as per the data available on the internet, if a student has a score of 90-95% in Class 12 and 50-120 in JEE Main, there is a high possibility of getting admission.

SASTRA University usually concludes the application for most of its courses between April and August. Candidates seeking admission at SASTRA University must complete their application process within the given time frame. Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria for the programme they have applied for will be shortlisted for further admission rounds followed by document verification and fee payment leading to final seat allotment.

{Source: M.E./M.Tech students & alumni}

Based on the reviews and feedback from current students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:

Infrastructure and Facilities:
* Well-maintained infrastructure, with good labs and library facilities
* Availability of Wi-Fi throughout the campus
* Clean and green surroundings
* Decent hostel facilities, though some complain about poor food and limited space

Teaching Quality:
* Faculty members are experienced and knowledgeable in their fields
* Encouragement towards practical learning and research
* Good balance between theoretical and practical education

Placements and Internship:
* High placement rates, with several students getting offers from reputed companies
* Core-based jobs are relatively fewer, with most being IT-related
* Average salary packages range from INR4-INR5 Lacs per annum
* Fewer internships available compared to other universities

Criticisms and Suggestions:
* Some students report poor food options in the hostel and canteen
* Limited social events and festivals organized by the college
* Some faculty members may not be up-to-date with the latest developments in their fields

Overall, M.E./M.Tech at SASTRA University seems to be a good choice for those interested in pursuing a career in engineering. While there are some areas for improvement, the university's strong faculty, good infrastructure, and decent placement record make it a viable option.