M.Tech. in Cyber Security 

at SASTRA University, Thanjavur

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.

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.

{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.

The SASTRA University highest package is not available officially. Once the University reveals the salary details it will be updated here. Meanwhile, the course-wise median package offered to the 2023 passing-out batch is mentioned below:

Course	Median Package (2023)
BTech	INR 7.60 LPA
MTech	INR 5.50 LPA
BA LLB/ BCom LLB/ BBA LLB	INR 4.60 LPA

NOTE: The above salary statistics are gathered from the NIRF report 2024.

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.

While Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA) offers a wide range of courses to students, it is most popular for its BTech, MTech, BSc, MSc, MBA, Integrated Law and PhD programmes. These courses are popular since they are available in a variety of subjects and specialisations. Other than the availability of specialisations, these courses are also affordable and flexible, which makes them a good choice for students who want to study at their own pace. Mentioned below are some of the reasons why Sastra University courses are popular:

• Flexibility: Sastra University provides a variety of learning modes, such as regular, online, distance learning, and correspondence. This makes it possible for the students to study from anywhere in the world at their own pace.
• Affordability: Apart from MTech, a majority of Sastra University courses are very affordable, making it possible for students from all backgrounds to pursue them.

Other than these factors, the reputation of the university, its strong faculty and state-of-the-art facilities makes it a popular choice among students. 

The placement rate for BTech and BA LLB/ BCom LLB/ BBA LLB courses has improved over the past three years (2021 to 2023). On the other contrary, the percentage of MTech students placed has declined year-on-year. The following table depicts the SASTRA placement rate trends for Law and Engineering courses:

Course	Placement Rate (2021)	Placement Rate (2022)	Placement Rate (2023)
BTech	87%	88%	90%
MTech	53%	60%	64%
BA LLB/ BCom LLB/ BBA LLB	85%	81%	77%

NOTE: The above percentage is calculated from the data given in the NIRF report 2024.

SASTRA University application process was conducted in both online and offline modes up until 2021. However, starting 2022, the process has shifted completely to online mode. Aspirants seeking admission can visit the official website of the deemed university, apply online, submit all the required documents and pay the application fee. Further, they have to go through the selection rounds and counselling process and then confirm their seat on payment of the admission tuition fee. Candidates can follow the below steps to download the application manual available on the official website for admission 2023. A step-by-step process is as follows:

Step 1: Visit Sastra University official website.

Step 2: Under the Admission 2023-24 section, click on 'Online Applications 2023'.

Step 3: Under the bottom left corner in the 'Application Guide' section, click on 'Application manual'. A PDF with the step-by step process of application will open up. Candidates willing to download this can click on the 'Down' arrow icon on the top right corner ofthe web page to download the same. 

The table given below depicts the course-wise total strength and the number of students placed over the past three years of SASTRA University placements:

Course	Placement Statistics (2021)	Placement Statistics (2022)	Placement Statistics (2023)
BTech	- Total students: 1,730 - Students placed: 1,504	- Total students: 1,751 - Students placed: 1,548	- Total students: 1,806 - Students placed: 1,617
MTech	- Total students: 94 - Students placed: 50	- Total students: 84 - Students placed: 50	- Total students: 124 - Students placed: 79
BA LLB/ BCom LLB/ BBA LLB	- Total students: 132 - Students placed: 112	- Total students: 132 - Students placed: 107	- Total students: 175 - Students placed: 135

NOTE: The above details are fetched from the NIRF report 2024.

Sastra University offers a number of hostels for boys and girls. The total annual hostel rent ranges from INR 14,000 - INR 28,000. However, students will be provided accommodation facility depending upon the availability. The university hostel charges include multiple components, such as type of accommodation, mess charges, registration charges, caution money, etc.