Integrated M.Sc. in Biotechnology 

at SOA University, Bhubaneswar

To secure admission at Siksha O Anusandhan University, candidates must initially qualify the entrance exam relevant to their chosen courses. Following this, they are required to complete the application process, which includes submitting the application form, paying the requisite fee, and providing the necessary documents. Admission is not direct and is based on performance in the entrance exam and fulfillment of application requirements.

SOA is one of the top private universities in Bhubaneswar, India. It is allotted a band rank of 1201-1400 by the QS World University Rankings 2025. The NIRF 2022 ranked SOA University in 16th position. SOA University has been continuously ranked among the top 20 Universities in India by NIRF. SOA is approved by the UGC and accredited by NAAC, ABET, and NBA. It is also recognised by the Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (SIRO). The SOA University's placement drive for the batch graduating in 2022 has been successfully completed. According to the most recent data, INR 42 LPA was the highest salary package provided during the 2022 placement drive. Students from SOA University's numerous programmes, including B.Tech, MBA, MCA and BDS among others, received favourable offers from reputable businesses during the placement drive for 2022.

The total tuition fee for the BTech programme at SOA University ranges between INR 5.1 Lakhs - INR 11 lakhs. This range of fees does not include the cost of the mess or the hostel fee. There is a range in the fee structure because the fee for each specialisation can be slightly different from the other. The BTech programme at SOA University is also provided as a three-year lateral entry programme and in this case, the candidates will not have to pay for the first year of the prgramme. The fee mentioned here is taken from unofficial sources and can be indicative.

{Source: BCA students & alumni}

Based on the reviews and feedback from students and alumni, here's what we found:

* Infrastructure: The university has good infrastructure, with modern classrooms, labs, and hostels. The campus is well-maintained, with amenities like Wi-Fi, libraries, and recreational spaces.
* Facilities: The faculty is supportive and knowledgeable, with a good teacher-student ratio. The course curriculum is relevant and industry-focused, preparing students for real-world applications.
* Internship and Placement Opportunities: Many multinational companies visit the campus, offering competitive salaries (average package ranging from INR3-INR6 lakhs). About 75-100% of students get placed, with some receiving job offers even before graduation.
* Scholarships: The university provides scholarships to meritorious students, covering up to INR20,000 per annum.
* Overall Experience: Students describe the campus life as enjoyable, with frequent cultural events, festivals, and sports activities. The hostel facilities are generally good, although some students mentioned improvements needed in food quality.

While individual experiences may vary, overall, SOA University appears to offer a good educational foundation, infrastructure, and career prospects for its BCA graduates.

Here are some key points to consider:

* Strong industry connections and partnerships
* Relevant course curriculum and practical exposure
* Good placement records and scholarship opportunities
* Well-maintained infrastructure and amenities
* Friendly and cooperative faculty and peers

However, as with any institution, there may be areas for improvement, such as:

* Food quality in the hostel mess
* Limited medical facilities on campus
* Some students reported issues with ragging

Ultimately, the decision to join SOA University for BCA depends on individual preferences and priorities. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons, considering factors like academic reputation, career prospects, and personal fit, before making an informed choice.

{Source: M.Sc. students & alumni}

M.Sc. at SOA University - Is it a good choice?

Based on student reviews and feedback, here's what you can expect:

Pros:
* Well-maintained infrastructure, including classrooms, libraries, and labs
* Qualified and knowledgeable faculty members who are approachable and willing to help
* Opportunities for research and industry interactions
* Exposure to various events, fests, and extracurricular activities

Cons:
* Limited placements (around 9 out of 58 students) with lower packages (average salary package is around INR4-5 LPA)
* No internships provided by the college
* Small number of companies visiting the campus for placements (mainly IT and pharma companies)

Recommendation: If you're considering SOA University's M.Sc. program, weigh the pros and cons carefully. While the university has strong infrastructure and faculty, the placement record is a concern. You may want to explore other options with better placement records or consider alternative career paths. Additionally, networking and building connections within the industry could increase your chances of securing a job after graduating.

Student Insights:
"I'm satisfied with my decision to join SOA University. Although the placements aren't ideal, the faculty is excellent, and I've learned a lot." - Student Reviewer
"The college needs to improve its placement scenario. Despite having good infrastructure, it's crucial to provide better job opportunities to students." - Alumni Feedback
"Research opportunities are abundant at SOA University. Faculty members are always willing to guide us, and we've received mentorship from experts in the field." - Current Student

{Source: BBA students & alumni}

Here's what current students and alumni have to say:

Infrastructure and Facilities:

* Decent facilities (library, Wi-Fi)
* Good infrastructure (classrooms, hostels)
* Average hostel facilities and food

Placements:

* Almost 100% of students get placed
* the highest salary package offered: INR5 LPA
* Average salary package offered: INR4 LPA
* Top recruiting companies: Wipro, TCS, Byjus
* Some students reported difficulty finding suitable jobs
* Placement process could improve

Teaching and Curriculum:

* Well-qualified and helpful faculty members
* Relevant course curriculum
* Not too challenging semester exams
* Some faculty members might be narrow-minded

Campus Life:

* Good infrastructure and facilities
* Friendly atmosphere
* Limited events and fests
* Some issues with hostel conditions and food

Career Prospects:

* About 75% of students report getting internships
* Top roles offered: marketing, finance, IT, human resources
* Some students choose to pursue further education (MBA)

Overall, while some areas may require improvement, SOA University seems to offer a solid foundation for a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. The university provides good infrastructure, decent facilities, and relatively strong placement records. However, individual experiences may vary, and some students might face challenges in securing suitable employment or navigating certain aspects of campus life.

Based on these reviews, potential students should carefully consider factors like curriculum relevance, faculty expertise, placement prospects, and campus life before making an informed decision about enrolling in SOA University's BBA program.

{Source: B.Sc. students & alumni}

Effectiveness of the Placement Cell for B.Sc. Programs at SOA University

Based on student reviews and feedback, here's what stands out:

* Placement opportunities: Optimal Placement Opportunities exist, and top companies like Federal Bank visit the campus for recruitment.
* Dedicated Placement Cell: The university has a dedicated Placement Cell that is available for students who want to secure jobs after graduation.
* Good placement record: Above 30% of students from the B.Sc. programme get placed, while others opt for higher studies.
* Government internships: The university offers government internships, such as the KUS Program, to its students.
* Seed companies recruit students: Seed companies hire students from the college with satisfactory salaries.

In summary, the placement cell at SOA University appears to be effective in providing students with various placement opportunities, internships, and training to help them secure jobs after graduation.

Lakshya Institute of Technology and SOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan both are renowned universities for B.Sc. However, in terms of affordability, Lakshya Institute of Technology is a better option since the total tuition fee for Lakshya Institute of Technology is INR 105,000 and the total tuition fee for B.Sc. at SOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan is INR 500,000 - INR 4,675,000. In the total fees that students generally end up paying the university or the college, various other components are also included, such as the exam fee, application fee, lab and other charges.

Sri University and SOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan both are renowned universities for B.Sc. However, in terms of affordability, Sri University is a better option since the total tuition fee for Sri University is INR 180,000 - INR 1,280,000 and the total tuition fee for B.Sc. at SOA University - Siksha 'O' Anusandhan is INR 500,000 - INR 4,675,000. In the total fees that students generally end up paying the university or the college, various other components are also included, such as the exam fee, application fee, lab and other charges.