Branch vs. College: Which Matters More?

This depends on your career goals:

If You Want IT/Software Jobs
Prioritize CSE/IT/ECE even in a lower-ranked college.

Example: NIT Meghalaya CSE > NIT Trichy Mechanical if you aim for coding jobs.

If You Want Core Engineering (Mechanical, Civil, etc.)
College reputation matters more because core jobs are limited outside top institutes.

Example: IIT/NIT Mechanical > Private College CSE if you want to work in core sectors.

If You Plan for Higher Studies (MBA/MS)
College brand (IIT/NIT) helps in applications for foreign universities or IIMs.