Vilasrao Deshmukh College of Engineering and Technology (VDCET)

Vilasrao Deshmukh College of Engineering and Technology (VDCET) in Nagpur is a budget-friendly, private engineering college that serves a specific student demographic. Established in 2008, it’s a place where a low MHT-CET score can still secure you a B.Tech seat, and the administration is known for being flexible with attendance. That’s the trade-off. You get an AICTE-approved degree from a university like RTMNU or DBATU without the intense academic pressure of a top-tier institute, but you also get a remote campus and placement stats that require a heavy dose of self-initiative. If you’re looking at VDCET, you’re likely weighing cost and convenience against brand value and campus recruitment strength.

VDCET — Quick Facts

• Location: Mouda, on the Mumbai-Howrah National Highway (NH-6), about 30 km from Nagpur city center.
• Established: 2008
• Affiliation: Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) / Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU).
• Approval: Approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and DTE Maharashtra. Not currently accredited by NAAC or NBA.
• Flagship Programs: B.Tech in Computer Engineering, and the newer Artificial Intelligence & Data Science.
• Annual Tuition (B.Tech): ₹75,000 – ₹85,000.
• Placement Average (2024): 2.5 – 3.5 LPA.

Courses and Academic Programs at VDCET

VDCET offers standard B.Tech programs across six branches, with an intake of about 60 students per branch (except Electronics & Telecommunication, which is 30-60). The college has introduced a B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, aligning with current trends. Academics follow the affiliating university’s semester pattern and the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS).

The faculty is a mix. You’ll find some helpful and approachable professors, particularly in the Mechanical and Civil departments where a few PhD holders are present. But overall, the percentage of PhD faculty is estimated to be modest, around 10-15%. The academic environment is described as supportive rather than fiercely competitive. That’s a decent thing if you need room to prepare for GATE or other exams. The college claims over 10 MoUs with local industries in the Butibori and Mouda MIDC areas, which primarily facilitate industrial visits and some internship opportunities.

VDCET Placements: Packages, Companies & Reality Check

This is where you need to read between the lines. The college’s official placement claim is 80%+, but student reviews across platforms like Shiksha and CollegeDunia paint a different picture. The working number alumni cite is closer to 30-40% for on-campus offers. Many students secure jobs independently through off-campus drives.

The recruitment is dominated by IT services mass recruiters. Top visiting companies include TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, and Tech Mahindra. For core branches like Mechanical and Electrical, a company like Dhoot Transmission is a notable recruiter. Sales roles from firms like Byju’s also feature.

For the 2024 batch, the highest package stood at 7.5 LPA (likely from a tech consultancy), while the average hovered between 2.5 to 3.5 LPA. The median is around 3 LPA. The gap between the official placement claim and what alumni say on Reddit and Quora is notable. A common sentiment is: “Placements are mostly for CS/IT. If you are in Mechanical or Civil, you have to find your own way.” Success here is heavily dependent on your own coding skills, off-campus job hunting, or preparation for government exams.

Fees and Financial Aid at VDCET

The primary draw of VDCET is its affordability. As a private unaided college, its fees are regulated by the state’s Shikshan Shulka Samiti. The annual tuition for B.Tech ranges from ₹75,000 to ₹85,000. Adding hostel and mess fees (₹45,000 – ₹55,000 per annum), the total yearly cost can be around ₹1.2 – ₹1.4 lakhs.

Financial aid is primarily through government scholarships administered via the MAHADBT portal. These include full or partial tuition waivers for SC/ST/OBC/VJNT/SBC categories, a 50% fee waiver for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the open category, and minority scholarships.

Admissions: Eligibility, Cutoffs & Selection Process

Admission to the B.Tech programs is through the Maharashtra state centralized process. They accept MHT-CET scores primarily, and also JEE Main scores. The cutoffs are indicative of the college’s position in the pecking order.

For the 2024 General Category, the cutoff for Computer Engineering was in the 45-60 percentile range in MHT-CET. For the new AI & Data Science branch, it was 40-55 percentile. Branches like Mechanical and Civil Engineering often have seats available at very low percentiles (1-10) or even through spot admission rounds. This means if you have a modest CET score, VDCET is a viable option. About 20% of seats are filled through the Institute Level (management quota). For MBA admissions, the college accepts MAH-MBA-CET, CAT, and CMAT scores.

Campus, Hostels and Student Life

The campus is spread over about 15 acres, which is spacious. But its location is its biggest double-edged sword. It’s on the highway, 30 km from Nagpur Junction, offering a quiet, peaceful environment away from city distractions. The flip side is isolation. Social life outside campus is nearly non-existent, and commuting is a chore unless you use the college’s chargeable bus service from various city points.

Infrastructure is basic and functional. Labs meet curriculum requirements, but don’t expect advanced research equipment. The library has a collection of 15,000+ books and digital access to DELNET and NPTEL. Wi-Fi is available in specific zones. Student reviews often mention that maintenance—especially of washrooms—could be better.

Hostels have separate wings for boys and girls, with basic amenities and shared rooms. The vegetarian mess food is described as average and repetitive, leading many seniors to move to PGs in the city by their third year. Sports facilities include a large playground for cricket and football, plus basic indoor games.

Student Reviews: What VDCET Alumni Really Think

The consensus from CollegeDunia, Shiksha, Quora, and Reddit threads is clear. VDCET is understood for what it is—a budget degree college.

Positives consistently highlighted are affordability, attendance flexibility, and a supportive, low-pressure faculty. One Quora user summed it up: “If you have a low CET score and want a degree without too much pressure on attendance, this is a safe bet.” The environment is considered good for self-study, especially for competitive exams like GATE, MPSC, or UPSC.

The negatives are just as consistent. The remote location is a major drawback. The placement cell’s effectiveness is questioned, with students feeling the need to hustle on their own. Cultural fests and events are smaller in scale compared to colleges in the city. A CollegeDunia review noted, “The hostel food is okay for the first month, then it becomes repetitive.”

Verdict: Is VDCET Worth It?

VDCET is a pragmatic choice for a specific student. It’s worth it if you have a modest MHT-CET score (sub-60 percentile), are seeking an affordable B.Tech degree from an AICTE-approved college, and value a flexible schedule to pursue your own preparation—be it for higher studies, government jobs, or building coding skills independently. You must be prepared to take full ownership of your career placement and tolerate a remote campus life.

It is not the right fit if you are aiming for a college with a strong brand name, a vibrant on-campus recruitment drive with high packages, an active social and cultural scene, or a research-oriented academic environment. For students in core branches like Mechanical or Civil, the placement support will be minimal. In essence, VDCET provides the platform; you have to build the outcome yourself. Always verify the latest fee structure and accreditation status directly on the college’s official website before making a decision.