Punjab Engineering College (PEC) is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious
engineering institutes, located in Chandigarh. The college has a rich legacy of
producing exceptional engineers, innovators, and leaders. This review explores the
history, campus, academics, facilities, student life, and placements at PEC,
highlighting why it remains a top choice for engineering aspirants in India.
History and Legacy
Established in 1921 in Lahore, PEC originally started as Mugalpura Engineering
College. After India’s partition in 1947, the institute was relocated to Roorkee
before settling in Chandigarh in 1953. Since then, it has been known as Punjab
Engineering College. Over the years, PEC has earned a reputation for academic
excellence, industry-oriented research, and a commitment to innovation. PEC
became a deemed university in 2003 and reverted to its original name in 2017.
Academic Programs
PEC offers undergraduate (B.Tech), postgraduate (M.Tech), and doctoral (Ph.D.)
programs in a variety of engineering disciplines. The college offers B.Tech
programs in:
- Aerospace Engineering: 40 seats
- Civil Engineering: 90 seats
- Computer Science and Engineering: 120 seats
- Electrical Engineering: 90 seats
- Mechanical Engineering: 120 seats
- Materials and Metallurgical Engineering: 60 Seats.
For postgraduate students, PEC offers M.Tech programs in specialized fields like
structural engineering, environmental engineering, and microelectronics. It also
offers Ph.D. programs catering to advanced research. The curriculum at PEC is
regularly updated to stay in line with technological advancements, blending
theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
Admission Process and Cut-offs
Admissions to the B.Tech program at PEC are based on JEE Main exam scores.
Candidates must meet the cut-off criteria set by the institute, which varies
annually based on the exam results and the number of applicants. For 2023, the
opening and closing ranks for various streams ranged from 1500 to 10000 in the
JEE Main.
Postgraduate admissions are based on GATE scores for M.Tech and universityspecific exams for other programs. For MBA admissions, candidates are selected
through the CAT exam.
Faculty and Teaching
PEC boasts an experienced and highly qualified faculty. The faculty
members are experts in their respective fields, many holding doctoral
degrees from reputed institutions in India and abroad. The current
faculty strength includes over 200 members who bring a wealth of
academic and industry experience to the classroom. The teaching
methodology emphasizes conceptual clarity, research, and practical
applications, which is complemented by regular workshops, guest
lectures, and industry internships.
Research and Innovation
PEC places a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The college
has cutting-edge laboratories and research centers in fields like
aerospace, robotics, and AI. PEC collaborates with renowned
organizations such as ISRO, DRDO, and IITs for research projects.
Students are encouraged to participate in research activities and
national and international competitions.
Campus and Infrastructure
PEC’s campus spans 146 acres, providing an ideal environment for
academic and personal growth. Key facilities include:
- Academic Blocks: Modern classrooms and state-of-the-art
laboratories. - Library: A vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.
- Hostels: Separate accommodations for boys and girls, with Wi-Fi,
recreation rooms, and mess facilities. - Sports Facilities: Grounds for cricket, football, basketball, tennis,
and indoor games. - Innovation Centers: Dedicated spaces for startups and studentdriven projects.
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
- Life at PEC is vibrant, with numerous opportunities for students to
engage in extracurricular activities. The college hosts two major annual
events:
- PECfest: A cultural festival featuring music, dance, and arts.
- Techspardha: A technical festival that showcases innovations and
competitions in various engineering domains.
Additionally, PEC offers technical clubs (robotics, coding), cultural
societies, and social groups, ensuring students can explore their
interests outside academics. The National Service Scheme (NSS)
encourages students to participate in community development.
activities such as environmental awareness programs and blood
donation camps.
Placements and Career Opportunities
PEC has an impressive placement record. Top companies like Google,
Microsoft, Tata Motors, and Infosys recruit from PEC every year. The
average placement package for B.Tech graduates in 2023 was
approximately ₹8-10 lakh per annum, with some top-tier companies
offering salaries upwards of ₹20 lakh. The campus placement process is
well-organized, and students also have access to internships, industry
collaborations, and startup opportunities.
Conclusion
Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, remains one of the most
prestigious engineering institutions in India. Its strong academic
programs, rich campus life, emphasis on research, and excellent
placement records make it a top choice for aspiring engineers. With its
legacy of innovation and excellence, PEC is well-poised to continue
producing some of the brightest minds in the field of engineering.