Information Technology

What is Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is the application of technology to solve organizational and business problems. This field of engineering uses computers, networks, storage, and other technical infrastructure both hardware and software, to deal with and manipulate information/data.

Information Technology (IT) professionals are adept with the latest emerging technologies, arriving at the most optimal (consuming least time and effort) solutions to any technical issues that may arise, small-scale or large.

The responsibilities of an Information Technology department are many; professionals follow a combination of policies and processes to ensure IT systems run effectively and aligned with the organization’s needs, they provide tech support, maintenance, device management and security testing services. 

Eligibility Criteria (UG & PG) of Information Technology

For Undergraduate Courses:

For B.E./B.Tech: Candidates must have passed their 12th Board examination with core subjects Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics from a recognized  board/university. Additionally, Computer Science as a subject in the 12th Board examination is desirable.

For BCA: Candidates must have passed their 12th Board examination in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Maths/Biology) or Commerce stream from a recognized board/university. Again, Computer Science as a Class 12 subject is desirable.

For Post-Graduate Courses: 

III. For M.Tech: Candidates must have completed a B.E./B.Tech degree in a relevant branch from a recognized university/board.

IV. For MCA: Candidates must have completed a BCA or B.Sc degree in Information Technology or Computer Science, with Mathematics as a compulsory subject in Class 12 or at the Graduate level.

V. For B.Sc: Candidates must have passed their 12th Board examination in Science or Commerce stream from a recognized board/university. Computer Science as a subject in Class 12 is desirable.

VI. For M.Sc: Candidates must have acquired a Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years’ duration in a relevant branch from a recognized university/board. Mathematics must have been studied in Class 12 or at the Graduate level.

Entrance Exams for Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) is one of the most sought-after branches of Engineering, with this field being highly in demand and prestigious in the IT industry. 

Students may study this stream belonging to the Computer Science department, by pursuing a B.Tech degree at the UG level, and an M.Tech degree at the PG level. 

Some of the entrance examinations for Information Technology courses conducted throughout the country for admission into B.Tech and M.Tech programmes of study include: 

I. Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)

A highly competitive national-level engineering entrance exam conducted for admissions at the undergraduate level, the JEE is conducted in two phases: JEE Main and JEE Advanced. 

The first phase is open to all aspirants, and questions in this phase test the student’s fundamental concepts in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

Students who clear this round are eligible to sit for the second phase, JEE Advanced, the score of which determines the candidates’ admissions into the top engineering colleges in the country.

II. Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT)

Almost as competitive as the JEE itself, the BITSAT examination is a computer-based test for students aspiring for admission into BITS, one of the best engineering colleges in India. The BITSAT scores determine the students’ eligibility to study Information Technology  in any of the three BITS campuses: Pilani, Hyderabad, and Goa.

III.  West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE)

A state-specific entrance examination, the WBJEE is conducted for admission in all the engineering colleges in West Bengal. 

This examination is highly popular and attempted by more than 200,000 candidates yearly. 

The examination is said to test a student’s speed of solving problems rather than in-depth knowledge.

IV. Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHTCET)

As is evident from the name, this is an entrance examination conducted for admissions into the engineering colleges in the state of Maharashtra. Unlike many of its equivalents, this examination is conducted twice a year.

V. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Examination (KIITEE)

An institute-specific examination, the KIITEE is conducted for admissions into the B.Tech programme of Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha. Admissions are based on the rank a student acquires in this examination.

VI. Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)      

Finally, the most important entrance examination conducted exclusively at the postgraduate level for admissions into the top colleges in the ME/M.Tech programmes is the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. 

A computer-based test, the GATE tests students on their knowledge and understanding of UG-level Engineering and Science subjects.

Required Skillset for Information Technology

In a career field as competitive as the IT sector, there are certain skills which aspirants should strive to be fluent in, to prove themselves an asset to recruiters. 

These skills include both soft and hard skills because while a thorough understanding of software and technology is paramount to success in the IT industry, communication and organizational skills ensure one’s progress up the career ladder. 

Some of the skills that Information Technology professionals must possess are: 

i. Coding: Depending on the kind of work you are interested in, you should have sufficient knowledge of relevant coding languages like HTML, C, C++, Java and SQL. Advanced languages like Amazon Web Services, Python, and TensorFlow. may be required by certain job roles.

ii. Organizational Skills: One of the most important soft skills for any kind of profession, organizational skills must be inculcated for maximum efficiency as an employee. Recruiters see good organizational skills as a sign that you can manage the workload well on schedule.

iii. Analytical Abilities: A typical Information Technology professional’s projects involve working with databases, analyzing data trends, and recommending improvements. Troubleshooting problems is also a major part of the job. All of these require the ability for critical and analytical thinking.

iv.Creativity: Considering how the IT sector is innovation-centred, professionals are expected to have the ability to come up with creative solutions or suggestions for tackling complex problems. Information Technology professionals constantly look for ways to improve their services and products, for which creative and winning ideas are the key factor.

v. Project Management: Working in an Information Technology department, it is typical for professionals to tackle multiple projects at once. Project management skills ensure that you manage workload efficiently and can multitask in a way that helps you meet deadlines and meet requirements.

vi. Resourcefulness: In addition to having resources at your disposal, you must know how to use them as and when required. When time, budget or other elements are out of your control, the right resources can get you out of several tight spots.

vii. Communication: In the workforce, regardless of the field of work, excellent communication skills go a long way in shaping an individual’s career. In the Information Technology industry, work is executed in teams.

These teams also interact with other departments, sometimes directly with clients to ensure a seamless understanding of business requirements and solutions. Communication skills, therefore, are essential to your career.