Student Testimonials: Why UVCE is Still the Top Choice for CET Toppers

Every year, when the CET results are announced, a recurring question echoes among students and parents: "Is UVCE a good choice?" In an era of gleaming private university campuses with air-conditioned classrooms and manicured lawns, what draws the state's toppers to this historic stone building at K.R. Circle? The answer lies not in the infrastructure, but in the intangible "UVCEian Spirit" and the stories of those who walked these corridors, students who transformed from "hesitant freshers" into national leaders and innovators.

As we celebrate milestones like the Silver Jubilee of IEEE UVCE, we look back at the testimonials that define this institution. It is a place where students don't just learn engineering; they learn to run organizations, build satellites, and lead global companies. Here is why UVCE remains the undisputed launchpad for success.

1. The "Startup" Experience on Campus

One of the most compelling reasons toppers choose UVCE is the unparalleled freedom and responsibility given to students. Unlike many colleges where students are mere participants in events organized by faculty, at UVCE, the students are the organizers, the managers, the treasurers, and the creators.

Vidhya K Pai (2015 Batch), now a Senior ML Engineer at SAP Labs, describes her time as the Chairperson of a student body as a transformative experience that no classroom could replicate.

This sentiment is echoed by many alumni. In a corporate world that values ownership and initiative, UVCE graduates have a head start. They have already managed budgets, resolved conflicts, and led teams before they even sit for their first job interview.

2. Thriving in Ambiguity: The "Unpaved Road"

A unique characteristic of UVCE is that it does not "spoon-feed" its students. While some may view this as a challenge, alumni see it as the institution's greatest strength. It forces students to be resourceful, independent, and resilient.

Arun Makkath (2004 Batch), now a Group Head of Technology at Grab, emphasizes that the real world has no paved roads. He notes that the exposure at UVCE taught him to "deal with ambiguity and adversity." In the volatile tech industry, where technologies change every six months, the ability to navigate uncertainty is more valuable than any textbook definition. UVCE teaches you to figure things out—a skill that makes its graduates incredibly valuable to employers and investors.

3. A Network That Shapes Careers

The phrase "Once a UVCEian, always a UVCEian" is more than a slogan; it is a professional lifeline. The alumni network acts as a bridge, connecting current students with industry giants.

Jithin Joseph (2014 Batch), now an Apprentice Leader at Mu Sigma, describes the student community as the "anchors" of his college life. He recalls how seniors seemed to be "running half the college ecosystem," pushing him to explore fields like big data and analytics long before they were mainstream. Similarly, Suhas Chethan (2018 Batch), currently at Analog Devices, realized the true value of this network after graduation. Meeting people across different states and professional circles gave him a diverse support system that continues to guide his career path today.

4. Global Impact: From K.R. Circle to Silicon Valley

If you need proof of why UVCE remains a top choice, look no further than the recent headlines. Three Kannadigas have recently emerged at the helm of global AI—and among them is a UVCE alumnus.

5. Technical Rigor & Research Opportunities

UVCE is not just about placements; it is about deep technical inquiry. Krishna S from Google DeepMind recalls that student organizations offered "what the curriculum was missing." It wasn't just about events; it was about engaging in research during "pre-AI" days, working with PhD students, and learning to brainstorm and strategize.

This culture of research thrives today. Just recently, Rohit Pawar, a current 7th-semester ECE student, presented a research paper on "Securing Long Range Communication Using E-91 Quantum Key Distribution" at the ICUMT 2025 conference in Florence, Italy. With the financial and moral support of the UVCE Graduates Association (UVCEGA), students are traveling the world to showcase their innovations.

6. Transformation: From Rural Roots to Global Leaders

For many, UVCE is a place of personal transformation. Rama Murali admits he came from a rural, non-English speaking environment and was initially reserved. He felt "alien" to the city campus culture. However, it was the inclusive environment of the student clubs and the mentorship of faculty like Dr. P. Deepa Shenoy that helped him overcome his hesitancy.

Conclusion: The Legacy Continues

As UVCE steps into a new era with the construction of a ₹85 crore academic block and the launch of the BRIDGE (Building Research & Innovation, Driving Growth & Entrepreneurship) initiative, the infrastructure is finally catching up with the talent. Yet, the core reason UVCE remains a top choice for CET toppers hasn't changed.

It is the spirit of "selfless action", the peer learning, and the unique environment where a student can walk in as a "hesitant fresher" and walk out ready to lead the world's biggest tech companies. UVCE doesn't just teach you engineering; it teaches you how to be an engineer.