At the outset, I, Prof. Manoj R. Mishra, Head of Training & Placements, Koti Vidya Charitable Trust’s Alamuri Ratnamala Institute of Engineering & Technology, Shahapur, Thane, Maharashtra, would like to share an overview of our Training and Placement Cell.
The Training and Placement Cell is an integral part of our institution. Placement activities are conducted throughout the year with the objective of preparing students to participate in campus recruitment with confidence.

• First-year students are encouraged to participate in competitions such as debates, group discussions, PowerPoint presentations, and essay writing to build confidence and enhance reading, writing, and communication skills.

• Second-year students undergo training in basic language skills through the well-equipped Language Laboratories of our institute.

• Third-year students receive intensive training in communication skills, aptitude tests, and overall personality development to prepare them for campus recruitment. These sessions also provide practical tips on cracking aptitude tests, excelling in group discussions, facing interviews effectively, and preparing professional resumes.

In addition, the Cell organizes guest lectures to inform students about diverse career opportunities in areas such as the Public Sector, Armed Forces, and Government Services.
It is a matter of pride that reputed industries across the country visit our campus regularly for recruitment. Most companies allow students with a minimum of 60% aggregate in Engineering to participate in their selection process. A majority of students with first-class scores and strong communication skills secure job offers from reputed companies even before the completion of their degree.
To ensure equal opportunities for all, our institute follows the policy of “One Student – One Offer”: once a student is placed in a company, he/she is not permitted to appear for subsequent recruitment drives.

TRAINING AND PLACEMENT CELL – OVERVIEW

The Training and Placement Cell is an integral part of our institution. Placement activities are conducted throughout the year with the objective of preparing prospective learners for campus selection programs.
It is a matter of pride that reputed industries from across the country regularly visit our college for recruitment. The Cell also maintains strong industry linkages and rapport to ensure effective recruitment opportunities for students.
To enhance the employability quotient as demanded by the industry, the Training and Placement Cell provides essential training to students, helping them sharpen their skills. These programs focus on aptitude building, group discussion techniques, interview skills, and resume preparation.
In addition, the Cell organizes guest lectures to educate students about diverse career opportunities in the Public Sector, Armed Forces, and Government Services, thereby broadening their horizons beyond the private sector.

Key policy areas

Mandatory training and skill development

• Aptitude and soft skills: 
                   Many colleges require or strongly encourage students to attend training programs that improve their verbal, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, which are frequently tested by recruiters.
• Technical expertise:
                   Students are expected to have a solid foundation in their core subjects. Policies often stress the importance of ongoing skill development in line with evolving industry needs, particularly in coding and the latest technologies.
• Resume building: 
                     Training cells assist students in creating Applicant Tracking System (ATS)-compliant resumes that highlight their skills, academic achievements, and projects to increase their chances of being shortlisted. 

Mandatory internships     

• AICTE compliance: 
                  As per regulations from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), internships are mandatory for graduation. The duration is typically 4 to 6 weeks per semester, with a total duration of 600 to 700 hours for a B.Tech degree.
• Evaluation: 
                  The internship experience is formally evaluated and becomes part of the final academic assessment.
• Internship arrangements: 
                   While the Training & Placement (T&P) cell may provide opportunities, students are often encouraged to find their own internships. Any offers, including Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs), must be routed through and approved by the T&P cell. 

Placement process and eligibility

• Registration: 
                      To participate in campus placements, students must register with the T&P office and agree to abide by the college’s policies.
• Eligibility criteria: 
           Companies set minimum academic performance requirements (e.g., minimum CGPA) for candidates.
• Offer limits: 
                     Colleges often have a “one student, one job offer” policy to maximize opportunities for all students, especially when mass recruiters are involved. However, some institutions make exceptions for “dream” or “super dream” companies, allowing students to hold multiple offers under specific conditions.
• Higher studies: 
                     Policies often require students to declare their intentions regarding higher education. Some institutions may restrict access to placements for students focused solely on further studies, while others still encourage participation. 

Student responsibilities and code of conduct           
       Discipline and etiquette: 
                    Students must maintain professional decorum during all interactions with company representatives.

• Attendance and commitment: 
                       Students who register for a company’s selection process are generally required to attend all rounds. Absences without a valid reason or dropping out mid-process can lead to disqualification from future placement drives.
• Dress code: 
                       A formal dress code is mandatory for all recruitment-related events, including presentations, tests, and interviews.
• No direct contact: 
                      All communication between students and companies must be routed through the T&P cell to ensure transparency and fairness.         

Recruitment and post-placement procedures

• Communication with companies: 
                  The T&P cell facilitates all communication with companies, including sending invitations, coordinating visits, and collecting feedback.
•   Offer letters and acceptance: 
                  All job offers are processed through the T&P office. Students are typically required to confirm their acceptance within a stipulated timeframe.
•   Handling withdrawals: 
                    If  a student decides to withdraw an acceptance, they must formally inform the T&P office, which then communicates with the company. 

Policy for special cases
          Entrepreneurship:
                         Students who wish to pursue their own ventures can voluntarily opt out of the placement process, often in coordination with the college’s incubation or entrepreneurship cell.
            Higher package offers: 
                           As seen in some policies, if a student secures an offer from a “dream” or “core” company after already accepting a lower-tier offer, the first offer is cancelled.