First of all, let me be clear that this discussion is only for the students who are in 10+2 or those whose results are out and they have a 'choice' i.e. they have enough marks to choose either one of them. From my experience, I can tell you that most students have to settle for a private engineering college in their vicinity because the cut-offs in the government colleges are pretty high (in most cases). It goes without saying, that the competition is tough to get into the few TOP private engineering colleges in any city. Students who want a particular branch, suddenly take admission in another branch because the college is so good. So, starting this discussion to address following questions that arise in the minds of thousands of engineering aspirants every year in India -

1. Which one is better - private or government engineering college?
2. Is the difference in fees too big? Is it worth spending so much?
   
3. What is the placement scenario in private & government engineering colleges?
4. Does the quality of teaching staff aka professors differ in these colleges?
5. Does infrastructure make a difference? Do private colleges have better (newer) facilities?
6. The difference in curriculum and exams conducted - Do they matter?
7. .. and similar such questions.

Firstly, take it from a person who has close friends in both private and government engineering colleges - there's a lot of difference in the two types and each has its Highs and Lows. So, carefully assess your own situation, before you decide.

College Fees -

In Government engineering colleges, the fees are considerably lesser. This is because the government decides the fee charged (and with the reservation quotas in place, different sects of group - female, economically backward and lower castes have big fee waivers). I once compared the fees of a government college with that of an average private college and found the difference to be magnanimous. Govt. college students had to pay negligible amount as yearly fees. With the ratio being 1:10 in some cases.

In contrast to that, private engineering colleges charge a lot higher. It's the college's upper management (Chairman & Trustees) that decide the per year fees. This can range from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 Lakh per year. There are two important quotas here - 1. Management Quota (where they charge higher for students with lower grades seeking to get admission) 2. NRI Quota (children of NRI parents can get admission. Fees are again much higher).

Placement Scenario -

The popular government engineering college across India has had a stellar placement record. With the top offers as well as average offers surpassing several private engineering colleges. However, there are some govt. colleges where no companies visit for campus placements. An example of this is - CS batch of Chandrapur Govt. Engineering College (Batch of 2012). Therefore, it's important for students who are seeking to land a job immediately after graduation, to check the college's placement records for at least last 2 years.

Private engineering colleges are popping up in every nook and corner of the city. Hence, it's difficult to give a common verdict for all. But, several private engineering colleges established 5-10 years back, have put up a lot of efforts in tying up with MNCs and other big companies. So, these companies visit engineering colleges without fail and each of them are seen to recruit as many as 100-150 students in one go. There are several newly established private colleges, where no companies visit and students are left on their own to do the job hunt after graduating.

Teaching Staff -

Government colleges generally have highly qualified professors with post graduate degrees and doctorate being a norm. The Government pays the faculty well and also offers regular pay hikes. The professors are found to be trained in teaching and generally have several years of experience and hence know their subject well. Govt. college students report higher satisfaction levels when it comes to dealing with their lecturers for solving doubts, getting guidance for projects and connecting with alumni.

In private engineering colleges, the faculty may not be as good as government colleges. (Again: This opinion is based on the majority of colleges I've visited.) Private colleges employ B.E. or B.Tech graduates as lecturers and they have little or no teaching experience. Private colleges are also seen to suffer from the problem of shortage of professors and lecturers resigning frequently.

Infrastructure -

Though it is a sorry state, some Government engineering colleges in India really suffer a lot from lack of good facilities in labs, no proper equipment, furniture, electricity etc. These are crucial factors that can hamper in the progress of a curriculum. Some Govt. colleges have maintained their campuses very well, but it is advised that students and parents visit the campus and check these things for themselves before taking admission.

Private Engineering Colleges (Especially the ones established 5-10 years back) seem to have really good infrastructure. In fact, they advertise these facilities in their shiny brochures. Again, in-person investigation of all these facilities is a must.

Curriculum and Examinations -

Depending on whether it's an autonomous institution or not, the syllabus is going to differ. For an autonomous institute, there's freedom to choose the subjects taught and the way exams are conducted. If one feels that, the area in which they are staying has a poor University with lack of regular updates and response to requests, they can choose an autonomous college. However, do keep in mind that when applying to post-graduate studies, the colleges may give bigger importance to the University and the new college aren't well recognized.

So, with that we come to the end of the Highs and Lows for both kind of colleges. I hope you all find it useful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask below. Me and fellow members can help you find answers.