24.5k CRL in JEE Mains: Is IIIT Sri City CSE the real deal or just good PR?

Hey everyone,

I managed to get a 24,500 CRL in JEE Mains this year. Based on my research and previous years' cutoffs, I’m likely getting CSE at IIIT Sri City.

Before I lock this in, I want to get the unfiltered truth from students currently studying there or recent grads. I’ve seen the placement brochures, but we all know how stats can be "optimized."

A few specific things I’m curious about:

• Placement Reality: The stats look great on paper, but what’s the ground reality? Is the median actually what they claim, or is it heavily carried by 2-3 massive international offers? Also, is there any "padding" going on with the data?
• The "Coding Culture": Everyone says the coding culture is elite. What does that actually mean day-to-day? Is it mostly Competitive Programming (CP), or is there a lot of Open Source/Dev work happening too?
• Campus & Location: I’ve heard the campus isn’t exactly a resort and it’s a bit isolated. How much does the location affect your social life and internship opportunities?
• Clubs & Beyond: Are there active non-technical clubs (music, sports, dance), or is the environment strictly 24/7 terminal screens?
• The Comparison: I’m also looking at IIIT Pune (CSE/ECE) and a few other mid-tier IIITs. For someone who wants a balance between a good curriculum and a decent college life, would you still pick Sri City over Pune?

If there’s anything else I should know before committing—like mess food, strictness, or hidden costs—please let me know.

Thanks in advance!