NITC ECE vs MNIT ECE vs MNNIT ECE

I put NIT Calicut foremost in the JOSSAA order and the opinions about the college were really good up until last year. I am interested in core ECE and higher studies so academic rigour and opportunities matter more than placements for me.

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What has led to the degradation in placements and reputation of Calicut? Am I in the wrong if I go forward with NITC?