Clubs, Committees & Campus Life

Why Clubs Matter

Clubs are where college actually happens. Beyond the classroom, beyond the canteen—in committees, you find:

• Skills that classrooms don't teach
• Friends who become lifelong
• Experience that employers value
• Stories worth telling

The Major Committees

Technical Committees

• CSI (Computer Society of India): Tech events, workshops, coding competitions
• IEEE: Technical paper presentations, industrial visits
• ACM: Competitive programming, tech talks
• GDSC (Google Developer Student Clubs): Google technologies, android, web

Cultural Committees

• Cultural Council: Symphony, cultural events coordination
• Fine Arts Circle: Art, design, creative expression
• Music Club: Bands, solo performances, jams
• Dance Club: Choreography, performances, competitions

Literary & Media

• Literary Council: Debates, MUNs, quizzes, writing
• Photography Club: Campus coverage, workshops
• Media Cell: Social media, PR, content creation

Social & Service

• NSS (National Service Scheme): Social work, community service
• Rotaract: Leadership, community projects
• Environment Club: Sustainability, green initiatives

How to Join

The Timeline

• Year 1, Sem 1: Explore, attend events
• Year 1, Sem 2: Apply for core committee
• Year 2: Take leadership roles
• Year 3+: Mentor juniors, advisory roles

The Application Process

1. Application form (online/offline)
2. Group task or personal interview
3. Selection based on skills + enthusiasm
4. Trial period for many committees

What They Look For

• Genuine interest (not just resume building)
• Relevant skills (even basic)
• Willingness to learn
• Reliability and teamwork
• Not being a difficult person

Making Your Time Count

Do's

• Commit to what you join
• Show up consistently
• Take initiative on tasks
• Build genuine relationships
• Document your work

Don'ts

• Don't join 10 committees
• Don't just attend for certificates
• Don't participate in committee politics
• Don't neglect academics completely
• Don't burn bridges

Leadership Positions

Secretary/Head Roles

• When: Usually end of Year 2
• What: Full responsibility for committee
• Why: Ultimate leadership experience

Coordinator Roles

• When: Year 2-3
• What: Managing specific events or domains
• Why: Good balance of responsibility and learning

Core Member Roles

• When: Year 1-2
• What: Active participation, task execution
• Why: Foundation for future leadership

The Politics Reality

Every committee has politics. Here's how to navigate:

• Stay professional, not personal
• Do good work—it speaks louder
• Don't take sides in conflicts
• Build relationships across factions
• Focus on contribution, not credit

Beyond Committees

Informal Groups

• Study groups for competitive exams
• Sports teams (casual and competitive)
• Project teams for competitions
• Friend groups with shared interests

Online Communities

• College subreddits and Discord servers
• LinkedIn groups for alumni
• WhatsApp groups for different purposes
• Instagram pages for memes and updates

The Certificate Economy

Let's be real:

• Certificates matter for resume
• But experience matters more
• Quality > Quantity
• One meaningful role > 10 participation certificates
• Employers ask about experiences, not certificates

Find your tribe in the committee that aligns with your interests. The friends and skills you gain there will outlast any classroom learning.