EAA

Due to the fact that a significant amount of students would love to lock themselves in the room & not interact with anyone, the college brought about this system of EAA.

There are a wider variety of options though, from cultural to physical, so you still have some choice on what you wanna do. Typically, an EAA will involve 1-2 classes a week, consisting of anywhere between 2-4 hours of work/study. This varies by what option you choose

It's also a 1 credit course, so your grades can be affected by (usually) poor performance. There will be 4 EAA courses (1 for each of the first 4 sems / 2 years), and in case you fail any of them, you will have the option of repeating the course in your 5th Semester. I don't recommend this at all though, since it can affect your internship/placements-related works.

You might not get a mail when your EAA starts, so please to check with your friends too.

How do you choose?

After finishing your ERP registration (See ERP page) & college admission work, you will be granted access to the full ERP system. For exercising your options, please follow this pathway in ERP : Academic Section -> Students Menu -> Exercise EAA choices.

This will likely have to be done by the 1st week of college (you will receive a mail about this), so please don't miss this.

Once there, you will be required to rank your preferences from the 5 available choices (see Choices below), and for certain choices, you might also have to rank them internally (Example - Sports in NSO choice).

I would recommend researching with seniors about the grading and the intensity of each of the options, before choosing, since it changes from year to year.

Please rank your choices carefully, since there are limited seats for many of the options, and you might be given your 2nd or 3rd choice. If you explicitly don't want a certain activity, rank it last (Friends of mine who didn't do this sufferred by getting that option).

[For highly competitive choices, you might also be requested to provide some resource (certificate, video, etc) showing your interest in that field]

What if I wanna change?

Technically possible, bureaucratically impossible. This can be done, but unless you know people, and have the support of people in each of the options, it will take a long time, and might not happen. Which is why we recommend you rank your choices well. But even then, if you want to change, this is what you can do :

Mail the president of TSG (Gymkhana). If you know people who know them, you are far more likely to get a reply.
In case you're rejected, you'll have to make your case in-person.
Having the support of people in the EAA you want to change to will be invaluable
Changing from NCC is usually a problem as there's a minimum quota you will need (i.e. you have to find someone who will take your place).

Changing at the end of your 1st year is usually the easiest option. Changing b/w sems is possible but not recommended, and changing mid-sem is extremely hard.

Your Choices/Options

All the pointers are based on their personal experience, and it can change from person to person. Check with multiple seniors before confirming.

Given that most people talk about negatives more than positives, most of these pointers lean slightly negative. Plus people just don't like mandatory extracurriculars.

NSO - Health & Fitness (HnF)

What we received in mail :

As the saying goes, "fitness is not about being better than someone else. It's about being better than you used to be". With this mantra at its core, NSO (Health & Fitness) offers you a unique opportunity to focus on your physical and mental well-being during the first two years of your stay at IIT Kharagpur. Under the close guidance of dynamic and enthusiastic program officers, you will learn about the inner workings of your body, nutrition, injury care, lifestyle diseases, yoga, and meditation. Regular exercise at NSO (Health & Fitness) keeps your body fit and mind focused.

Some pointers from my personal experience :

Classes will be twice a week (likely Wed & Sat), at 6AM-7AM sharp.
Your entire marks is dependent on your attendance, and thus it's extremely strict (Coming later than 6 means half attendance if before 6:15, and any later no attendance).
Grading : <2 Absents - Ex, <5 Absents - A, and so on.
We only had to do basic warm-up exercises and play some games in winter, or walk around in summer/monsoon.
The intensity of your classes depends on your prof too, and we had a pretty chill prof (20 mins of warmup & stuff), while others had an extremely strict prof (full class exercise).
If you can manage to wake early, this is the easiest EAA in my opinion. If you can't, it's hell, and I'll never recommend this.

NSS - Service

What we received in mail:

The National Service Scheme (NSS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. It aims to provide opportunities to the student youth to take part in various government-led community service activities and programs. It also provides hands-on experience to young students in delivering community service. NSS, IIT Kharagpur has 16 units working in 16 underdeveloped regions surrounding our campus. Besides the development of character qualities like leadership, ability to work in a team, communication skills, etc, the work gives an opportunity to interact with community leaders and also to ideate, innovate and implement. An NSS volunteer would have the exposure and experience to be an accomplished social leader, an efficient administrator, and a person who understands human nature.

Pointers from a friend

Classes once a week - usually Saturday 9am to 12pm
One your first day, you will meet your unit professor and be alloted a group within your unit. This can be agriculture, teaching or awareness. Meet your group members (there will be seniors as well as freshers).
Marks depend on attendance and engagement in classes. If you genuinely work and attend almost all classes - its an easy EX.
In case you can't make it to class someday, inform the professor beforehand.
Depending on your unit and professor, your work can be within campus, or outside campus in villages, schools, ashrams, etc.

NCC - Cadet Corps

What we received in mail:

The NCC aims at developing character, comradeship, discipline, a secular outlook, the spirit of adventure, and ideals of selfless service amongst young citizens. Further, it aims at creating a pool of organized, trained, and motivated youth with leadership qualities from all walks of life, who will serve the Nation regardless of which career they choose. NCC at IIT Kharagpur has I Bengal EME Coy. Army Wing and Tech Air Force Wing. The Cadets are given basic military training in small arms and parades. The cadets have no liability for active military service once they complete their course but are given preference over normal candidates during selections based on their achievements in the corps. [100 Seats in Air Wing, 100 seats in EME]

Pointers from an EME Cadet friend :

I’ve received an 'Ex' grade both semesters, primarily because I participated enthusiastically, and the instructors noticed. While I can’t comment on the exact mark distribution, it's clear that attendance and the end-semester test are the most important criteria. That said, your overall interest, discipline, and participation in NCC events can significantly boost your grade — sometimes even enough to earn you an 'Ex' despite slightly lower marks.
Attendance is absolutely mandatory. No excuses are entertained — unless it's something very serious, like hospitalization.
Discipline plays a huge role. You earn marks not just by showing up, but by showing up prepared: Clean-shaven face, Trimmed hair (for boys), tied hair (for girls), Properly maintained and ironed uniform, Polished shoes, All required accessories (belt, lanyard, name tag, etc.)
If any of these are missing, you will be punished — more leniently in your first year, but more strictly in your second.
The usual timings are Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, but on special occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, or NCC Day, you may be called in at different times — and your presence is mandatory.

The Cadet's opinion for whether you should take this :

Choosing an EAA can be confusing. But when it comes to NCC, the decision is simple: Ask yourself — Do I want to be part of something greater than myself? Do I want to work alongside people who dedicate their lives to protecting our country?Or would I rather settle for something routine, without challenge or purpose?
NCC is more than just another college activity. It instills discipline, motivation, teamwork, and gives you a taste of military life — a rare opportunity in civilian education. If you're serious about making the most of your college years, NCC can truly add meaning and direction to your life.
The Commanding Officer (CO), Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO), Havildar Major Training (HMT) and the entire staff are approachable and supportive — but they’re also strict when it comes to rules and discipline. So if you join, give it your full effort. There’s really no middle ground in NCC — it’s all in or not at all.
Finally, Air wing is usually less strict/easier than EME.

NCA - Indian Culturals

What we received in mail :

IIT Kharagpur offers NCA courses for those having a flair for music, dance, and fine arts. There are three different performing arts options: Indian vocal music, Indian instrumental music (flute), and Indian dance (Kathak). We also offer Indian Fine Arts as the fourth option. Due to a limited number of seats, applications are evaluated by the teachers based on uploaded audio/video/pictures and confirmed after that. NCA aims to learn these music/dance/art forms and showcase the learnings through performances and exhibitions. These not only enhance the student's knowledge about India's rich cultural heritage but also develops the spirit of collaboration and camaraderie.

Vocals

Pointers from a friend (Neeraj, Physics Sophomore) :

Weekly one class on Saturday, morning 9'o clock to up to max 11, though usually 10:30.
In vocals, a young teacher is there : Pandit Aritra Chakrabarty (modern) student of Pandit AJAY CHAKRABORTI.
The lowest grade you can get is A usually, with EX being pretty easy. However if you miss theory exam you will get F.
Grades: Attendance does matter, but your grade depends mainly on the above theory exam, which should be very easy. You will also have a practical exam, which is easy to ace, but doesn't matter as much as theory exam.
AC Classes at ACFA , biotech building , the most beautiful classroom in campus.
Concerts will usually be held from the 2nd Sem.
Curriculum might change, so do be on a lookout for this
[From another friend] You don't need to know anything about music; they teach from scratch.

Kathak/Dance

Pointers from some friends.

Grades are mainly dependent on Practicals & Viva Exams, and attendance plays a small role.
Classes will be from 8 to 11 for 1st years.
EX grade is extremely hard to get (People who did well in exam, and had good attendance only got an A)
Ghungroo is a necessity, so do get it. Though, In case you don't have for exams, you can borrow it.
A performance will also happen in 2nd year, though not compulsory
One of my friends recommends this if you have a background in Kathak, as you wouldn't have to study as much for exam.
The Exams will require you to study more than most other EAAs though, and there are two in one sem.

Fine Arts

Pointers from a friend :

Classes are once a week ( mostly Sunday) at 9-12 morning.
Attendance is important (but not very strict).
The coursework is heavy if you don't like arts; though there is little difference from normal fine arts.
There is both theory(boring) and practical. Furthermore in theory : midsem and endsem exams are there
If you are new in arts then be ready to spend buy atleast 1000+ rupees in drawing accessories
Grading will be based on your whole presence in class (attendance +exams+ your relation with Sir and TA).

Instrumentals

Pointers from a friend (Vinayak, Sophomore) :

In NCA-instrumentals, you are taught Indian classical music style through an Indian classical instrument like flute or harmonium. The teacher specialises in flute and that is the recommended instrument for the EAA. Instruction begins from the basics and gradually builds up your musical understanding and skills.
Students choosing the flute are required to purchase their own instrument for practice and participation. A harmonium is available in the music room and is shared among students who opt to learn it. Those choosing the harmonium do not need to buy their own.
Classes are held once a week for two hours (usually sat morning 11am-1pm or 4pm-6pm)
There is continuous evaluations and final tests. You will be evaluated on how you perform in the classes (sir usually asks you to play some part you were told to practice). The final test is divided into two parts, one MCQ test about everything taught in the semester and one practical where you are supposed to play a composition taught in the semester and recite Taals.
In my opinion the grading is neither too strict nor too lenient, but if you go to classes and practice sometimes throughout the week in between them, you will be able to easily get an Ex/A with the added bonus of learning a new instrument.

The ACFA classroom (Only for Vocals, and Instrumentals).

NSO - Sports

What we received in mail :

Sports and games present limitless education and learning opportunities for skill and personal development. It creates equal access and equal opportunity for all and facilitates relationship building both on and off the field, and contributes to health by generating physical and mental energy that can be transformed into action, creativity, and innovation. The NSO (S&G) activities will be guided by trained coaches of TSG where skills related to specific games will be taught in detail along with an understanding of health principles. Students will be admitted to its 13 subsections based on their performance in physical tests on fields and courts.

You will have a wide variety of options here, listed below (not complete):

Aquatics/Swimming
Tennis
Football
Athletics
Volleyball
Weightlifting
Table Tennis
Basketball
Cricket
Badminton (Will be updated soon)
Squash (Info needed, Please contact us)
Yoga (Info needed, Please contact us)

Sports Options

Aquatics

There are two groups in NSO swimming: an advanced group and a beginner group.

Pointers from an advanced group friend :

To get into the advanced group u need to pass the test set by the instructor
In the advanced group the schedule was pretty chill. Classes were usually in the evening.
There was not a very strict attendance policy coz the advanced coach is really sweet: I went like three days in the entire spring sem and still got an EX.
I believe the other group has way stricter timings, they used to have morning classes but they shifted to evening timings, and the coach is not as nice.
Note that the entire marks does not depend on attendance, and it depends a lot on the exam. They do take the swimming test very seriously. The written test also has like 20 marks weightage but it is generally easily and people generally just copy.

Tennis

Pointers from a friend :

Classes are twice a week, decided when by coach.
No matter what you do, the classes/coach will be extremely intensive.
Grading is often based on how coach feels about you.
In the 1st year, Tennis is rarely played (like the rest of NSO sports).

Football

Pointers from a friend :

There will be classes twice per week, usually around 6:30 pm.
NSO football is not a good option if you aren't planning to go for the daily inter-iit football practice, as in your first year they won't let you near a football, just expect to do basic exercises and running.
About grades: EX-isn't possible, mostly A or B. This is the maximum for a regular NSO student and it heavily depends on attendance.
They make you stand as ball boy if any football event is happening and the slots can be early in the morning on Sundays which is definitely painful and these slots have attendance too and if you miss these then they will punish you next time.
If you are going for the inter-iit practice, then you won't need to attend the NSO classes and you get an EX.
This is only a good option if you're definitely going for the inter-iit practice

Athletics

Pointers from a friend :

The classes are usually scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays though they can ask you to come any day, in that case you'll be send a mail or message.
Classes are on average 1-1.5 hours in the evenings from 6 or so. Again the timings are usually informed beforehand.
Grades are dependant on both attendance and a final test (might include a small viva as well) which is taken usually at the end of the semester. Participation in different sports meets and competitions are also taken into consideration for grades.
Also, though the classes are twice week (sometimes thrice), you are encouraged to come to the ground everyday either in the morning or evening for practice.

Volleyball

Some pointers from an acquaintance :

Classes are held quite irregularly. In sem-1, we had only 4-5 NSO classes (except for duty). In sem-2 we had around 10 classes. You will also have to do Shaurya, open IIT and GC duty(2nd sem). And your grades are dependant on it too.
Grading(in most cases) :
1. Ex- if you go regularly and play well (even when NSO classes are not there).
2. A- if you complete your NSO duty and go for attendance on the days NSO classes are held. It would be quite helpful if the secy knows you by your name.
3. B- miss a few NSO duty/classes
4. C- rarely anyone gets it
Coach is not too involved in NSO classes and I have only seen his face once or twice that too only during duties.
If you really want to learn volleyball, you will have to go for practice even when nso classes are not there.

Weightlifting

Pointers from a friend :

Weightlifting at IIT KGP sounds cool at first but honestly the NSO weightlifting scene is kinda chill and lethargic, but also hectic in its own way.
You might think you get to play around with weights but not really (I haven't done it in my entire first year).
Firstly, they just test your cardio, and they wont allow you to weight lifting room unless you get selected for Inter IIT
Classs will be once a week. You also need to do a 2.2km jog weekly, tracked live on apps like Strava
If you want to volunteer for the events like shaurya and inter hall gc. You earn extra points which will be use full for your grades
It is the easiest NSO if you want something casual; but if you want to be serious, try other sports.
Grades will depend on end sems : physical and written test. (And also volunteering)

Table Tennis

Pointers from a friend :

Classes will be once a week in the evening (6:00pm to 7:30 pm), and likely within the first half of the week.
You just have to play some casual games with your friends during the classes & nothing more.
Grades depends on :
1. Attandence--> 2 or less absent won't cause any trouble
2. Written-- > Requiring basic knowledge about dimensions , weight of the equipments and the basic rules of the game and one (mandatory) question about inter IIT .
3. Physical--> 1 min plank in the first sem, plank + one complete round of 2.2 in the 2nd sem (with no strict time constraint)
4. TT skills--> They do take a check of your tt skill on the examination day but anything around or above average and you are safe.
5. (Might seem a lot but you really have to put effort in screwing up to get any grade below A)

Basketball

Some pointers from a friend :

Classes will be twice a week (likely Monday and Wednesday), morning one at around 6:30am and evening one around 6pm
Your most marks are dependent on your attendance. You need attendance to score above B, but if you want an EX it becomes tough: You need to be in the top most/good books of the prof as he only gives one girl and one boy EX in sem 1 (atleast until now).
The activity starts with basic warmup, then few drills. The prof will grill you and would tell you to play basketball apart from usual NSO classes (which if you dont do, he will not give you EX).
The intensity or length of class varies. Sometimes the prof pulls full 2 hours super exhaustive class and sometimes gives you chill 1.5 hour ones.

Cricket

Pointers from a friend :

They should be having two 1.5 hr classes per week but the problem is you don't know when they would schedule it , it can be Sunday morning or a random weekday evening anything. Plus no consideration is put in if you have tests or anything: classes still happe
Attendance mein pretty easy to proxy , have some good friend
During the class , you have to do heavy exercises, running across the ground , pushups and similiar stuff
Don't expect to play cricket (yes you wouldn't get to play cricket, not even one day, atleast in 1st year)
At the end of sem, they take tests (and the worst part, it's just before endsems : one test I gave during endsems weekend) but those tests are pretty useless (I will tell why in a bit).
For tests there would be a race across the ground , 15-20 situps and some cricket related thing (in 1st sem they made us show how to take stance while batting / medium fast bowling action {u don't get to choose} ; in second sem they made us do some fielding) and if you are wondering yes they'll teach taking stance and gripping the bat during some class
But tests don't end here: they'll ask to come one more day for a written test, though from my experience I could have given that test from my room. They send a Google sheet in which there are certain questions, for which people easily copy from internet
In 2nd sem , they would ask you to officiate games in Shaurya and GC, and would threaten to reduce your grades if you don't come, so do ensure you don't miss it. Plus, in my second sem we had less classes.

Bottom line : if u want to join NSO cricket out of interest for cricket, don't coz you'll never get to play it. However if you have indeed deep vision for cricket and want to get connected to coach for maybe GC or inter IIT or other purposes then probably this would help

Another bottom line : No matter what you do , what is your attendance, how much u score in tests , how many games u officiate, You get a B. {Not really sure what happens if u don't go to any class but I had very good performance in 1st sem and below avg performance in 2nd sem and got B both times}

Badminton (Will be updated soon)

Squash (Info needed, Please contact us)

Yoga (Info needed, Please contact us)

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