Back in August 1963, the late M.C. Shivanan-da Sharma founded the Rashtriya Vidyalaya College of Engineering (RVCE), Bangalore, with its guiding principle - 'Work is Worship'. It began with three branches - civil, mechanical and electrical engineering - and a total intake of 120. Today it runs 12 undergraduate courses in several branches of IT, engineering and science. Flagship of the Rashtreeya Sikshana Samithi Trust, RVCE celebrated its silver jubilee in 1989. Rated as one of the top 10 engineering institutes in the country, this 38-year-old institution has an impressive record for university ranks. It also stands at the forefront of cutting edge research. Industrial and defence establishments regularly utilise its expertise in materials science and metallurgy For example, RVCE develops materials for combat aircraft and radar systems. Recently, four students here built the first solar power-driven car in India. Another first to its credit is Kriya Kalpa, a museum devoted to the Indian contribution to engineering science, with artefacts and manuscripts from across the country recording our skills down the ages.

The 56-acre campus lies 13 km off Mysore Road, near Bangalore University The lush greenery soothes city-sore eyes, and makes an ideal setting for serious learning coupled with healthy outdoor activity. It exudes an odd mix of serenity and vibrance that communicates itself to even the casual visitor. Since the college draws students from all over India and abroad, it takes care to offer a home away from home. About 800 hostellites reside in the three.men's hostels on campus and the 'ladies only' facility in Jayanagar. While it is a little way out of town, being o just off a state highway RVCE is well-served by public transport. But more reliable are its own fleet of buses and vans for students and faculty of off-campus residential status.

RVCE has undergraduate courses in chemical, mechanical, electrical and electronic, electronics and communications, telecommunication, civil and industrial engineering. It also offers management, instrumentation technology computer science and engineering, information science and engineering, basic sciences, architecture and MCA. All courses are AlCTE-approved. RVCE is affiliated to both Bangalore University and to Vishveshwaraiah Technological University. Electronic and electrical engineering is the pick of the lot. Computer and information sciences are in great demand, too. Basic sciences and maths are other strong points. The state-of-the-art physics lab rubs shoulders with the 4,500 sq ft chemistry lab. Plans are afoot for new postgraduate courses and research centres for the faculty, who do extensive research and consultation work. The placement and training department conducts intensive and short programmes. Campus selection ensures most students get placement well before they get their degree.

RVCE's list of notables includes ace spinner Anil Kumble and table tennis champ Chetan Baboor, products of a sporting heritage that has brought it many a laurel. Wipro's corporate hotshot Tandhav Murthy current MLA and former home minister P.G.R. Sindhya and former Andhra minister Vidhyadhara Rao are some of the other famous faces.

Inter-college events regularly prove that its penchant for distinction is not limited to academics. Hobbies are encouraged at RVCE, and there are centres for social service, skill promotion, sustainable technology, Gandhi an principles and value-based education. Debating and acting skills are oft-exercised, while popular sports at the impressive complex and on the fields include cricket, table tennis, badminton, chess and basketball.