Choosing a branch - Perspective matters!

This is, no doubt the toughest decision after your examinations.. I've been doing a research on this topic for quite a while now. So lets not waste any more time on nonsense introductions and useless talks. Let's just come to the point.
Students now a days are blindly following, not exploring! That's the problem. Its sad that the cream students of the country are not confident about their interests.. People posting here and there like what are the best options for me and I am like what the hell dude! Stop asking all these nonsense questions. Yeah, you may have a doubt when you are not getting your desired branch. The right way is to first of all talk to yourself and decide what interests you. Today everyone wants computer science. Ask yourself, is this your real interest or you are choosing it just because of high packages and big companies!
There are very few people who pursue their true interest and those are the happiest people.. Remember YOU LEARN SOMETHING BEST WHEN IT IS OUT OF CURIOSITY! 

Its not only about cs, its about following. Remember that there is no limit to the amount of success you can achieve in the area of your interest.. Also since this is the decision for the lifetime, you have to think it that way. You'll feel like heaven for the rest of your life if you make your passion, your career!

Let me give you an example: Imagine three guys Amar, Akbar and Anthony.
Amar is passionate about cs, Akbar just loves physics and Anthony is fascinated by biotechnology..

Case 1: All three go for their interest.. Amar invents a new machine code and is now earning a lot..
Akbar becomes one of the best physicist in the country who is in great demand in India as well as abroad for lectures. And Anthony develops new technology to treat cancer cells and have a patent, sells it for thousands of dollars.. Few years after graduating, all are very happy with their lives, salary may be a little up-down, but that doesn't really matter. All are successful..

Case 2: All three go for cs.. As it was destined, Amar was bound to succeed, and he is the one to inspire everyone about cs.. Akbar and Anthony try their best to develop interest in cs, but simply fail and eventually realize it's just not coming from deep within. They may manage to get a well paying job (although it's difficult), but doing something they didn't wanted is like being a millionaire who does not have good health.

So, it's just not about any specific branch that I'm talking about. Just keep aside placements, scope, reputation etc etc and ask yourself, what's that one thing that fascinated you since childhood. See, that interest is unconditional and true. Because you din't know this JEE, package and all then.. Choose something so that you never have to WORK ever in your life. Like in case 2 above, Akbar and Anthony would work their entire lives now whereas in case 1, all were enjoying.. There's a difference.
So I hope you get the point overall..  For a little (just a little)help, you can read below and decide yourself.

• If you like logic, programming, and have ideas - go for computer science. 
• Interested in machines/ robotics, their working - go for electrical/mechanical.
• Dreamed of inventing/improvising on mobiles, computer architecture - electronics it is.
• Good in geography, curious about earth's resources and related stuff- geological/ geophysical technology or mining.
• Good in math and physics plus an interest in chemistry - Chemical Engineering. 
• Have ideas about the composition and building style of megastructures - Civil Engg.
• You love math and wanna see its application to computers - Math and Computing.
• Interested in the link between evolution and technology - Take biotechnology. 
• Curious about the set up of mega factories and industries - Take industrial engg.
• Want to transform the aesthetics of engineering - Engineering design.
• Fascinated by flying and space - Aerospace engineering.
• Want to know all about different metals and their exploitation - Metallurgy
• You are creative and want to dig up the design world with a pinch of tech - Choose B. Des

And you can understand on your own any other choices.


Now a total different case: Those who just have no idea as to what fascinates them, then I can help you choosing a branch.. These people can ask questions regarding comparison of two random branches..
According to your ranks choose the best you can get according to the preferences we'll decide further in this post.
So first thing, since you have no specific interest in anything, please don't go for branches like BS/MS in economics, physics, mathematics, chemistry etc etc and NEVER take a risk of choosing unconventional branch just because it sounds good and have one guy with a package of 40-50 lakhs. Remember, that guy is the Amar of that branch and these risks are to taken by guys who have personal interest in it because eventually they can only succeed in it.
You go the conventional way. You don't know anything, follow this order -

• Computer Science 
• Electrical/ Mechanical
• Electronics
• Instrumentation
• Mathematics and computing
• Chemical
• Civil 
• Engineering design
• Aerospace
• Biotech
• Mining/petroleum
• Integrated MSc in your strong subjects. 

I've named only a few to give you an idea of your preference order..

NEW IIT'S vs OLD IIT'S :

This is a pretty frequent question. But I can share my views : If you are very interested in something and are unable to get it in old IIT's, you can definitely opt it in IIT Mandi, Hyderabad, Patna, Jodhpur, Gandhinagar and Ropar. You can try your luck in everything and plus lot of efforts are being made to make these IIT's world class which they definitely will. The  thing is you are looking at 2014.. Instead look at your graduation year and I bet the situation will be much better than you can imagine.. (I won't prefer Indore, Bhubaneshwar and ISM Dhanbad.)
BUT... If you have very little interest but not that much, ignore it and undoubtedly choose it in NIT's or BITS. Or compromise it with a branch in old IIT's. You surely will not regret it.
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Note :- DON'T RUN AFTER THE BRANCHES THAT HAVE HEFTY PACKAGES..
Yeah, that's right.. A US posting for $1,00,000 is the same as a domestic salary package of 18 - 20 lacs. Actually it's all so misleading. Don't look at those packages with Indian perspective, it's just the overhyped by media.. And no matter what, if you have interest in your branch, 2-3 years later it's all the same for everyone whether cs or chemical.. All you need is to be a pro at what you do.. That's it. So package should be the later factor to be considered. Believe me, it really doesn't matter..

I may have missed many things but you can anytime ask your queries in the comments.. I'll try to help you to the best of my knowledge..