How is PEC Chandigarh for mechanical engineering? Is it comparable to NITs? Which college should I prefer?

One of my friends is an alumnus of PEC Chandigarh. According to him, the Mechanical branch has good placement statistics. Here are a few highlights of the branch that may be helpful. 

• You can easily secure an average package of 6-7 LPA.
• In recent years the highest CTC offered to students of this branch is around 15 LPA. Although companies offering software-based profiles even offer 22 LPA.
• Some of the major recruiters for the Mechanical branch are JP Morgan, Tata, ITC, Hero, Bajaj, ZS Associates, Maruti, etc. 
• The placement average of the branch is almost 80% and only students with low CGPA remain unplaced. 
• PEC doesn’t have a good research culture. If you are interested in good research exposure, go for an internship at any IIT.
• According to my friend the quality of teaching is average. 

Lastly, if you have options to go for better NITs such as Allahabad, Bhopal, Raipur, etc. go for it. Many reputed PSUs visit the campus placements of these NITs and offer Design profiles.