B.Tech Computer Science Losing its Charm; Mechanical Engg the Preferred Choice

Engineering courses are undergoing a major modification in trends. Until recently, Computer Science and IT were the most popular branches amongst B.Tech programmes. However, the new favourite picture amongst engineering aspirants is B Tech in Mechanical Engineering.

According to the AICTE, of the 8 lakh engineering students graduating from technical institutions in India, more than 60% of the engineering graduates remian unemployed! Besides this, just 15% of engineering programmes offered by over 3,200 institutions are accredited by the NBA and less than 1% of B Tech students participate in summer internships. Data collected from various sources has revealed that B.Tech as a whole is losing popularity amongst students due to severe lack of employment. Seats in engineering courses have also reduced from 16.3 lakh in 2013-14 to nearly 14.7 lakh in 2017.

Of the entire lot, the software and IT industry has taken the major hit. With confirmed news of IT industry being driven by Automation & the software and IT industry is in the doldrums. In this scenario, Mechanical Engineering is emerging as the top choice amongst engineering aspirants across India. Apart from Computer Science Engineering, some of the other less popular branches also have fewer takers.

Why is B Tech in Computer Science losing its popularity?

• According to the experts, poor growth of the IT and software industry has resulted in fewer takers for B.Tech CSE.
• Lack of growth in this field translates to fewer jobs and unattractive salary packages, therefore engineering aspirants are choosing other engineering programmes.
• Experts have also pointed out that graduates who have pursued Mechanical Engineering can seek jobs in the IT industry but the opposite is not possible, hence, making ME a preferable choice.

Statistics showing drop in takers for Computer Science Engineering:

• 25.44% of the total engineering aspirants opted for Computer Science in 2013-14, whereas, the number dropped down to 24% in 2017.
• Data has also revealed that Mechanical Engineering has paced up the chart and is amongst the popular choices including Electronics and Communication Engineering.
• The data of the past four years reveal that 20.22% of students opted for Mechanical Engineering, however, in 2017, the number has increased to 21.6%.
• Other popular branches that are popular amongst students are Civil and Electrical Engineering.
• Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology, G D Yadav, said that the demand for Mechanical Engineering is rising as the manufacturing industry needs graduates who understand the trade.

Director of IIT Madras, Bhaskar Ramamurthy, said that engineering has become a broad-based course similar to B.Sc, B.A. and B.Com. He further added that students go out to pursue postgraduation in different fields after pursuing B.Tech.

The AICTE has also reported a drop in the number of students opting for engineering courses. B.Tech is losing popularity as a whole, reported the regulatory body. AICTE has also approved the closure of over 400 engineering colleges due to huge vacancies in engineering seats.

The Council is considering shutting down more than 800 engineering colleges due to lack of quality education, infrastructure and faculty to impart the required standard of technical education.