This is an archive article published on August 19, 2024
As job market remains challenging, Computer Engineering continues to be the most preferred branch by aspirants in Maharashtra
This is closely followed by Information Technology (IT) (13,42,333) and then Electronics and Telecommunication (10,56,160).
Written by Pallavi Smart
Mumbai | Updated: August 19, 2024 01:38 PM IST
3 min read
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Computer Engineering continues to emerge as the most preferred branch of engineering among aspirants in Maharashtra. According to the Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell data related to option forms filled by students – where they select branches of their choice – out of over 72 lakh at least 26.7 percent or 19.27 lakh have opted for Computer Engineering.
This is closely followed by Information Technology (IT) (13,42,333) and then Electronics and Telecommunication (10,56,160). A rather new branch of engineering – Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI/DS) – is in competition with the top three – with over 6 lakh applications received for it. Whereas there are lesser applications for conventional branches of engineering – Mechanical (3,70,577), Electrical (2,29,940) and Civil (2,03,133).
This year, there are a total of 1,60,346 seats for first year engineering admissions in the state and a total of 1,92,398 candidates have registered. As one candidate can select multiple branches of engineering while filling option forms at the time of confirming admission applications; total number of option forms filled by students is – 72,91,832.
Even as Computer Engineering is seen most in demand by students, various other branches of engineering related to computers have received considerable applications. Some of these branches are Computer Science Engineering (CSE), CSE in AI-DS, CSE in Cyber Security among all.
According to engineering colleges in the city, this is no surprise as Computer Engineering has been in demand for quite some time, considering the job market. Dr Suresh Ukarande Principal K J Somaiya College of Engineering, said, “Students’ choices for engineering branches are largely driven by the job market trends. As Computer Engineering has the highest number of applications that means a greater number of students are hoping for admission to that branch. But if not, they want to take admission to related branches or even in AI-DS as all of these branches are 80-90 percent similar in overall course content. Moreover, AI-DS as well as Machine Learning are expected to play a major role in changing industry; students want to be ready for the job market four years ahead.”
Dr. Gopakumar Thampi, principal of Thadomal Shahani Engineering College said that this sector is constantly evolving which is a great attraction for students. “Almost every enterprise is looking at building their own AI systems. And when it comes to the job market, students are looking at global situations as India’s manpower currently is in demand. Whereas the more conventional branches of engineering have a limited scope. Even automobile companies are hiring more Computer Engineering students than mechanical students because of automated cars etc.”
Thampi also added that the growing semiconductor industry is the reason behind good demand for the Electronics and Telecommunication branch of engineering.
Engineering branches which received highest option forms
Pallavi Smart is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, Mumbai Bureau. Her reporting is singularly focused on the education sector, demonstrating exceptional Expertise and Authority across the entire spectrum of learning, from foundational schooling to advanced higher education. She is a highly Trustworthy source for policy, institutional developments, and systemic issues affecting students, teachers, and parents in Maharashtra.
Expertise
Senior Role: As a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, her designation reflects her seniority, specialized knowledge, and the editorial rigor applied to her reporting.
Core Authority & Specialization: Pallavi Smart is the definitive voice for Education news in the region. Her coverage scope is comprehensive:
Policy and Regulatory Changes: Reports on major shifts in educational policy, including the restructuring of entrance exams (e.g., MHT-CET adopting the JEE Main model), the draft regulatory framework for coaching classes, and revised teacher recruitment processes.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): Provides in-depth reporting on prestigious institutes like IIT Bombay and TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), covering institutional initiatives, administrative debates (e.g., renaming IIT Bombay), and student welfare programs (e.g., mandatory mental health courses).
Teachers and Eligibility: Covers crucial issues affecting the teaching fraternity, such as the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for in-service teachers and related controversies and application numbers.
Student Welfare & Rights: Focuses on issues concerning students, including the rollout of government scholarships, the financial strain on schools due to midday meal reimbursement delays, and instances of child rights violations (e.g., the Powai studio hostage crisis).
Admissions and Vacancy: Tracks the outcome of centralized admission processes (e.g., MBBS, BPharm) and analyzes vacancy concerns, providing essential data-driven insights for parents and students.
Credentials & Trustworthiness
Dedicated Beat: Her consistent focus on the "KG to PG" education beat allows her to develop unparalleled subject matter knowledge, ensuring her reports are accurate, detailed, and contextualized.
Proactive Reporting: Her articles frequently break news on policy and institutional planning, providing the public with timely, essential information about a sector that directly impacts millions of families.
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