Maharashtra sees all time high in Engineering Diploma admissions

While there are a combination of factors resulting in this increased demand among students to pursue Diploma courses, according to teachers, one of the biggest contributors is more job opportunities compared to postgraduate students. Other factors include easier access to technical education without appearing for entrance tests, possibility of direct second year lateral entry to engineering degree courses and availability of diploma education in Marathi medium.

Shridhar Vaidya, secretary of Teachers Association For Non-Aided Polytechnic (TAFNAP) said, “Diploma is a professional education encompassing skill-based practical knowledge of the job expected from the individual. Industry is willing to place them immediately after Diploma. In fact, they are preferred as skilled-manpower which industry needs more, as opposed to engineering degree holders.

Because, these Diploma holders are appointed at supervisor levels, which posts are ample in numbers as opposed to managerial positions post engineering.” Vaidya highlighted that this works as a best option for many young individuals seeking early employment. “And this is possible with lesser investment compared to heavy fee-structures for engineering courses; as Diploma fees are much less compared to degree courses.

Diploma admissions are based on Class 10 marks obtained by students, which makes it convenient for admissions. “After completing Diploma, students are eligible for direct second-year lateral entry to engineering courses. This allows them to keep away from heavily priced and cumbersome entrance test coaching for first-year entry. And now, Diploma students can take admission to any branch of engineering as opposed to restrictions earlier. This has led to many students preferring Diploma after Class 10 as they spend almost equal number of years to get engineering degree but with an additional professional qualification which can give them a job,” said the head of one of the institutes.

Further noting more interest for traditional branches, Vaidya said, “Diploma students are more inclined toward traditional branches because apart from job prospects, it allows them to start their own enterprise with those skills. For example, a diploma holder in Civil Engineering can start his business of building structures, although smaller. But there is no such clarity when it comes to new age skills such as AI and others.”

According to the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE), the state’s decision to offer Diploma education in Marathi has also contributed to this surge in demand. “Diploma studies is now possible in English as well as Marathi, which has made it easier for students coming from Marathi medium schools, especially those from interiors of Maharashtra,” said an official from DTE.

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