(‘The Right Choice’ is a series by The Indian Express that addresses common questions, misconceptions, and doubts surrounding undergraduate admissions. You can read the stories here.) — Prof Ananthanagu. U, Dr. Shreenidhi H S Choosing the right engineering discipline after Class 12 is one of the most important decisions for students. With the rise of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), robotics, blockchain, and cloud computing, two fields have gained significant prominence: BTech in AR/VR and BTech in IoT. Both are transforming industries ranging from healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics to entertainment and smart cities. Difference between BTech in IoT and BTech in AR/VR The Internet of Things (IoT) is redefining how devices, sensors, and applications interact, enabling real-time monitoring, automation, and intelligent decision-making. Beyond traditional IoT, specialized domains are emerging. AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) combines AI with IoT for predictive analytics and smart automation. Medical IoT (MIoT) supports remote patient monitoring and wearable diagnostics, improving healthcare efficiency. Industrial IoT (IIoT) streamlines manufacturing and logistics through connected machines and predictive maintenance. Other domains include Social IoT (SIoT), Consumer IoT (CIoT), and Transportation IoT (TIoT), enhancing mobility, smart homes, and connected communities. The global IoT market is expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, with AIoT creating over 11 million jobs worldwide (Gartner, 2024). MIoT can reduce healthcare costs by up to 30%, while IIoT investments are projected to exceed $110 billion by 2028. AR and VR technologies are transforming digital experiences by making interactions immersive and interactive. Augmented Reality (AR) overlays digital content onto the physical world, enabling virtual product trials, industrial guidance systems, and interactive education tools. Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in fully simulated environments for gaming, virtual classrooms, and training simulations. The convergence of AR/VR with AI and IoT is driving innovations in metaverse platforms, digital twins, and industrial simulations. The AR/VR market is projected to surpass $210 billion by 2030, and training applications have shown up to 90 per cent improvement in learning retention (PwC, 2023). Demand for skilled AR/VR developers is growing 18 per cent annually. BTech in IoT and BTech in AR/VR: Career prospects IoT graduates can work in healthcare, industrial automation, transportation, smart cities, and consumer technology as Embedded Systems Engineers, IoT Solutions Architects, AIoT Developers, Industrial Automation Engineers, Smart City Specialists, or IoT Security Analysts. Global certifications such as CCNA IoT, Microsoft Azure IoT Developer, CIoTP, AWS IoT Specialty. AR/VR graduates can pursue careers as AR/VR Developers, 3D/Unity Game Developers, Immersive Experience Designers, Simulation Specialists, UI/UX Designers, or Metaverse Content Creators, leveraging creativity and programming skills for gaming, education, healthcare, and enterprise applications. Relevant certifications include Unity 3D Artist/Developer, Unreal Engine AR/VR, AR/VR Nanodegree, Certified XR Developer, and Microsoft Mixed Reality Developer. BTech in IoT and BTech in AR/VR: Who should choose Choosing between these paths depends on a student’s interests and strengths. BTech in IoT suits those passionate about electronics, programming, AI integration, and system-level problem-solving, offering opportunities across AIoT, MIoT, IIoT, SIoT, CIoT, and TIoT. BTech in AR/VR fits students with a creative mindset who want to develop immersive digital experiences, interactive storytelling, and 3D content. Both disciplines are pillars of the future: AR/VR emphasises creativity and immersive experiences, while IoT provides versatility, stability, and societal impact. Whether building intelligent systems or crafting virtual worlds, both paths equip students with cutting-edge skills to thrive in the digital economy. BTech in IoT and BTech in AR/VR: Placement opportunities IoT R&D areas include developing AIoT solutions and predictive analytics, advancing industrial automation and smart manufacturing, creating remote healthcare monitoring systems and MIoT devices, designing smart city infrastructure and transportation systems, and improving IoT security and cybersecurity innovations. AR/VR R&D areas focus on immersive learning and simulation platforms, building metaverse development and virtual collaboration tools, implementing digital twin technology for industrial and healthcare applications, enhancing AR/VR-based training, gaming, and entertainment experiences, and exploring human-computer interaction and spatial computing innovations. (Prof Ananthanagu. U is an Associate Director at Centre of Excellence in Immersive Technology, Alliance University, and Dr. Shreenidhi HS is an Assistant Professor at Alliance School of Advanced Computing)
