Data Science and Engineering sees sharpest rise in choice count at IIT-Palakkad

Core engineering branches also witnessed robust growth. Electrical Engineering saw a 21.4 per cent increase, with choice counts rising from 10,173 to 12,354, while Mechanical Engineering recorded a 20.7 per cent rise, moving from 9,534 to 11,504 choices. 

Civil Engineering, traditionally considered less preferred at newer institutes, also posted a healthy 20.4 per cent growth, crossing the 10,000-choice mark this year.

The across-the-board increase suggests not just branch-specific demand, but also rising confidence in IIT Palakkad as an institution. 

The rising interest in newer IITs such as Palakkad also aligns with the Union government’s broader expansion push in higher education. In 2025, the Centre announced a phased increase in student intake across five third-generation IITs — Palakkad, Dharwad, Jammu, Bhilai, and Tirupati — over the next five years.

As part of this plan, infrastructure is being strengthened to accommodate around 6,500 additional students, primarily at the undergraduate (BTech) level. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said the expansion would be implemented gradually, with seat additions spread across academic sessions to ensure quality is maintained.

The announcement followed the completion and operationalisation of permanent campuses at these institutes in recent years, a move that has helped improve academic facilities, hostels, and research infrastructure. Officials have said the expansion is aimed at meeting growing demand for quality technical education, particularly at newer IITs that are increasingly drawing interest during counselling.

The intake increase is part of a larger trend within the IIT system. Over the past decade, the total student strength across 23 IITs has more than doubled, rising from about 65,000 to 1.35 lakh, reflecting sustained efforts to scale up capacity while broadening access to premier engineering education.