Computer Science Engineering: Career scope, job opportunities & salaries offered

Students aspiring to become a computer science engineer need to study design, implementation and management of information systems of both software as well as hardware processes. Read on to know more.

Computer Science Engineering (CSE) is a popular educational course that emphasises on the basic key elements of computer programming as well as networking. Many engineering aspirants have been opting for this specialisation as this course allows them to gain knowledge and ideas of design, its implementation and overall management of information system in case of hardware as well as software. Institutions across the world offer this course to students both at under-graduate and post-graduate levels after which students are awarded B.Tech and M.Tech degrees, respectively.

Computer Science Engineering: Eligibility Criteria

For any student aspiring to take up Computer Science Engineering as a career, it is important to have some basic educational eligibility, both at under-graduate (UG) and post-graduate (PG) levels.

• UG Level: Students need to pass their Class XII examination from a recognised board having Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as their core subjects. Also, they need to secure 60 per cent as minimum aggregate marks as combined in the above-mentioned subjects.
• PG Level: Students need to complete their B.Tech degree in the same specialisation with having a pass percentage in aggregate of the subjects studied at the degree level.

Computer Science Engineering: Required Skillset

Only educational requirement is not enough for a student to pursue this course. They need to possess certain key skills that would distinguish them from the rest. To study computer science engineering, one must possess the following skillset:

• Good programming skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Knowledge of basic web development
• Critical thinking & analytical skills
• Basics of security, vulnerabilities and cryptography
• Basics of Machine Learning
• Strong data structures and algorithms skills
• Fast-learning skills

 Computer Science Engineering: Course & Curriculum

Students aspiring to become a computer science engineer need to study design, implementation, and management of information systems of both software as well as hardware processes. The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) has enlisted the following given model syllabus for all students of the computer science engineering course. These are to be followed in every educational institution or college that offers the programme.

Structure of Computer Science Engineering Programme:

Sl. No.	Category	Credit Breakup for CSE students
1	Humanities & Social Sciences that includes Management courses	12
2	Basic Science courses	24
3	Engineering Science courses including workshop, drawing, basics of electrical/mechanical/computer, etc.	29
4	Professional core courses	49
5	Courses that are Professional Elective having relevance with the chosen specialisation	18
6	Open subjects: Electives from other technical and /or emerging subjects	12
7	Project assignments, seminars and industrial internship	15
8	Mandatory Courses (Environmental Sciences, Induction Program, Indian Constitution, Essence of Indian Knowledge Tradition)	(non-credit)

The following are subjects under the course:

• Cloud Computing
• Compiler Design
• Computer architecture and organization
• Computer Networks
• Database Management Systems
• Data Structures & Algorithms
• Design and Analysis of Algorithms
• Distributed Computing Systems
• Operating Systems (Unix Programming)
• Software Testing

Cost of Computer Science Engineering Course

At the graduate level, the course fee for the computer science engineering course may vary between Rs 80,000 and Rs 1.20 lakh per annum. 

Top Colleges for pursuing Computer Science Engineering

In India, there are quite a few highly reputed colleges that offer this course and also the students are being picked up by the top desirable recruiters of India and abroad.

Name of College	City	Programme Fee
Indian Institute of Technology (IITB)	Mumbai	Rs 8-8.55 lakh
Oxford Engineering College	Bengaluru	Rs 7.40-8 lakh
AMC Engineering College	Bengaluru	Rs 2.38-3.5 lakh
Anand International College of Engineering	Jaipur	Rs 3.16-4 lakh

Computer Science Engineering: Job Profiles & Top Recruiters

The employment opportunities have definitely on the rise with the introduction of Computer Science Engineering courses across top Engineering Colleges. Students after passing out CS course get good opportunities to join some of the top brands and corporate houses across multiple industries such as IT/software companies, sales and marketing companies, academic institutions, journalism, content industry, engineering firms, etc.

Job Profile	Role
System Database Administrator	System Database Administrator typically oversees the security, performance, and integrity of the database. This also includes planning the structure and troubleshooting issues.
Computer Programmer	Computer programmers create the code for software applications and operating systems. The code created helps computer applications on computer run.
Engineering Support Specialist	Engineering support specialist provides technical support and assistance to consumers and businesses related to issued involving technical, hardware and software system.
Data Warehouse Analyst	A data warehouse analyst collects, analyzes, mines and helps the business leverage the information stored in data warehouses.
System Designer	The role of a systems designer is to define the architecture, interfaces and data for a system.
Software Developer	The role of software developers is to develop applications that enable people to perform specific tasks on a computer or another device.
Software Engineer	Software engineer designs, develop, maintain, test, and evaluate computer software.
Lecturer/Professor	A Computer Science lecturer or professor would impart knowledge of the subject. The role will also include teaching students about the nuances of Computer applications and designs applicable in the field.
Computer Operator	The role of a computer operator is to maintain a logbook, check viruses, upgrade software and carrying out basic etc.
Research Analyst	Research analysts conduct surveys, document data, collect information via the internet and conduct research.

Some top recruiters of computer science engineers include:

• TCS Consultancy
• Deloitte
• Google
• Cognizant
• Wipro
• Microsoft
• Infosys Technologies
• IBM Global Services
• Accenture Services
• Facebook
• Hewlett and Packard
• HCL Technologies
• Paytm
• Sun microsystems
• Cisco

Name of Job/Role & Details:

Job Roles	Average Salary Offered (2-5 years' work ex)	Top Companies
Computer Programmer	Rs 5.53 lakh	IBM Global Services
System Designer	Rs 6.30 lakh	TCS Consultancy
Software Developer	Rs 6.81 lakh	Google

Career Alternatives for Computer Science Engineers

• Data Analytics
• Data Scientist
• Business Analyst/Business Intelligence
• Information Security Analyst
• Technical Risk Analyst