Engineering Stream Popularity Trends in Last 5 Years

Why do students choose to enroll in some engineering streams more? What affects the choice of engineering stream among the students? In this article, we have tried to understand which are some of the most popular engineering streams among the students and why.

Engineering Stream Popularity Trends in Last 5 Years

Does the popularity of engineering streams depend on the job scenario? Experts believe that it is one of the major factors. With Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) entering our everyday lives the demands for streams like computer science, Data Science, AI, etc have increased. However, the rise in popularity of one engineering stream does not affect the importance of others. Till now, Computer Engineering is one of the most popular engineering streams as per the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report.

Over the past 5 years, enrollment in the computer engineering stream has increased from 9 lakhs to 11 lakhs. The core engineering branches are still the most popular choices among engineering candidates. Mechanical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering are the top 5 engineering streams with the maximum number of enrollments at the undergraduate level over the past few years, as per AISHE.

Steadily, the engineering streams that are growing in popularity are Information Technology, Chemical Engineering, Agriculture Engineering and Aeronautical Engineering.

Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the combination of major and minor courses within the broader stream has been introduced. This helps the candidates select one specialisation and also pursue one minor specialisation alongside. With the demand of the job market, many top engineering colleges in India offer minor course combinations of AI, Data Science, Digital Engineering, and others.

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In Charts: Engineering Stream Popularity Trends in Last 5 Years (As Per AISHE Reports)

Over the past 5 years, the engineering stream popularity trends depicted that Computer Engineering is the most popular engineering stream followed by Mechanical Engineering.

Note that the below data has been compiled based on the past 5 recent reports of AISHE. 

Although the popularity of the Computer Engineering stream dipped between 2017 to 2019, it was picked up again in 2020. The highest number of enrollments has been in the year 2020-21 since 2016.

Graphical representation is as follows:

Engineering Stream v/s Number of students enrolled as per AISHE

Top 5 Popular Engineering Streams - Career Opportunities and Best Colleges

Exploring the most popular engineering streams in the last five years and the career prospects they offer is crucial. To help with that, we have compiled a list of the top five engineering streams and the opportunities they present. Additionally, we have included a list of the best engineering colleges that offer these courses.

#1. Computer Science Engineering

The field of Computer Science Engineering enjoys great popularity in India, thanks to the rapid growth of the tech industry. This program offers an amalgamation of computer engineering and science, with a special emphasis on developing skills in programming, networking, and other related areas. Students are trained in various aspects of computing, such as algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, operating systems, and computer networks. They also gain expertise in programming languages like C++, Java, Python, and others, as well as in software development methodologies such as Agile and Scrum. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of computing, making them well-equipped to handle the complex challenges of the tech industry.

• Career Opportunities: Graduates of CSE have a wide range of career paths to choose from, including computer programming, system database administration, software development, data warehouse analysis, research analysis, and more. The skills acquired through CSE provide plenty of opportunities in technology-based roles, making it a highly sought-after engineering stream.
• Popular Colleges: Some top engineering colleges that offer Computer Science Engineering streams are:

#2. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is a fundamental discipline that blends science and technology to develop mechanical devices. Experts in this field play a crucial role in designing, constructing, and testing tools used in various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and automotive. Their expertise in creating intricate designs, precise measurements, and accurate simulations ensures that the tools meet the exacting standards of performance, safety, and reliability. From developing high-performance engines to designing advanced robotics, mechanical engineers are at the forefront of innovation and progress.

• Career Opportunities: Graduates have a wide range of career options, including automotive engineering, CAD technicians, control and instrumentation engineering, maintenance engineers, and coveted positions in Public Sector Undertakings (PSU Jobs).
• Popular Colleges: Some top engineering colleges that offer Mechanical Engineering streams are:

#3. Electronics & Communication Engineering

The field of Electronics and Communications Engineering involves the study of complex digital electronics as well as communication concepts. Individuals who pursue this field will gain knowledge and skills that prepare them for careers in the design and manufacturing of sophisticated electronic circuits and communication devices.

• Career Opportunities: This field offers various career paths, including software engineering, network design, web development, CAD engineering, and communication management.
• Popular Colleges: Some top engineering colleges that offer Electronics & Communication Engineering streams are:

#4. Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is a crucial discipline that forms the backbone of infrastructure development. A Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering program equips students with the knowledge and skills required to design, plan, and construct vital infrastructures. The impact of Civil Engineers can be observed in crucial sectors such as road transportation, dam building, and bridge engineering, where they play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and durability of these structures.

• Career Opportunities: Graduates have a variety of career options, including Civil Engineering Technicians, Structural Engineers, Transportation Engineers, Civil Engineers, and Water Resource Engineers.
• Popular Colleges: Some top engineering colleges that offer Civil Engineering streams are:

#5. Electrical Engineering

The field of Electrical Engineering is focused on managing and optimizing the production and distribution of electricity, as well as the manufacturing of electrical equipment. Graduates from this program are well-suited for employment in companies that manufacture electrical goods and in power generation facilities. They possess the technical expertise to design and implement advanced electrical systems, and to ensure the efficient and safe operation of these systems.

• Career Opportunities: Career options are plentiful in the field of electrical engineering, including roles as industry professionals, sales engineers, engineering associates, or pursuing academic paths as professors or lecturers.
• Popular Colleges: Some top engineering colleges that offer Electrical Engineering streams are:

Trending Engineering Stream with Lucrative Opportunity

Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning (AI, DS, and ML) have become increasingly popular in the past one to two years. This engineering stream is gaining immense popularity because it aligns with the advancements in artificial intelligence and data analytics.

• Career opportunities: Graduates from this stream can pursue a variety of career paths, including machine learning engineering, data science, AI research, data analysis, and business intelligence analysis.
• Popular Colleges: Some top engineering colleges that offer Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning (AI, DS, and ML) streams are:

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