Updated on Jan 2, 2025 09:45 IST
Vidhi Jain

Vidhi JainContent Writer

A Computer Science Engineering degree is a four-year undergraduate program. This discipline deals with the computation of hardware, software and various other programming languages and design that form an integral part of computer science. This course offers jobs in multiple fields such as designing, digital marketing, program development, Information Technology, hardware or software engineering, etc. Students looking forward to taking up a profession in any field related to computer science could take up this course. Those who would like to engage themselves in innovating new and unique ideas in this field are well suited to take this course.

Computer Science Engineering Syllabus Important Facts

  • This four-year course is divided into 8 semesters. Each semester has the required number of subjects, and the credits are rewarded accordingly.

  • Subjects related to Electronics, Operating Systems, Networking, Website Designing and Java, Systems Database Sciences, Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, Algorithm Analysis, Computer Architecture, etc., form part of the course structure.

  • These subjects help the students gain an insight into technology and its application in the field of engineering related to computer science. A lot of innovation and self-equipped skills would be essential in the duration of this course.

  • Each student should obtain a minimum credit score to complete this course. There would also be a project which each student should undertake by the beginning of the fourth year. The duration and type of the project, along with its credit score, varies from one college/university to the other. For instance, the final-year project in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) could be carried out within the department or outside the department of IIT. The credit varies based on the selection of the project concerning the department in the same college or university.

  • Apart from the core subjects, students can take elective courses based on their choice and interests. These elective courses can be chosen during any semester at the students' discretion. These elective courses vary from one college/university to the other.

List of Subjects in Computer Science Engineering

The core subjects are mostly covered between the first and the fourth semesters. The core subjects include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering Sciences and Technical Arts. The remaining four semesters cover a variety of professional and elective courses, which include Humanities and Social Sciences. The electives are open to students. They can choose the desired elective from any department in the college/institute.

Typical Core Subjects for Computer Science Engineering

Subject Title

Subject Details

Software Engineering

This subject gives an introduction to Software Engineering and various other concepts involved in this subject. Some of the concepts include Architectural Design, Design Patterns, Software Evolution, Service Oriented Architecture, Project Management & Risk Analysis, Structured Programming, Manpower Management, etc.

Fundamentals of Computer Science

This subject outlines the concepts like algorithms, termination, correctness, efficiency, problem-solving, time and space measures, encapsulation, abstraction, interaction and modularity related to computer science. The numerical methods are also introduced in this subject. These subjects act as the foundation to understanding the roots of computer science.

Programming

This subject gives an overview of the connotations of programming languages. This subject helps the student in skill development to describe, analyse and use the attributes of programming languages. Some of the topics covered in this subject are Lambda Calculus and Turning Machines, Nondeterminism, Sequential Programming Languages, etc.

Operating Systems

This subject gives an overview of the concepts involved in operating systems. Processes and Memory, Context Switching, Scheduling, Message Passing, Semaphores, Address Translation, etc., are the topics that form part of this subject.

Algorithms and Data Structures

This subject introduces the students to object-oriented programming. The analytical collision resolution techniques, binary search trees, traversals, etc., are covered in this subject. Geometric data structures, acyclic graphs and other connected components are also covered in this subject. Algorithms and Data structures provide a basic understanding to enable the students to apply these techniques in computer sciences.

Typical Elective Subjects for Computer Science Engineering

Subject Title

Subject Details

Artificial Intelligence

This subject gives an introduction to the basic principles of Artificial Intelligence. It includes in-depth analysis of various key factors essential for AI, like problem-solving, search techniques, automated planning, knowledge representation and reasoning using logic, machine learning, neural networks, soft computing, etc. This subject enables the students to develop their skill sets and produce innovative ideologies in this field by applying these key factors.

Cloud Computing

This subject gives an overview of the processes and techniques involved in Cloud Computing. These concepts include virtualisation of CPU, Memory and I / O devices, Storage virtualisation, Software-defined storage, Network visualisation, Cloud Architectures, Cloud Security and Trust Management, Public cloud platforms, Cloud Programming and Software Environments, etc. This subject also specialises in Binary Transitions, Cloud-scale data management and processing, Memory Resource Management, etc.

Machine Learning

This subject provides an overview of the concepts involved in machine learning. Some topics like Statistical Relational Learning, Reinforcement Learning, dealing with very high-dimensional data, learning data under distributed architecture, etc.

Computer Graphics

This subject gives an in-depth analysis of the concepts included in Computer Graphics. Some of the concepts covered in this subject are Raster Graphics, Geometrical Transformations, Fractal Curves and Surfaces, etc.

Detailed Syllabus for Computer Science Engineering

The syllabus of Computer Science Engineering may vary from one college/institute to the other. Moreover, the subjects are similar. The basic core or elective subjects covered in the duration of this course for Computer Science Engineering and the details of a few subjects are as follows:

Semester

Core/Elective

Subject Title

Subject Details

1

Core

Mathematics - I

 

Introduction to Computer Science and Engineering

This subject introduces the concepts and basics of computer science engineering.

Fundamentals of Object-Oriented Programming

This subject introduces the four principles of object-oriented programming, such as Encapsulation, Abstraction, Inheritance and Polymorphism.

Electrodynamics and Optics

This subject provides knowledge on the introduction to electrodynamics and optics and focuses on the applicability and transferability of theoretical knowledge to practical implications.

Ethics and Self Awareness

This subject introduces the students to the psychological, philosophical and social approaches of ethics.

Introduction to Environmental Studies

This subject provides knowledge on the scope of the environment involving the components of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, biosphere and their structural composition.

Communication Skills

This subject develops key soft skills for communication. It enhances the ability to work with a team or in an organisation in a professional manner.

2

Core

optimisation Techniques

This subject provides a basic understanding of the fundamental theorems of linear programming duality, slackness and the optimisation techniques used for proper decision making.

Data Structures

This subject provides knowledge on the basic data structures and the concepts in object-oriented settings for design, testing, and maintaining software systems.

Digital Logic Design

This subject provides an overview of the basics of digital logic design along with combinational and sequential circuits.

Discrete Structures

This subject introduces the students to discrete structures used in computer science.

Fundamental of Electronics

This subject provides an understanding of electronic devices and circuit application, including semiconductor diodes, amplifiers, bipolar junctions, transistors, etc.

Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics

This subject provides an in-depth analysis of how the statistical mechanics and quantum mechanics form part of a single framework and provides simplification.

3

Core

Engineering Thermodynamics

This subject provides an overview of how energy is transformed based on the physical state of matter.

Data Structure Laboratory

This subject provides knowledge about fundamental data structure and the concepts in testing and implementation of software.

Signals & Systems

This subject introduces the students to digital and analogue signal processing, which forms part of diverse engineering systems.

Computer Architecture & Microprocessors

This subject familiarises the students with the architecture of a processor and machine-level programming.

Object-Oriented Analysis and Design

In this subject, the students will get an in-depth analysis of the fundamental principles of object-oriented modelling, analysis and design.

4

Core

Electrical and Electronics Material

This subject provides an overview of the types of materials and the integrated substances included in building up the electrical objects.

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

This subject helps the student get familiarised with design strategies and the performance of different computer algorithms.

Operating Systems

This provides an understanding of the functions and modules of an operating system and its concepts.

System Software

The objective of this subject is to familiarise the students with the design and functioning of computer software.

Software Engineering

This subject provides an overview of the engineering approach to the systematic application of software development. It gives an understanding of how to design, develop, test and evaluate computer software.

Digital Electronic Circuits Laboratory

This initiative forms part of the Electronics and Communication Department and acts as a virtual laboratory for various researches and in-depth knowledge on electronic circuits.

5

Core

Database Management Systems

This subject introduces the concepts of database management systems and the design of relational databases.

Theory of Computation

This subject deals with the computation of models under which specific problems can be solved using an algorithm or other mathematical theorems.

Computer Networks

This subject introduces layered design and protocols of computer networks.

Technical Communication

This subject enables the students to understand the broad field of technical communication on specialised topics like computer applications, environmental regulations, etc.

6

Core

Principles of Programming Languages

This subject introduces the semantics of programming languages.

Compiler Design

This subject introduces the students to the techniques used in designing and writing compilers.

7

Core

Training Seminar

Here, the students are provided with training on the practical application of the theoretical procedures and concepts learnt by them during the course.

Project

 

The projects and other elective courses form part of this semester. The final year project is mandatory, and it can be chosen from any department of the institute.

8

Core

Project

The projects and other elective courses form part of this semester. The final year project is mandatory, and it can be chosen from any department of the institute.

Specialisations offered in Computer Science Engineering

A few of the specialisations offered in Computer Science Engineering are as foll ows:

Specialisation

Specialisation Subjects

Subject Details

Computer Science

Machine Learning

This subject helps the students get familiarised with the concept of computer algorithms that can automatically work and adapt to changes by the use of data.

Computer Science

Network Programming

This subject helps the students get familiarised with network programming concepts in the UNIX environment.

Computer Science

Data Mining

This subject helps the students to gain knowledge on various concepts, techniques and algorithms in data mining and warehousing and their applications.

Computer Science

Bio-Informatics

This subject helps the students to get exposed to algorithms, data structures and areas of application in bio-informatics.

Books and Authors Related to Computer Science Engineering

Great scholars recommend many books for students aspiring to pursue Computer Science Engineering. These books are a reliable source of knowledge, and the content provided would be genuine and informative. These books could provide an insight into the subjects and their basic outline in a much more engaging way. Many of these books would be available in libraries, or the online versions of these books could also be downloaded and accessed by any student.

Subject

Book Title

Author

Details

Introduction to Computer Science & Engineering

Computer System Architecture

 

 

Mano M.M

This book, written by Mano M.M, deals with the organisational structures of computer design and architecture. It provides a piece of basic knowledge on the operation of hardware in digital computers and the architectural structure of input-output and memory.

Data Structures

Data Structures, Algorithms, and Applications in C++

 

 

Sahni, S.

This book, written by Sahni, S., provides an introduction and overview of data structures and algorithms. The structures of algorithms and the code computing processes are also included as background material in this book which provides an in-depth analysis and understanding to the readers.

Operating Systems

Operating System Concepts

 

 

Silberschatz, A. and Galvin, P.B.

This book, written by Silberschatz A. and Galvin P.B., provides a solid foundation for the theoretical aspects of understanding operating systems. The latest edition of this book covers the majority of the concepts and the content necessary to bridge the gap between the concepts and implementation of those in the world of technology.

Principles of Programming Languages

Programming Languages: Concepts and Constructs

 

 

Sethi, R.

This book, written by R. Sethi, provides an in-depth analysis of the core concepts of imperative programming languages. The latest edition of this book covers the concepts and ideologies of functional programming, data types and language summaries related to programming.

Entrance Exams for Computer Science Engineering

The most recommended entrance exam for Computer science Engineering is the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE). There are two exams, namely: JEE Mains and JEE Advanced. This is a national level entrance exam that any candidate aspiring to obtain admissions to the top colleges in India should take. Here, in JEE Main, there are two papers, and the candidates can appear for both the papers or either of the papers. The questions are formulated in a multiple-choice pattern. Students seeking admissions into top colleges in India must attend the JEE Advanced after clearing the JEE Mains.

There are other state-level or college level entrance examinations like the Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE), Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT), SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Examination (SRMJEE), etc. These exams vary in terms of the pattern, the cut-off, etc.

The basic structure of all these entrance examinations is that the minimum required questions have to be answered by each candidate. The cut-off scores are determined by each authoritarian body conducting these examinations. A candidate who has secured the cut-off score would be able to take admission into the desired college after various other processes like the interview, written test, etc.

The eligibility criteria for each college depends on the target set by the colleges or universities. The level of difficulty of each exam varies from the other. The assessment process also varies from one college to the other. The subjects covered in these exams include Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. The preparation should be such that all the important topics for the examination are covered. Candidates could also refer to the question paper pattern of the previous years or other samples to overview the types of questions asked in the examination.

Syllabus for Distance Program in Computer Science Engineering

As per the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), distance education is not allowed for the engineering stream. They have implemented an option of distance education or correspondence courses for working professionals. The syllabus would be the same as the Computer Science Engineering regular program. However, top colleges do not provide a distance education program for Computer Science Engineering.

Top Colleges for Computer Science Engineering

Many colleges are excelling in producing great results concerning Engineering in India. The syllabus of each institute would vary from the other. The subjects might be similar, but the pattern and structure of the course would differ from college to college. Here is a list of the top 10 colleges in India for Engineering as per the National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF).

Sl.No.

College/University/Institution

Syllabus (URLs)

1

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Download Here

2

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

To be Uploaded Soon

3

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Download Here

4

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

Download Here

5

Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Download Here

6

Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee

To be Uploaded Soon

7

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati

To be Uploaded Soon

8

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad

To be Uploaded Soon

9

Indian Institute of Technology BHU

To be Uploaded Soon

10

Indian Institute Of Technology, Gandhinagar

To be Uploaded Soon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Computer Science Engineering hard?

A. It is a common assumption that Computer Science Engineering is a difficult course. But the level of difficulty and the toughness of this course depends on the student's perspective. Learning time management skills and investing more time in this course could produce successful results for any student.

Q. Which branch is best in Computer Science Engineering?

A. The branch and choice of stream in Computer Science Engineering depend on the student's desire to pursue. Certain branches with the following career options have a good scope: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Enterprise Architect, Data Architect, Business Intelligence Developer, etc. The demand for the above-mentioned streams increases or decreases based on various factors.

Q. How many semesters are there in Computer Science Engineering?

A. There are 8 semesters in Computer Science Engineering, and the duration of this course is four years. The number of subjects in each semester differs from each other. This course is available full-time, part-time, online and distance learning. In distance learning, the duration of the course could be extended as per the college and its guidelines.

Q. What is the salary of a CSE Engineer?

A. The salary of a Computer Science Engineer in India ranges between INR 20,000 to INR 36,50,000. The average annual salary would be INR 3,00,000. The salary of CSE engineers depends on the position they are placed at and the skill set they possess. Senior engineers, after a promotion, could get an increase in their salary.

Q. Do I need Maths for Computer Science?

A. Since Computer science Engineering is a broad field, maths will be required in the initial stage of this course. Further, the need for maths depends on the candidate's stream to pursue the subject. Generally, maths applies to a lot of fields. The basics of algebra, calculus, statistics and discrete mathematics are required in most degree programs.

Q. Do Computer Science Students require laptops?

A. Usually, during the first semester, the requirement for laptops is not necessary. But after the first semester, certain subjects might require practical implications, and it would be best if a student carries a laptop along with them.

Q. Is a graphics card necessary for programming subjects in Computer Science Engineering?

A. For a lot of programming functions, a graphics card is not necessary. The graphics card handles games and graphics on a PC or a laptop. If you are pursuing your career in game development or working on rendering software, your laptop or PC should have a graphics card.

Q. What should a Computer Science Engineering student know?

A. A computer science engineering student must have knowledge and understanding of sensible design concepts. Concepts like scripting and regexes, data structures, lists, tables, trees, graphs, etc. One should also know complex algorithmic theories and Big O notation.

Q. How can I prepare for Computer Science Engineering?

A. One should choose their career based on their interest, employability, and the future scope of the field. It is necessary to complete the placement process as a part of the course. One should also have a strong foundation of the core subjects before specialising. The students should gain the soft skills required for computer science careers during the course.

Q. What skills do you need for computer science?

A. A person pursuing computer science engineering should primarily pay more focus to detail. Attention to each detail is significant. Communication and time management skills need to be enhanced. Teamwork and cooperation should be practised to work at bigger organisations. Organisational behaviour and training should also be undergone.

Q. What are the jobs in computer science?

A. There are various jobs in the field of computer science. Some of the designations are Mobile Application Developer, Software Engineer, Systems Architect, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer, Web Developer, Graphic Designer, etc. Various other jobs require computer science, and the application of which is essential for that field.

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Computer Science Engineering. Students interested in pursuing a career on Computer Science Engineering, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

22 Jan ' 25 - 24 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1 - Paper 1

28 Jan ' 25 - 29 Jan ' 25

JEE Main 2025 Exam Date Session 1 - Paper 1

7 Jan ' 25

GATE 2025 Admit Card

1 Feb ' 25

GATE 2025 Exam (CS1 | AG | MA | CS2 | NM | MT | T...

30 Dec ' 24 - 15 Feb ' 25

MHT CET 2025 Application Form

16 Feb ' 25 - 22 Feb ' 25

MHT CET 2025 Application Form with late fee

Popular Computer Science Engineering Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Computer Science Engineering Colleges in India. Learn more about these Computer Science Engineering colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
5 Courses
2.02 L - 10 L
17.92 - 18.5 LPA

#2 India Today

5 Courses
3 L - 10 L
14 - 22 LPA

#1 India Today

19 Courses
1 L - 7.8 L
4.3

Top 25 in India

Computer Science Engineering Applications open. Apply Now

6 Courses
1.23 L - 6.87 L
4.7

#7 India Today

4 Courses
10 K - 8 L
21.5 - 84 LPA

#3 The Week

5 Courses
20 K - 10 L
12.5 - 21.28 LPA

#4 India Today

Popular Private Computer Science Engineering Colleges in India

1 Course
1.29 L
5.75 LPA
4 Courses
1.35 L - 3.55 L
3.25 LPA
1 Course
2.36 L
3.5 LPA
3 Courses
40.89 K - 2.41 L
2.6
5 Courses
2.2 L - 2.28 L
3.7
3 Courses
1.5 L
2.9

Popular Computer Science Engineering UG Courses

Following are the most popular Computer Science Engineering UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Computer Science Engineering PG Courses

Following are the most popular Computer Science Engineering PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Answered 2 weeks ago

CCSU IT cutoff 2024 has been announced up to four rounds. During the last round cutoff 2024, the closing rank for Informaion Technology stood at 358537 for the General category students in the HS quota. In 2023, the cutoff rank for the same course was 437790, while in 2022, the cutoff closed at 4598

...more

R

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Hi, there are about 140+ best CSE (Computer Science Engineering) colleges in Punjab. Someof them are mentioned below along with their tuition fees:

Top CSE CollegesTuition Fee
Thapar UniversityINR 13 Lacs - INR 18 lakh
Chandigarh UniversityINR 8 Lacs - INR 14 lakh
LPUINR 8 Lacs - INR 16 lakh
IIT Ropar INR 8 lakh
Thapar5 JalandharINR 5 lakh

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The table below shows the top private IIITDM in CSE colleges in Tamil Nadu along with their tuition fees/seat intake and entrance exams/eligibility criteria:

Public/Government Colleges

Total Tuition Fee/Seat Intake

Entrance Exams/Eligibility

IIT Madras Admission

INR 8 lakh

Seats: 1,191

Exams: JEE Main, JEE Advanced

Eligibility: Class 12 with 75% aggregate

NIT Trichy Admission

INR 5 lakh

Seats: 981

Exams: JEE Main, DASA UG

Eligibility: Class 12 with 75% aggregate

Coimbatore Institute of Technology Admission

INR 1 lakh

Seats: 720

Exams: TNEA

Eligibility: Class 12 with 45% aggregate

GCT Admission

INR 2 lakh

Seats: 1,126

Exams: TNEA

Eligibility: Class 12 with 45% aggregate

IIITDM Kancheepuram Admission

INR 6 Lacs - INR 8 lakh

Seats: 559

Exams: JEE Main, DASA UG

Eligibility: Class 12 with 75% aggregate

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The basic eligibility requirement to pursue a Computer Science Engineering course at the UG and PG levels in BTech CSE colleges in Tamil Nadu:

  • Eligibility requirements for BTech in CSE: Aspirants should have passed the Class 12 exam from a recognised board with Physics,  Chemistry, and Mathematics as

...more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The table below shows the average placement package offered by top recruiters who participated in top BTech in CSE colleges in Tamil Nadu:

College Names

Placement Package

Top Recruiters

IIT Madras Placements

INR 38 LPA - INR 84 LPA

Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Wipro, Infosys, IBM, etc.

NIT Trichy Placements

INR 12 LPA

Uber, PnG, PWC, Schlumberger, Goldman Sachs, etc.

SASTRA Placements

INR 8 LPA

TCS, CTS, Cognizant, Infosys, IBM, etc.

VIT Vellore Placements

INR 8 LPA

Wipro, Microsoft, AppDynamics, DE Shaw, Udaan, etc.

SRM IST Placements

INR 6 LPA

TCS, Infosys, Wipro, KPIT, Capgemini, Accenture, etc.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

The table below shows the affordable BTech in Computer Science colleges in Tamil Nadu having tuition fees of less than INR 1 lakh, which are mentioned below:

Low-cost BTech CSE CollegesTuition Fee
SASTRAINR 50,000
College of Engineering, Anna UniversityINR 48,000
Anna University - Coimbatore Regional CampusINR 48,000
Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and TechnologyINR 19,000
Francis Xavier Engineering CollegeINR 88,000

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Joining the top CSE colleges for BTech in Tamil Nadu can be worthwhile for you. For that, you need to check its ROI. Listed below are some colleges along with their tuition fees and average placement packages:

College Names

Total Tuition Fee

Average Placement Package

IIT Madras BTech

INR 8 lakh- INR 10 lakh

INR 38 LPA - INR 84 LPA

NIT Trichy BTech

INR 5 lakh

INR 12 LPA

SASTRA BTech

INR 50,000 - INR 5 lakh

INR 8 LPA

SRM IST BTech

INR 10 Lacs - INR 18 lakh

INR 6 LPA

VIT Vellore BTech

INR 5 lakh- INR 8 lakh

INR 8 LPA

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

IIT Madras emerged as the No. 1 BTech in Computer Science college in Tamil Nadu followed by other colleges. Listed below are some colleges along with their NIRF rankings 2022 to 2024:

Top CollegesNIRF 2022NIRF 2023

NIRF 2024

IIT Madras Ranking

1

11

NIT Trichy Ranking

8

99

Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Ranking

12

1111

S.R.M. Institute of Science and Technology Ranking

24

2413

SASTRA Ranking

41

3438

Sri Sivasubramaniya Nadar (SSN) College of Engineering Ranking

48

4546

NIT9 Institute of Science and Technology Ranking

54

6666

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

There are about 600+ BTech CSE colleges in Tamil Nadu. Of these,  557 colleges are privately owned, 36 colleges are owned by public/government organisations, and public-private entities own 3 colleges. TNEA, JEE Main,  etc.. are some of the most accepting entrance exams in CSE colleges in Tamil Nadu

...more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10