Computer Science Dominates Engineering Admissions This Year Too
Computer Science continues to be the most sought-after engineering discipline, with recent data from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) indicating a significant rise in enrolments and admission percentages in 2024. With a 96% admission rate, the highest in five years, Computer Science Engineering (CSE) remains the top choice for students. This blog explores the reasons behind this trend and its broader implications for engineering education in India.
The Surge in Computer Science Admissions
The 2023-24 academic year saw an unprecedented spike in enrollments for Computer Science Engineering. According to AICTE data, 4,20,000 students enrolled in CSE programs across AICTE-affiliated colleges, against an approved intake of 4,40,000, resulting in a 95.5% admission rate. This marks a significant increase from previous years and underscores the growing popularity of this discipline.
| Year |
Students Enrolled |
Approved Intake |
Admission Percentage |
| 2023-24 |
4,20,000 |
4,40,000 |
95.5% |
| 2022-23 |
3,76,048 |
3,90,968 |
96% |
| 2021-22 |
2,91,569 |
3,22,414 |
90.5% |
| 2020-21 |
2,19,921 |
2,84,946 |
77% |
| 2019-20 |
1,88,043 |
2,37,996 |
79% |
| 2018-19 |
1,63,927 |
2,35,264 |
69.5% |
Factors Contributing to the Popularity of Computer Science
Technological Advancements
The rapid advancement in technology has made Computer Science a highly attractive field. Innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and cybersecurity have created a plethora of career opportunities, making it the preferred choice for many students.
Lucrative Job Opportunities
The tech industry is known for offering high starting salaries and robust career growth. Companies across various sectors are constantly seeking skilled computer science professionals, further driving the demand for this discipline.
Global Career Prospects
A degree in Computer Science opens doors to global career opportunities. The skills acquired are in demand worldwide, making this field appealing to students aiming for international career paths.
Growth in AICTE-Approved Institutions
The number of AICTE-approved institutions offering Computer Science at the undergraduate level has grown significantly over the years. In the 2023-24 academic year, the number of such institutions was 2,500, a figure higher than the 2,461 recorded in 2022-23.
| Year |
Number of Institutions |
| 2023-24 |
2,500 |
| 2022-23 |
2,461 |
| 2021-22 |
2,443 |
| 2020-21 |
2,317 |
| 2019-20 |
2,343 |
| 2018-19 |
2,413 |
Comparative Analysis with Other Engineering Disciplines
Electronics and Communication Engineering (E&C)
Electronics and Communication Engineering was the second most popular discipline with an admission percentage of 85% in 2023-24. However, this is still significantly lower than the 95.5% seen in Computer Science.
| Year |
Students Enrolled (E&C) |
Approved Intake (E&C) |
Admission Percentage (E&C) |
| 2023-24 |
1,75,000 |
2,05,000 |
85% |
| 2022-23 |
1,36,772 |
1,64,837 |
83% |
| 2021-22 |
1,26,749 |
1,74,052 |
72.6% |
| 2020-21 |
1,04,521 |
1,88,724 |
55.5% |
| 2019-20 |
1,01,385 |
2,10,964 |
56.9% |
| 2018-19 |
1,13,565 |
2,29,142 |
49.4% |
Core Engineering Disciplines
Other core engineering branches such as Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical have seen improvements in student intake over the past two years but still have lower admission percentages compared to Computer Science.
| Discipline |
2023-24 Admission Percentage |
2022-23 Admission Percentage |
| Civil |
60% |
58% |
| Electrical |
76% |
74% |
| Mechanical |
63% |
60.5% |
AICTE’s Response to Rising Demand
Lifting the Moratorium on New Colleges
In response to the rising demand for Computer Science, AICTE lifted the moratorium on new engineering colleges last year. This move allows more institutions to be established, ensuring that the increasing number of aspiring computer science students have ample opportunities for enrollment.
Flexibility in Student Intake
The AICTE’s approval process handbook for 2024-25 to 2026-27 provides greater flexibility in student intake for "well-performing" institutions. This policy change allows these colleges to admit more students, provided they maintain the quality of education and infrastructure.
Conclusion
The surge in admissions for Computer Science Engineering reflects the evolving educational and career landscape. As technology continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, the demand for skilled computer science professionals is only expected to grow. This trend is likely to shape the future of engineering education in India, prompting institutions to adapt and expand their offerings to meet the needs of students and the industry.
