Engineering education in India: Reflections and Insights
K.K.Wagh Institute of Engineering Education and Research, Nashik
Engineering education in India is better understood from data analysis especially of the last four to five years available in public domain. Crunching these numbers gives us insights about the choices students are opting and its possible impact on the technical pool required for industrial growth in India. Referring to data published by AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), the worst period of pandemic is over but considering the vital links between industrial growth and admissions the story of rise is not that spectacular especially for core engineering sector. Here’s what the data shows and what it means.
Seat numbers fell, then started to rise again
The number of approved undergraduate engineering (B.E./B.Tech.) seats went down after 2020. In 2020–21, India had about 13.6 lakh seats approved by AICTE. By 2021–22, the number had dropped to around 12.5 lakh. This fall could be attributed to the impact of Covid pandemic on campus placements, slower growth in engineering sectors and also closure of some engineering colleges or streams.
In 2023–24, the number of approved seats rose again to about 14.9 lakh. This shows that the market is responsive to demand, especially the managements of unaided professional colleges are quick in responding to market forces.
Computer-related branches are leading the growth
The biggest shift is in the type of courses preferred by the students. AICTE data shows a massive rise in Computer Engineering (CE) and allied branches such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science (DS), Machine Learning (ML), etc. In many states, CE and allied courses now make up more than 50% of total engineering intake. At the same time, traditional branches like Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering have seen reduced intake or conversion of those seats into computing branches. While the job market for IT is slowing down, the parents and prospective students still sense relatively better job opportunities in these sectors. The rise of digital technologies and automation in every sector is also driving this shift.
While this shift helps increase enrolments, it also raises a concern — India may face shortages of skilled engineers in core branches in the coming decade.
Regional and gender imbalance
Even with higher total intake, not all seats are being filled. AICTE and Rajya Sabha data show that several states still report high vacancy rates, especially in North and Central India. Even within states for example Pune and Mumbai region have better educational infrastructure and industries as compared to other parts of Maharashtra. States with fewer industries or weaker placement networks see many vacant seats. This uneven distribution means that engineering education is growing only in certain regions, leaving others behind. About 30 percent of the undergraduate engineering programmes have girl students clearly indicating that the gender parity is not achieved. Even though female participation is rising over time, the rise is slow. Many engineering branches still remain heavily male-dominated.
Interpreting these numbers
For policymakers:
AICTE’s flexible approval rules since 2020 have helped new courses grow fast. But now the focus must shift to quality control and ensuring labs, faculty, and placement support match the new demand.
For colleges:
Many private institutes survived by quickly adapting their programs. However, they must now train teachers in emerging technologies, connect with industry, and provide internships to make learning practical.
For students and parents:
While CE and AI look attractive, choosing a branch should depend on interest, aptitude, and long-term stability. Every engineering course has value when linked with technology and innovation. Students should consider the future placement opportunities before taking admission.
Dr. Mahesh Shelar
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
K K Wagh Institute of Engineering Education and Research, Nashik
