Party is not over for CSE grads as AI drives next wave of tech jobs
HEIs are launching new specialisations in AI and data science to meet sustained demand for professionals with strong computing skills
Priyadarshini Gupta
timesofindia com
Despite concerns that the demand in Computer Science Engineering CSE will eventually decline in the coming years engineering institutions particularly private colleges continue to expand their intake to meet the rising interest among students
While a rapid increase in CSE seats has increased challenges such as shortage of qualified faculty and updating the curriculum in real time experts claim that describing the current CSE surge as a bubble may not be entirely accurate as the nature of jobs is continuously evolving
Colleges are revamping their curriculum so that graduates are equipped to work in an increasing AI driven economy With AI automation cloud computing cyber security and digital infrastructure becoming integral across industries there is an increasing demand for professionals with strong computing skills
Instead of reducing opportunities emerging technologies are creating new roles that require understanding of software systems One of the major factors driving the popularity of CSE programmes is the attractive salary packages offered in the technology sector
Prof Anil Singh Parihar Department of Computer Science Delhi Technological University DTU says The wide salary gap between CSE and traditional engineering disciplines often influences students choice of branch during admissions Compared to traditional engineering disciplines such as mechanical electrical or civil where entry level package may range between Rs 10 to 15 lakh annually CSE graduates often receive significantly higher offers with some companies offering packages of Rs 20 lakh or more and top recruiters occasionally going as high as Rs 50 lakh per annum
Emerging Technologies
With a shift in the industry sector universities are revising their curricula to align with emerging technological trends Even within traditional CSE programmes institutions are introducing courses in AI ML and data analytics says Prof Parihar adding Some universities have also launched specialised branches such as computer science with data analytics AI design and other interdisciplinary areas to align with industry demand
These programmes have attracted significant interest from students largely since demand for AI related expertise is being driven by the technology industry
Despite these developments the employment landscape remains uneven Prof Parihar says Companies often recruit software engineers and later train them for specialised positions depending on business needs while expecting candidates to possess technical and analytical skills However the number of jobs has not increased proportionately with the surge in graduates resulting in a good number of unemployed CSE graduates
The overwhelming popularity of CSE has begun influencing students from other engineering branches Prof Parihar says Many students enrolled in core engineering disciplines shift their focus towards learning coding or software skills in pursuit of technology jobs sometimes at the cost of neglecting their core subject knowledge
Addressing these imbalances will require awareness among students about long term career prospects across different engineering disciplines While the technology sector may offer higher starting salaries careers in core engineering sectors often provide greater long term stability and balanced career growth over time
Universities and industry stakeholders therefore need to communicate these realities to students early in their academic journey helping them make more informed career decisions rather than pursuing CSE solely for its salary advantage
Faculty Shortage
A temporary gap between demand and supply does exist particularly in terms of trained faculty as the rapid seat expansion is not proportional to qualified educators Nidhi G Kapoor dean Training and Placement Kanpur Institute of Technology says Institutions are attempting to bridge this gap through FDPs encouraging teachers to upgrade their skills through online courses and training initiatives
The availability of digital learning resources online tutorials and educational platforms has also helped resolve some of these challenges by providing students with additional avenues to strengthen their knowledge beyond the classroom
The demand for computing skills is expected to evolve rather than decline Drawing parallels with earlier technological transitions such as the introduction of computers the rise of the internet and the Y2K transition when banks and industries rapidly adopted computerisation Prof Kapoor says Fear of job losses were common during these periods as well
However instead of eliminating jobs technology transformed them by changing the skill sets required A similar transition is happening today with the rise of AI data analytics and digital technologies
Computer Science Boom
Total BTech enrolments 2024 to 25 12 53 lakh
Approved seat intake 14 90 lakh
Top branches by enrolment
Computer Science 3 90 245
Mechanical 2 36 909
Civil 1 72 936
Electronics and Communication 1 60 450
Electrical 1 25 902
POSTED BY : EDUCATION TIMES
DATE : 23/3/2026
