Mumbai: After completing the four-round intensive admission process (CAP) for the engineering course in Maharashtra, only 30% of the statewide seating, more than 2 lakhs, are vacant. Officials expect it to drop after a system-level entry round.Core branches, such as private, mechanical and electrical engineering, are increasingly seeing a decline in demand, contributing to most of the vacant seats, showing data released by the state's Common Entrance Examination (CET) cells. Meanwhile, new technology-driven courses such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science have a higher enrolment rate. Despite the lack of seats, these new areas are filling up faster due to industry relevance and increased employment outlook. So far, around 14,000 students have confirmed enrollment through the cap round. Last year, CET Cell data showed that over 70% of applications are for IT-related courses for computer and undergraduate admissions. Nearly 75% of AI and ML courses have been filled this year. However, civil engineering has 37% availability, mechanical and electrical 36%. GT Thampi, principal of Thaddomal Shahani Engineering College, said the world aims to generate more intelligent and large-scale investments in the development of AI technology. “Admission drives are primarily dependent on job market trends, and the AI industry is experiencing accelerated growth, students are making informed choices. Students who have degrees in the Core Engineering Branch, such as Citizens and Machines, are forced to do graduate school or MBAs to remain relevant. The automotive industry has jobs, but the sector has not seen new investments. Even if students are not in branches such as AI or Data Science, computer-related courses are the second best option. ” However, Bn Chaudhari, principal of the Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, called it a herd mindset and felt that students should be looking at undergraduate-level core branches, then AI and ML after graduation. “None of the IITs have started offering these AI courses at the Btech level. Society needs great mechanical engineers with excellent AI skills and great civil engineers with knowledge of data science. These areas are dynamic and rapidly changing. What students are currently learning may become irrelevant in five years. Turning your back on the core branch may not be a wise decision in the long run,” he said, adding that extraordinary growth at secondary private universities could be the reason for higher admission.
