Mangaluru: Computer science-related engineering programs, particularly those focused on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and machine learning (ML), have emerged as the most popular choices among Dakshina Kannada students this year, even as recruitment in the IT sector remains sluggish.Job performance this season was stronger for students in core engineering departments than for students in IT-focused programs. In addition to increased demand for emerging technology specializations, traditional fields such as mechanical engineering and civil engineering are also seeing stronger demand than in previous years, although the recovery has been uneven.Rashmi Bhandari, dean of placements at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Adyar, said that although the job market in the IT sector is sluggish, the demand for IT courses remains high as usual. He said students continue to list computer science as their first choice, followed by computer science with specializations in AI and machine learning, followed by electronics and communications engineering. Mechanical engineering, including new products integrated with robotics, is also receiving high interest, she said.Mangalore Institute of Technology (MITE), Moodubidile Chairman Rajesh Chauta said that although IT-related courses continue to be in demand, there has been a noticeable shift towards core engineering programmes. He said that mechanical engineering, mechatronics and aeronautical engineering, which were once thought to have a limited number of applicants, had a great response this year, with seats in mechanical engineering almost fully occupied. He added that while the IT job market for recent graduates is depressed, institutions that focus on strong skills development have had no trouble securing jobs for their students.Rio D’Souza, principal of St. Joseph’s Institute of Technology, Mangaluru, said that while mechanical engineering has returned to normal demand, civil engineering continues to be sluggish. He said that although there seems to be a slight dip in demand in Bangalore, computer science, AI-ML and data science courses are doing well.The university also reported stronger employment performance in its core engineering fields this year. Vivek Alva, managing director of Alva Educational Foundation, said the minimum salary package has been set at Rs 70 lakh for all core engineering candidates, especially mechanical candidates. He added that opportunities continue to exist for IT graduates if they develop strong skills and make continuous efforts to secure employment.
