In the past four years, a seismic shift has taken place in the engineering education landscape in Telangana. Once-dominant core engineering disciplines—mechanical, civil, and electrical—are now struggling to attract students, as the wave of interest has turned sharply toward AI, data science, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This change has led to drastic cutbacks in traditional engineering programs, with colleges across the state slashing their core engineering seats by as much as 50% to 75%. The result? A new generation of students and educators grappling with an evolving educational and employment paradigm.
The Rise of New-Age Disciplines
Between 2020 and 2024, Telangana has seen an unprecedented surge in demand for tech-centric courses, mirroring a global trend toward digital transformation and automation. Artificial intelligence, data science, IoT, and cybersecurity are now seen as the pathways to high-paying, high-growth careers, capturing the imagination of young engineers-to-be.
Unlike traditional core engineering fields, these emerging disciplines align more closely with the needs of today’s job market. With companies in almost every industry undergoing rapid digitalization, the demand for professionals skilled in AI and data analytics has skyrocketed. According to recent data, 61,587 out of 86,943 engineering seats in Telangana are now occupied by students in computer science and allied branches, while the once-popular fields of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering struggle to fill seats.
The Impact on Core Engineering Programs
In response to dwindling interest, most of Telangana’s 175 B.Tech colleges have drastically reduced their core engineering departments. In some cases, these programs have been cut by 50% to 75%, a reduction that underscores just how significant the decline in demand has become. Once the mainstay of engineering institutions, these disciplines are now being marginalized as colleges reallocate resources to cater to tech-driven fields.
This shift reflects a nationwide trend, with students across India opting for courses that promise better job security, higher salaries, and more opportunities for career advancement. As a result, the core engineering fields—often associated with traditional industries like manufacturing, construction, and infrastructure—are viewed as less appealing, with fewer prospects in the rapidly digitalizing economy.
Consequences for Faculty and the Engineering Workforce
The fallout from this trend has been particularly challenging for faculty members who have built careers in core engineering disciplines. Highly qualified professors with advanced degrees and years of experience in fields like mechanical and civil engineering are now facing an unexpected reality: the demand for their expertise is dwindling, and in many cases, their jobs are at risk.
Reports from Telangana reveal that many professors have been forced to leave academia altogether. To make ends meet, some have taken on delivery jobs, while others are running small businesses or working as freelance consultants. These jobs, however, offer a fraction of the income that these professionals once earned, with former monthly salaries of ₹40,000 to ₹1.5 lakh ($500 to $1,800) reduced to daily wages of ₹500 to ₹1,000 ($6 to $12) as delivery executives. This drastic shift in employment for educators highlights the larger, painful disruption facing India’s engineering education ecosystem.
For India, the decline of core engineering fields may have longer-term consequences, potentially leading to a shortage of skilled professionals in traditional sectors critical to infrastructure development and industrial growth. Without a robust pipeline of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, India’s future development projects, especially in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and energy, may face talent shortages that could hamper the country’s growth.
Why the Shift? Job Market Realities and Changing Student Preferences
At the heart of this shift is the job market’s changing landscape. In recent years, tech and IT jobs have surged in demand, especially in roles related to AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics. These fields not only promise lucrative pay but are also seen as more future-proof in an economy that increasingly values digital skills. In contrast, core engineering fields are perceived as offering limited job growth, stagnant salaries, and fewer campus placement opportunities.
As a result, students are making choices that they believe align with job security and income potential. Courses in AI and data science are filling up fast, while traditional engineering branches are often left with vacant seats. For many students, the choice is practical: they are investing in a degree that they hope will maximize their return on investment.
What Can Be Done? Potential Solutions for Revitalizing Core Engineering
While the decline of core engineering programs is a complex issue, there are strategies that colleges, policymakers, and industry leaders can consider to reinvigorate these disciplines:
Modernize Core Engineering Curriculums: Integrating modern tools and technologies within core engineering programs can make these courses more relevant. For example, mechanical engineering could include robotics, and civil engineering could incorporate smart city technology. This would bridge the gap between traditional engineering skills and the digital innovations that are reshaping industries.
Foster Industry Partnerships: Colleges could work closely with industries to ensure that core engineering students are exposed to real-world challenges and gain practical experience. Internships, apprenticeships, and industry-led projects can make traditional engineering fields more appealing by providing students with hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to potential employers.
Provide Financial Support for Faculty: Experienced educators in core disciplines are a valuable resource. Financial incentives or grants could help retain these faculty members, ensuring that students who do choose traditional engineering fields receive high-quality instruction and mentorship.
Career Counseling and Awareness Programs: Educating students about the diverse career paths available within core engineering fields could help dispel some misconceptions. For example, many government and international roles still value expertise in civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Raising awareness about these opportunities may attract students who are genuinely passionate about these fields.
Hybrid Programs: Offering interdisciplinary programs that blend core engineering with digital skills—such as combining electrical engineering with IoT or mechanical engineering with automation—could attract students interested in both traditional engineering and cutting-edge technology.
A Balanced Future for Engineering Education
The recent shift in Telangana’s engineering education system highlights both the rapid evolution of the tech industry and the need for educational institutions to adapt. While the emphasis on AI, data science, and cybersecurity is necessary and reflects current market needs, a balanced approach that preserves core engineering fields will be essential for India’s long-term development.
Between 2020 and 2024, Telangana’s engineering colleges reduced core engineering seats by 50% to 75% as demand shifted to tech-driven fields. This shift underscores the pressing need for policymakers, educational institutions, and industry leaders to rethink the future of engineering education in India. As the nation moves toward becoming a digital powerhouse, it must also ensure that traditional engineering expertise is not lost. Only by integrating both traditional and emerging disciplines can India prepare a workforce capable of meeting the diverse challenges of tomorrow.
For students, faculty, and the future of India’s industries, finding this balance is essential. The journey forward will require innovative thinking, adaptation, and a renewed commitment to the disciplines that have powered India’s growth for decades.