Mumbai: There was a time when computer science was one of the most popular choices for those who made it to the top of the Common Entrance Test (CET) selection list.But now, the preferences have changed as the information technology has become less popular and the state of the economy has also become less stable.
In addition, an official from department of technical education said that the discipline of electronics and communication engineering has also declined in popularity as much as computer science. However, mechanical engineering without any doubt is the most popular stream today, among aspirants, be it by seat allocation, the number of applicants or vacancy.
In the same context, various engineering college teachers say that with the economy no longer being stable, students are taking back their focus on basic streams. While, some says that the popularity of streams amongst new students is also determined by the previous year's placements.
While talking about the raising popularity of basic engineering streams, Anil Sahasrabudhe, director, College of Engineering, Pune, said that these streams have become popular again because they allow a student to take the freedom to move around for options. To simplify the statement, he said; let’s take mechanical for instance, if one joins mechanical, he/she can shift to associated branches like metallurgical or aerospace in future.
As per the sources, going by seat allocation, the top stream is mechanical, followed by electronics and telecommunication, computer, civil, information technology, electrical, computer science, electronics, and electronics and communication. However, by the number of applicants, the order is as follows: mechanical, electronics and telecommunication, computer, civil, information technology, electronics, electrical, computer science, and electronics and communication.
