Exploring the Most Preferred Engineering Branches at IIT Bombay in 2024
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IIT Bombay, one of India’s premier engineering institutions, continues to attract some of the brightest minds in the country. As per the 2024 Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) report, the choice preferences of students applying to IIT Bombay reveal a clear trend towards specific engineering branches. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) continues to lead the pack, followed by Electrical Engineering (EE) and other well-established fields like Mechanical Engineering (ME). Additionally, a growing interest in specialized and emerging branches has become evident, reflecting shifts in student aspirations and industry demands.
1. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE): The Undisputed Leader
At the top of the list is Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), a branch that has been consistently popular over the years. According to the JIC report, a staggering 25,481 candidates listed CSE at IIT Bombay as their top choice in 2024, a significant increase from 21,893 in 2023. The growing demand for technological expertise in industries such as software development, artificial intelligence, and data science could explain this surge. IIT Bombay’s CSE program is renowned for its robust curriculum, cutting-edge research, and placement opportunities, making it the go-to choice for tech enthusiasts.
The dominance of CSE is no surprise given the rapid advancements in the field, especially in areas like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. Students recognize the value of a degree in CSE from a prestigious institution like IIT Bombay, where the opportunities for research, internships, and post-graduation placements are unparalleled.
2. Electrical Engineering (EE): The Rising Star
Following closely behind is Electrical Engineering (EE), which garnered 21,811 candidates’ preferences this year, showcasing a 15% increase in popularity. EE’s rise to prominence can be attributed to its versatile applications in industries ranging from electronics to renewable energy. The strong demand for skilled electrical engineers in sectors like telecommunications, energy systems, and automation keeps this branch a close second to CSE.
Notably, IIT Bombay’s EE department offers a five-year integrated course, which saw a 25% increase in popularity, with 13,600 students choosing it as a preferred option. This program’s appeal likely stems from its comprehensive curriculum and research opportunities in emerging areas such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and power electronics.
3. Mechanical Engineering (ME): A Consistent Favorite
Mechanical Engineering remains a consistent favorite among IIT Bombay aspirants, with 19,469 students opting for it, reflecting a 19% increase from the previous year. ME’s broad applications in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and robotics continue to attract students looking for a versatile engineering degree. IIT Bombay’s ME department, known for its strong focus on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, helps students build a solid foundation in various mechanical systems.
The sustained interest in mechanical engineering can be attributed to the branch’s continued relevance across traditional and modern industries. As automation and robotics continue to evolve, mechanical engineers are finding new opportunities in areas like advanced manufacturing and mechatronics.
4. Chemical and Aerospace Engineering: Emerging as Popular Choices
Interestingly, Chemical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering have surpassed Civil Engineering in popularity, securing the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. Chemical Engineering attracted 15,430 students, reflecting a 19% increase from last year, while Aerospace Engineering drew 15,174 students, marking a 23% rise.
The growth in popularity of Chemical Engineering can be attributed to its application in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and materials science. The increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly chemical processes has also sparked student interest in this field.
Similarly, Aerospace Engineering’s upward trend aligns with the growing focus on space exploration, drone technology, and aviation. IIT Bombay’s reputation for offering cutting-edge research opportunities in aerospace propulsion, flight mechanics, and space systems has made it an attractive option for those aspiring to work in these futuristic domains.
5. Civil Engineering: Still Holding Ground
While Civil Engineering has fallen to the sixth position, it remains a significant choice for 15,061 students, marking an 18.4% increase from 12,720 in 2023. Despite being overtaken by other branches, civil engineering continues to be a vital discipline, particularly in a country like India where infrastructure development is a key focus.
The department at IIT Bombay is well-regarded for its contributions to large-scale infrastructure projects and offers students ample opportunities to work on cutting-edge research in areas like structural engineering, environmental engineering, and urban planning.
6. Emerging Courses: A Surge in Interest
Several emerging fields of study have started gaining traction at IIT Bombay. Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Energy Engineering, and Environmental Science and Engineering are among the fastest-growing programs. Metallurgical Engineering saw a growth of 23.53%, while Energy Engineering and Environmental Science and Engineering experienced increases of 19.43% and 27.43%, respectively. These fields reflect students’ growing interest in sustainable energy solutions, materials innovation, and environmental conservation.
Additionally, Instrumentation Engineering received attention from over 9,700 students, highlighting the growing importance of this branch in industries like automation, control systems, and robotics.
7. Non-Engineering Branches: An Emerging Trend
While engineering remains the primary focus at IIT Bombay, non-engineering courses like Economics, Mathematics, and Chemistry have seen significant growth in student preferences. The Economics program recorded a 32% increase, with 7,090 candidates choosing it in 2024 compared to 5,331 in 2023. This surge can be linked to the expanding role of economics in technology-driven sectors, financial markets, and policy analysis.
Similarly, the BS in Mathematics program saw a 35% jump in interest, with 6,954 students opting for it, up from 5,145 in 2023. The rising importance of mathematical skills in fields like data science, cryptography, and machine learning is likely driving this growth.
Perhaps most notably, Chemistry experienced one of the largest jumps, with a 38% increase in preferences, as 6,322 students selected it in 2024, compared to 4,559 in 2023. The evolving role of chemistry in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental science has clearly captured students’ attention.
8. IIT Bombay’s Global Standing
The popularity of these branches is a testament to IIT Bombay’s stellar reputation, both within India and globally. Ranked third in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024 for engineering and 118th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, IIT Bombay consistently attracts top talent. Its state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, and strong industry connections make it the first choice for over 1.9 lakh students who applied for various branches this year.
Closing Thoughts
IIT Bombay continues to be a hub of excellence, offering a wide array of engineering and non-engineering programs that cater to diverse student interests. While traditional branches like Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering remain dominant, emerging fields such as Energy Engineering and Economics are seeing a significant rise in demand. As the institute continues to evolve, it is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of engineering education and research, shaping the future of India’s technical landscape.
