The Most Popular Engineering Branches at IITs in 2024: A Comprehensive Overview
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The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are considered some of the most esteemed engineering institutions in India. Every year, thousands of students aspire to secure a place in these elite institutions. While the branches offered by IITs are diverse, a few continue to dominate the preferences of students. According to the latest Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) report of 2024, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Electrical Engineering (EE), and Civil Engineering (CE) remain the most sought-after courses across all 23 IITs.
This year’s data, released by the Joint Admission Board (JAB), provides an in-depth look into the choices made by students during the admission process. It reveals fascinating trends in branch popularity, candidate preferences for specific IITs, and year-on-year shifts in these patterns.
Dominance of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)
Once again, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) has emerged as the most popular branch among IIT aspirants. In 2024, a staggering 4,30,238 students selected CSE as their preferred field of study. This marks a significant 12% increase from the previous year’s 3,82,296 applicants, continuing a rising trend that began several years ago.
CSE has consistently been a top choice for students due to its association with lucrative job prospects, the booming tech industry, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge innovations. Over the last few years, CSE has seen steady growth in popularity:
- 2023: 3,82,296 applicants
- 2022: 3,99,642 applicants
- 2021: 3,86,360 applicants
- 2020: 4,00,000+ applicants
Despite a slight dip in 2021, CSE has consistently attracted a large number of aspirants, and 2024 has proven to be no exception. With a record number of applicants, it’s clear that this branch continues to appeal to students aspiring for high-profile careers in software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and related fields.
Mechanical Engineering: Consistently Popular Despite Fluctuations
Mechanical Engineering (ME), known for its traditional appeal and wide scope, remains a strong contender, though its popularity has seen some fluctuations over the years. In 2024, 3,18,477 students opted for ME as their desired branch, making it one of the top three choices.
The historical data reveals a dynamic trend in the popularity of Mechanical Engineering:
- 2019: 2,97,817 applicants
- 2020: 3,37,115 applicants
- 2021: 2,52,906 applicants
- 2022: 2,78,629 applicants
- 2023: 2,76,384 applicants
Mechanical Engineering experienced a decline in popularity during 2021, but it recovered slightly in subsequent years. The 2024 numbers show a significant resurgence, which may be attributed to the growing interest in fields like robotics, automotive engineering, and advanced manufacturing technologies. ME has traditionally been a branch that offers diverse career opportunities, both in India and abroad, which helps maintain its appeal.
Electrical Engineering: A Strong Contender
Electrical Engineering (EE) continues to be a prominent choice for students, with 3,12,631 applicants selecting it as their desired branch in 2024. This year marks the second time since 2020 that EE has attracted over three lakh students.
The trend for Electrical Engineering over the last few years has been as follows:
- 2019: 2,92,267 applicants
- 2020: 3,38,352 applicants
- 2021: 2,80,724 applicants
- 2022: 2,80,724 applicants
- 2023: 3,12,631 applicants
Despite some minor fluctuations, EE remains one of the most sought-after engineering branches. Its steady popularity can be attributed to the versatile nature of the field, which spans various industries including power systems, electronics, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
Civil Engineering: A Steady Comeback
Civil Engineering, one of the oldest engineering disciplines, has witnessed an interesting trend over the past few years. In 2024, 2,22,027 students applied for Civil Engineering (CE), reflecting a noticeable increase from the previous year. The historical data shows a fluctuating interest in this branch:
- 2019: 2,15,651 applicants
- 2020: 2,41,096 applicants
- 2021: 1,82,000 applicants
- 2022: 1,98,620 applicants
- 2023: 1,95,248 applicants
The drop in 2021 can be attributed to a shift in focus towards more tech-centric branches during the pandemic. However, with urban development projects, infrastructure growth, and sustainable construction practices gaining importance, Civil Engineering seems to be regaining its place among student preferences. The rise in 2024 suggests a renewed interest in this vital engineering field, which plays a key role in nation-building.
IIT-Specific Trends
While branch popularity is crucial, students also show preferences for specific IITs, which vary depending on the branch. According to the JIC report of 2024, IIT Bombay remains the most popular destination for students aspiring to pursue Computer Science and Engineering, with 25,481 students selecting it as their first choice for CSE. The institute’s reputation for academic excellence, strong placement records, and proximity to India’s tech hub, Mumbai, makes it a top choice.
In contrast, IIT Delhi emerged as the most sought-after institute for Electrical Engineering, with 21,855 students expressing interest in its EE program. The capital city’s strategic location, along with IIT Delhi’s reputation for high-quality education and research, makes it a preferred choice for students.
For Civil Engineering, IIT Delhi also led the list, with 15,122 students choosing it. On the other hand, IIT Patna surprisingly topped the list for overall candidate choice count across all courses, followed by IIT (BHU) Varanasi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Roorkee.
This surge in IIT Patna’s popularity can be attributed to multiple factors, including the availability of seats, new programs, and perhaps even the growing recognition of emerging IITs as top-tier institutions in their own right.
Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Trends in IIT Admissions
The year 2024 has reaffirmed the enduring popularity of Computer Science and Engineering, with an increasing number of students opting for the branch in the hope of capitalizing on the tech-driven global economy. Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering continue to hold their own, reflecting the diverse interests of engineering aspirants in India.
The fluctuating patterns in branch preferences show how external factors—such as advancements in technology, changing industry demands, and global trends—impact the choices made by students. With each year, these preferences continue to evolve, painting a dynamic picture of the future of engineering in India.
As India continues its rapid development, IIT graduates from these core branches will play a pivotal role in shaping the technological and infrastructural landscape of the country.
