On one side, we hear that software jobs are disappearing. On the other side, parents and students are rushing, saying they only want software branches, computer science branches. In the 2025 EAMCET counseling is that in Computer Science or related branches like AI-ML, Data Science, GenTech AI, Cybersecurity, and core CSE, the majority of students are showing interest. Whether it’s top rankers or average rankers, even those with low ranks, in national-level exams, too, almost 80 to 90% prefer Computer Science branches.
Historical Trends
| 2010 | ECE / Mechanical | High demand in core electronics & manufacturing |
| 2015 | ECE / CSE | IT jobs rising, ECE still popular |
| 2020 | CSE / Data Science | Core branch interest is declining |
| 2025 | CSE / AI-ML | Almost 80 to 90% students prefer Computer Science |
The Contradiction: Fewer Jobs vs. Rising Demand
On one hand, the news says software jobs are disappearing, AI is taking over coding, and Microsoft has laid off so many employees. On the other hand, if someone gets a B.Tech CSE/AI-ML seat even in a normal university, they’re paying:
Fees:
- CSE-ML ₹70,000
- ECE ₹20,000
- EEE ₹1,00,000
Preference Order by Parents/Students in 2025 Counseling
| 1 | AI-ML | Future demand, AI jobs, higher packages |
| 2 | Data Science / Cybersecurity | High international opportunities |
| 3 | Core CSE | Safe option with steady demand |
| 4 | ECE | Some demand in chip design & electronics |
| 5 | EEE | Field job involvement |
| 6 | Civil / Mechanical | Site/field jobs, fewer IT crossovers |
Salary Comparison Across Streams (India, Avg. Starting Package)
| CSE / IT | ₹6–12 LPA |
| AI-ML | ₹8–14 LPA |
| Data Science | ₹7–13 LPA |
| ECE | ₹4–7 LPA |
| EEE | ₹3–6 LPA |
| Civil / Mechanical | ₹3–5 LPA |
During counseling, even students with 13,000 ranks are interested in CSE only, wherever it comes. So among B. Tech students, the craze is for CSE. In 2025, parents too are putting AI-ML as their first preference, Data Science/Cybersecurity as second, and then Core CSE. After that, to some extent, ECE.
So, while jobs seem to be going, demand for CSE is still very high. That confusion exists for everyone.
The Undeniable Popularity of CSE
Whether we agree or not, there’s no denying CSE has high demand. Even All India Rank 1, 2, or 3 students are choosing CSE at IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, etc. So naturally, normal students and parents, too, in private or deemed universities, are insisting only on CSE/AI-ML.
Example
Sometimes, when we refer a student to a university, if they don’t get AI-ML, they refuse even Core CSE.
Why Parents Avoid Other Branches
Because in branches like ECE, EEE, Civil, and Mechanical, work involves not only desk jobs but also field work.
- Civil engineers must go to construction sites.
- EEE graduates, too, may have to visit fields.
Parents want their kids to do only desk/office work, not go to sites.
The Second Reason: International Opportunities
It’s not like Civil doesn’t have them; Australia, Dubai hire civil engineers. Electronics has demand in Germany, Japan, and parts of Europe.
But compared to all these:
- In Computer Science, 95% of B.Tech students find better opportunities, especially in the US, with IT companies.
- Even when they do MS abroad, Computer Science students get more scope.
Parents and students believe CSE has more international opportunities.
Salary Advantage in IT
And salaries. On average, IT still offers higher packages compared to other streams.
Other key points:
- Rapid technology growth → Blockchain, IoT, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing, AI.
- Interesting work → Students don’t want boring, repetitive work.
- Startup ecosystem → After 5–10 years, IT professionals can build products or companies more easily than ECE/EEE graduates.
Drawbacks of the CSE Branch
CSE has some drawbacks.
- With AI, some coding jobs will go.
- Because of the recession, some new projects aren’t coming to India.
- The US wants to keep hiring there.
Still, even though newspapers keep writing “AI will kill jobs,” CSE seats are filling up everywhere.
Parents clearly have a strong interest in CSE during counseling.
The Bigger Picture: Beyond Branches
So, is ECE great? Triple EEE great? Mechanical great? Civil great? Or CSE great? I feel that’s not the point.
Example
In the last 15 to 25 years, since 2001, whatever branch people studied, ECE, Mechanical, Civil, about 20% pursued their core passion, while 80% shifted into IT by doing IT courses or certifications, working abroad, or settling in India in various places.
Adapting to Changing Times
Now, too, people are panicking, saying AI will destroy IT jobs. But every generation adjusts.
- Whatever branch you study, you’ll shift into fields where jobs exist.
- If AI really eliminates software jobs, engineers will do what ECE/EEE/Mechanical students did before: shift into IT.
- Tomorrow, if AI creates new industries like semiconductors, autonomous vehicles, robotics, with lakhs of jobs, CSE graduates will also shift there by upskilling.
More important than the branch is the student’s talent and hard work.
Myth vs Reality
| “AI will kill all coding jobs.” | AI removes repetitive coding, but creates new high-paying AI/ML roles |
| “ECE/EEE has no future.” | Demand is rising again in semiconductors, EVs, and chip design |
| “CSE is the only safe branch.” | CSE is strong, but adaptability + skills matter more |
Why CSE Keeps Winning
On one side, people say jobs are going away. On the other hand, demand for this branch is rising.
Reason:
- New technologies keep coming in CSE.
- Software is improving every business, hospital, bank, agriculture, and education.
- Worldwide, people believe that Computer Science improves everything.
FAQs
Q1. Why are parents preferring CSE/AI-ML in 2025 counseling?
Because of desk jobs, higher salaries, and strong international opportunities.
Q2. Can non-CSE students switch to IT later?
Yes. Historically, around 80% of ECE, Mechanical, and Civil students have transitioned to IT jobs via certifications or training programs.
Q3. What’s the safe strategy in 2025 for choosing a branch?
Pick a branch based on interest and future upskilling potential. CSE remains highly flexible and in demand.
Q4. Is AI really killing all coding jobs?
No. It removes repetitive tasks but creates new high-paying roles like AI model trainer, data scientist, and more.
Q5. Are other branches completely useless now?
Definitely not. Semiconductors, EVs, and chip design are seeing renewed demand globally.
Q6. What role does upskilling play in career growth?
Upskilling is critical. Branch matters less when you continuously learn new technologies and adapt.
Q7. Why do parents prioritize desk jobs?
They believe office work is safer, more comfortable, and offers better international prospects.
Q8. Does Civil Engineering have an international scope?
Yes, especially in Australia and the Middle East, but less flexible than CSE globally.
Q9. Are fees a factor for choosing CSE?
Many parents still prefer CSE despite higher fees due to perceived better job returns.
Q10. Will the AI revolution reduce the CSE scope long-term?
History shows tech evolves, but human adaptability persists. New fields will emerge.
Conclusion
Because not everyone can be wrong. If so many are choosing CSE across India, there must be something to it. Even if you fear AI might reduce jobs, today’s generation will adapt, learn new courses, and shift to whichever domain is in demand.
- No need to worry too much.
- Overall, the counseling trend is very positive for CSE.
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