AI, ML, robotics top choice despite IT hiring slowdown

Mangaluru: Even as hiring remains sluggish in the IT sector, computer science-related engineering programmes — especially those focused on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and machine learning (ML)— have emerged as the most sought-after choices among students in Dakshina Kannada this year.Placement outcomes this season were stronger for students from core engineering branches than for many from IT-focused programmes. Alongside rising demand for emerging technology specialisations, traditional branches such as mechanical and civil engineering are also seeing stronger demand than in the past few years, though the recovery is not uniform.Rashmi Bhandary, dean of placement at Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, Adyar, said the job market has been sluggish in IT, but demand for IT courses remains high, as in previous years.

She said students continue to rank computer science as their first preference, followed by computer science with specialisations in AI and machine learning, and then electronics and communication engineering. Mechanical engineering, including newer offerings integrated with robotics, is also drawing good interest, she said.Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering (MITE), Moodubidire, chairman Rajesh Chowta said that while IT-related courses continue to attract demand, there is a noticeable shift toward core engineering programmes.

He said mechanical, mechatronics and aeronautical engineering — once considered to have limited takers — received a strong response this year, with mechanical engineering seats nearly full.

Though the IT job market for freshers is sluggish, institutions that focus on strong skill development are not having difficulty securing jobs for students, he added.Rio D’Souza, principal, St Joseph Engineering College, Mangaluru, said mechanical engineering has returned to normal demand, while civil engineering continues to see sluggishness.

He said computer science, AI-ML and data science courses are performing well, though Bengaluru appears to be witnessing a slight dip in demand.Colleges also reported stronger placement outcomes for core engineering streams this year. Vivek Alva, managing trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation, said all core engineering candidates, particularly from mechanical, were placed with a minimum salary package of Rs 7 lakh. He added that IT graduates continue to have opportunities, provided they build strong skills and put in sustained effort to secure employment.