In the last few years, India has witnessed an unprecedented increase in the production of engineers in different branches. Among these, Computer science and allied branches dominate the other core branches, such as civil and mechanical engineering. The craze for these courses is predominantly higher than those by their children. Reasons are aplenty in the global scenario. An engineering degree in computer science would give them a better job in the future. Expectations are optimistic considering the availability of jobs in the private sector especially in the Software field. No doubt, it is justifiable too. Being dollar-crazy, young engineers leave the country in the hope of a lucrative job offer.
In the changing global scenario, they do no wrong to opt for such jobs. Even in the Government sector, graduates of Computer Science hardly get a single chance except on a contractual basis that too for a time-bound project. Only Software Companies can accommodate them for jobs. The Core Engineering branches are neglected. They are essential branches for human survival. Yet, students prefer Computer Science to Core branches. India is short of Engineers in Core branches. The availability of jobs in the Private Sector is perhaps the sole reason for students opting for Computer Science.
There are no takers for core branches. These branches have lost their charm and glory though they are essential learning. The emergence of courses like AI, AIML, IT, CS and DS demands the attention of students and attracts them to a hopeful future in the Private sector. The graduates who successfully join the companies are identified as lacking in necessary skills. Any company looks for skills-based knowledge in the delivery of service. The young Engineers are under scanner now for their poor skills in Communication. The result is that they are shown the doors to exit from the companies. It is observed that most of them fail miserably in terms of skill-based application. The degree is different and the job delivery is different.
The focus is more on the application of knowledge in executing the work. They are failing now in terms of efficiency and delivery. A professional graduate should be able to handle all tasks equally in a diligent way. Again, skill-based knowledge is required. The companies which recruit them look for the skills. Except for a few bright graduates who succeed in Campus Selections, most of them cannot reach the final level. Technically they look better on paper, but when it comes to the delivery of work, they are a failure.
Relevance of Core Engineering Sciences:
While this is being so, the core branches like CIVIL, Mechanical, EEE and ECE are facing the threat of extinction. These core branches are basic engineering sciences which have been with us since times immemorial. Beginning from the early days, Civil Engineering provides basic knowledge skills in construction, and ECE is at the forefront of innovation. With its constantly evolving nature, ECE offers exciting career opportunities and the chance to make a real impact on society. ECE plays a crucial role in developing technologies that transform lives. Similarly, Mechanical Engineering graduates can work for software and core sectors. From designing to manufacturing, ME is home to many applications and gadgets. Without CE, ME, ECE, and EEE, there is no life for people across the globe. They are part and parcel of life. Yet, people are reluctant to take admissions in these core branches. One can survive with a Computer degree for the time being because of sudden recessions. But living without core engineering branches is almost the extinction of human life in the universe.
AICTE, the major stakeholder in Technical Education, should restore the glory of Basic Engineering Sciences like CE, ME, ECE, and EEE on par with Computer Sciences. Do they become Engineers on their own? Or Do we make them Engineers? Even the skilling and reskilling of such graduates needs to be initiated once again. Policymakers must revive and revise the Engineering branches without scope for gaps in admissions.
P.V. Laxmiprasad is an author, editor and literary critic with 43 books to his credit.