Bangalore students steer clear of specialised engineering courses

Computer Science (CS), Electronics and Communications (E&C), Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Civil and Information Science – the seats for these undergraduate courses have almost been sold out in the first two days of the counselling conducted by the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA).

But what is disappointing is that the account has not been opened for several interesting courses, partly because students are unaware of them, and partly because of parents’ ignorance and dislike of courses that they feel do not have a good job market.

Two days into the counselling and no student has opted for even one of the very few seats available in Aeronautical, Elec-inst Technology, Polymer Technology, Environmental, Bio-medical, Construction Tech Management, Silk Technology, Ceramics, Mining, and Textiles.

DNA conducted a reality check on Thursday on students’ knowledge of these courses, and it was no surprising to find several of them looking surprised when told of the existence of these subjects. “I know of CS, E&C, Electrical, Civil, Mechanical and Information Science, and I prefer joining either CS or E&C. But I have never heard of engineering courses in Ceramics or Polymer Technology,” said Sujith PC, an engineering seat aspirant.

Though Anuradha Bhushan, another aspirant, said she had heard of some of these courses, she outrightly questioned: “What is the use of pursuing such courses? I am sure we won’t get a good job even if we pursue them. Whatever the course may be, ultimately what we will earn is what counts.”

Experts said that the unpopular courses helped students hone multiple skills, but aspirants and parents opted for streams that were popular in the job market. “These are specialised courses and students who have an aptitude for them should take up such studies. Unfortunately, even if students are interested in such technologies, parents dissuade them,” said Prof Balasubramanya Murthy, principal of PES Institute of Technology.

He added that the state government needed to popularise these courses. “There is a need for specialised faculty and research works need to be conducted in such fields. Even colleges should create awareness among students about these courses by organising seminars and workshops,” Prof Murthy said.
However, KEA officials said the situation this year also was nothing different from the previous years. “It happens every year,” said SP Kulkarni, administrative officer, KEA.

Officials added that this year, the demand for Automobile, Industrial Engineering Management and Industrial Production courses was also on the decline, with not even one student opting for these courses in the last two days. One such course was Mining, which was primarily started to cater to the Hatti gold mines in Kolar Gold Fields. But the demand was on the decline as production at the mines had stopped.