IIT Ropar’s AI & Data Engineering Records Highest Jump: Most Opted Courses in 2025

IIT Ropar’s undergraduate programmes witnessed a sweeping rise in popularity in 2025, according to the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) choice-count data released this year. What stands out across the report is a clear surge in student inclination toward computing, data-driven disciplines, and next-generation engineering programmes. At the same time, traditional branches have registered robust growth, signalling renewed confidence in core engineering domains.

This year’s data captures not only the shifting academic aspirations of students nationwide but also the broader evolution of India’s technology- and infrastructure-driven economy. From soaring interest in Artificial Intelligence to the impressive reception of new programmes such as Digital Agriculture and Integrated Circuit Design, the trends highlight how rapidly student preferences are aligning with emerging industry needs.

CSE Maintains Its Lead with 14.55% Growth

Unsurprisingly, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) remains the most sought-after programme at IIT Ropar. The course recorded a 14.55% year-on-year growth, jumping from 16,326 choices in 2024 to 18,702 in 2025.

The sustained dominance of CSE reflects the widespread demand for talent in software engineering, AI development, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and full-stack technologies. With companies scaling digital infrastructures and adopting automation at unprecedented speed, CSE continues to serve as the primary gateway for students looking to enter cutting-edge tech sectors.

AI & Data Engineering: Fastest-Growing Programme of 2025

The standout story of this year is the staggering rise in the Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering programme. It recorded a remarkable 17.27% increase, climbing from 13,764 choices in 2024 to 16,141 in 2025—the largest jump among all programmes at IIT Ropar.

The programme’s surge underscores several ongoing shifts:

• The rise of machine intelligence across industries
• Growing appetite for data-centric decision-making
• Expansion of roles in applied ML, deep learning, and analytics engineering
• Massive demand from research labs, startups, and enterprise tech firms

Students now recognize AI and data engineering not merely as niche or emerging fields, but as foundational pillars of future innovation. This accelerated interest positions the programme among the institute’s most future-ready offerings.

Mathematics & Computing Continues Its Strong Momentum

Another programme demonstrating impressive growth is Mathematics and Computing, which saw a 15.35% increase—from 11,493 to 13,257 choices. This steady rise reflects the programme’s appeal to students seeking mathematically intensive learning pathways that intersect with high-value industries.

Its graduates are well positioned to enter specialized fields such as:

• Algorithm engineering
• Financial analytics
• Cryptography
• Data science and machine learning
• Computational research

The programme is increasingly viewed as a solid alternative to CSE, especially for students with strong mathematical aptitude.

Core Engineering Makes a Strong Comeback

In an encouraging trend, almost all traditional engineering branches saw healthy growth this year, underscoring the stability and resilience of core engineering disciplines.

Electrical Engineering

• 11.49% increase
• Choices grew from 13,402 to 14,943

Electrical Engineering’s growth may be attributed to expanding opportunities in power systems, embedded systems, electronics, and automation industries.

Mechanical Engineering

• 11.35% increase
• From 11,811 to 13,151 choices

This growth aligns with rising interest in robotics, advanced manufacturing, automotive innovation, and sustainable technologies.

Civil Engineering

• Witnessed a sharp 12.94% rise, from 9,693 to 10,947 choices

The renewed interest points to India’s continued focus on infrastructure expansion, green building, transportation systems, and climate-resilient technology development.

Chemical Engineering

• 11.03% growth
• Increasing from 9,716 to 10,788

Chemical Engineering’s consistent relevance is linked to roles in petrochemicals, renewable energy, process industries, materials science, and pharmaceuticals.

Engineering Physics

• Jumped by 12.66%, rising from 7,134 to 8,037 choices

The increasing popularity reflects rising curiosity around quantum technologies, photonics, semiconductors, and advanced materials—all areas gaining national strategic importance.

Metallurgical & Materials Engineering

• Grew by 9.37%, from 7,746 to 8,472 choices

Interest in materials engineering continues to expand with advancements in nanotechnology, aerospace materials, defence technology, and additive manufacturing.

New Programmes Draw Strong Interest

The 2025 academic year also marked the launch of two new undergraduate programmes at IIT Ropar—both of which gained substantial attention in their debut year.

Digital Agriculture – 5,705 Choices

Digital Agriculture attracted a significant number of students, indicating growing interest in agri-tech, precision farming, sensor-based agricultural systems, and sustainable food technologies. As India pushes for smarter agricultural practices and climate-adapted farming, the programme’s relevance is expected to rise sharply.

Electrical Engineering (IC Design & Technology) – 11,459 Choices

This new programme has already positioned itself as a highly promising offering with a strong first-year showing. The surge in interest can be attributed to India’s national semiconductor mission and the escalating demand for VLSI design, chip engineering, and microelectronics expertise. With global chip shortages and rising investment in semiconductor manufacturing, students see this as a high-impact career path.

What the Numbers Mean for Future Aspirants

The 2025 preference data from IIT Ropar paints a clear picture of shifting academic priorities:

• AI, data engineering, and computing-related disciplines continue to dominate.
• Mathematically intensive programmes are becoming strong alternatives to CSE.
• Core engineering branches are regaining relevance, driven by the manufacturing, infrastructure, and energy sectors.
• New-age domain-specific programmes such as IC design and digital agriculture are gaining rapid traction.

For future aspirants, these trends highlight the importance of aligning academic choices with evolving technological landscapes and industry needs. IIT Ropar’s diverse growth across programmes shows that the institute remains well-positioned to address both emerging and traditional engineering domains.