IIT Ropar’s AI-Data Engineering Sees Biggest Rise in Student Choices for 2025
IIT Ropar has reported a significant increase in student preferences for various undergraduate programs for the academic year 2025, according to the latest figures released by the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC). This year, the spotlight is on the Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering program, which has recorded the highest jump in student choices, reflecting the growing interest in this field.
Overall Trends in Student Preferences
The data indicates a general upward trend in student interest across most engineering disciplines at IIT Ropar. The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) program continues to lead as the most preferred course, experiencing a 14.55% increase in choices. In 2025, CSE garnered 18,702 choices, up from 16,326 in the previous year. This sustained interest can be attributed to the promising career prospects in software development, cybersecurity, and AI-driven roles.
Highlight: AI and Data Engineering
The standout performer this year is the Artificial Intelligence and Data Engineering program, which saw an impressive 17.27% rise in student choices. The number of choices surged from 13,764 in 2024 to 16,141 in 2025. This increase underscores the strong demand for careers centered around data engineering, machine intelligence, and analytics.
Growth in Mathematics and Computing
Another noteworthy program is Mathematics and Computing, which also maintained robust growth. This course experienced a 15.35% increase in student choices, rising from 11,493 to 13,257. The growth in this area indicates a preference among students for careers that focus on mathematical foundations and algorithmic problem-solving.
Core Engineering Streams
Among the core engineering disciplines, several programs demonstrated significant growth:
- Electrical Engineering: Increased by 11.49%, reaching 14,943 choices from 13,402.
- Mechanical Engineering: Rose by 11.35%, from 11,811 to 13,151.
- Civil Engineering: Recorded a 12.94% increase, moving from 9,693 to 10,947.
- Chemical Engineering: Climbed 11.03%, from 9,716 to 10,788.
- Engineering Physics: Grew by 12.66%, from 7,134 to 8,037.
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering: Increased by 9.37%, reaching 8,472 choices from 7,746.
This growth reflects a steady interest in traditional engineering fields, particularly those linked to production, automotive, and infrastructure sectors.
Emerging Programs
In addition to established programs, two newly introduced courses have attracted considerable attention:
- Digital Agriculture: This program received 5,705 choices in its inaugural year, indicating a rising interest in agri-technology and smart farming solutions.
- Electrical Engineering (Integrated Circuit Design and Technology): Attracted 11,459 choices, aligning with the national emphasis on semiconductor development and chip manufacturing.
Conclusion
The data from IIT Ropar for 2025 illustrates a clear trend towards fields that integrate technology and data analytics. The rise in choices for AI and Data Engineering, along with other engineering disciplines, highlights the evolving landscape of education and career opportunities in India. As industries increasingly rely on technology and data-driven decision-making, programs that equip students with these skills are likely to remain in high demand.
Note: This article is based on the latest available data and trends as of December 2025.
