Higher secondary exam results have been announced, and entrance exams for various engineering programmes are almost over. Students are perplexed about whether pursuing an engineering degree will fetch them a rewarding and challenging career. They are clueless whether to choose conventional or unconventional engineering courses. “Which is better for me: engineering or arts/science course?”, “What factors should I consider while choosing an institution?” Many parents and wards are at crossroads seeking answers to similar questions.
G.Prabhakaran is an expert in engineering education and career guidance. He has served as faculty at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchi, and is currently principal, KCG College of Technology, Chennai.
G.Prabhakaran
The number of students opting for engineering has come down during the past few years. According to the All India Council for Technical Education statistics, in 2015-2016, only 52.2% and in 2016-2017 only 51.1% engineering seats were filled. There has been a constant decline in overall enrolment. Is it not a matter of great concern for us?
Yes, the decline in engineering enrolment is a matter of great concern. There is a great demand for engineers everywhere, and if it is not met, our economy is going to be affected. Engineers are needed in every field. Can we imagine a society without engineers and technologists? No. Without them, the world will be a dull place to live in and India is in need of efficient engineers.
As Science, Technology, Engineering and Math(STEM) courses are popular, and there has been a great demand for such courses across the globe, a career in engineering is exciting, stimulating, challenging and rewarding. We must create awareness among parents and students about the importance of engineering and encourage those who have aptitude for it to opt for it.
It is said that even bright students who had aspired to become engineers during their school days now opt for pure science and arts courses. Is it because they think that there are not many job opportunities for engineering graduates?
Saying that there are not enough job opportunities for engineers is a myth; there are plenty of jobs. Those who have the right knowledge and skills can definitely get well-paying jobs. It is quite unfortunate that some students who have aptitude for engineering, and can shine well as engineers, opt for arts and science courses. They have probably been misguided. Educators have to play a more constructive role in creating awareness among students. Media should also play a role in busting this myth.
Which are the most popular engineering courses? What factors should a candidate consider while choosing courses and institutions?
Some conventional courses such as mechanical engineering, electronics and communication engineering and computer science engineering still remain popular. Choosing the right course and institution is important. Candidates should check whether the chosen engineering programme and the institution has been accredited by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). India is a permanent signatory of the Washington Accord which permits bodies such as NBA to accredit undergraduate engineering degree programmes. NBA accredited engineering programmes are recognised in all developed countries.
When it comes to choosing the right institution, it is important to choose colleges which focus on holistic education and provide opportunities for students to develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, and prepare them for the workplace.
Should aspirants be encouraged to choose unconventional courses?
There are some unconventional courses that are promising, but are yet to become popular. Of late, there is a great demand for fashion technology, automobile engineering, mechatronics and agricultural engineering. In the near future, there will a great demand for such courses.
It is widely believed that many engineering institutions do not provide quality education. What are your views on engineering education in India?
We cannot make a generalisation should generalize by saying that engineering education in India is not good. There are some engineering institutions that are known for providing quality education. India has produced good engineers who work in different parts of the world. Still, it is important to improve the quality of the country’s engineering education. Probably, we need to make some changes in the engineering curriculum to compete with the world’s top-ranking engineering institutions.
What reforms would you suggest in order to improve the quality of the country’s engineering education?
The focus should be on project-based, ICT-based and skills-based education. Engineering education should also focus on overall development of students, not just prepare them for exams. Holistic education is the need of the hour. Teachers are the backbone of any educational institution. Engineering institutions should have competent teachers who constantly reskill and upskill themselves and impart quality education.
Message for readers...
Engineering will never lose its sheen. Educators should create awareness among students about the importance of education and attract interested students who have the required aptitude for applied sciences and math to engineering.
The interviewer is an academic, columnist and freelance writer. rayanal@yahoo.co.uk
