Poorly structured programs and the option to shift to industry-oriented skill courses have contributed to a decline in PG
enrolments.
A concerning trend has emerged in the landscape of postgraduate engineering education in India as according to AICTE data, the enrolment for MTech and other PG engineering courses has significantly dropped over the years. This trend is not confined to colleges of tier-II and III cities alone. Even premier institutions like IITT have reported a decline in MTech enrolments.
DECLINING OVER TIME:
The decline in postgraduate enrolments can be attributed to several factors.
“Over the past five to six years, students have been securing well-paying jobs after completing their BTech degrees, reducing the inclination to pursue further studies. Additionally, the availability of industry-oriented skill courses to bypass two-year postgraduate programs, saving time and still landing good jobs.”
Many students now perceive the MTech degree as unnecessary for job prospects. “While GATE enrolments continue to decline, indicating that students are taking the GATE exam primarily for public sector jobs rather than to pursue higher education.”
“In the US, MS/MTech programs are either aligned with industry demands or integrated with PhD programs, but in India, the MTech programs have not adapted to industry needs, making it less appealing to students.” Students who enroll in MTech often drop out once they secure a job, reflecting a broader lack of perceived value in postgraduate engineering education.
Echoing similar concerns, blames the substandard MTech programs offered by some institutions to be the reason behind low enrolment.
“Some institutions are doing a huge disservice by offering poorly structured postgraduate programs. These institutes do not have adequate infrastructure, qualified faculty, regular assessments, or attendance requirements. Still, they award degrees that come alarmingly close to being considered fake. In the long run, this discourages students from opting for PG studies.”
MATTER OF CONCERN:
Expressing concern over the situation, warned that while UG programs provide basic knowledge, real specialization occurs at the PG level. Without action, the declining interest in MTech programs could worsen the shortage of qualified postgraduate and doctoral-level faculty in engineering colleges.
A declining number of specialized postgraduate engineers could hinder India’s progress in high-tech sectors such as AI, ML, and semiconductor manufacturing.
The AICTE has revised its curriculum and introduced reforms such as allowing students to pursue internships or work as professionals while completing their PG programs, but these measures have yet to reverse the downward trend.
“Additionally, AICTE has proposed a 50% increase in PG scholarships to the Ministry of Education (MoE) to attract more students to higher studies.”
Suggesting measures to revive interest in MTech programs, “Reintroducing the teacher-candidate scheme, shortening program durations to 1.5 years, introducing dual specializations within the same major and different disciplines, and integrating emerging technologies such as AI with data science, Internet of Things, quantum computing, AR and VR blockchain and cybersecurity, micro-bots and stem cell therapy as specializations might help to attract the interest of young minds.”
Restructuring the MTech programs to better align with industry needs and global best practices is needed. “Offering accelerated programs, integrating dual specializations, and focusing more or on practical training through internships and industry projects are essential strategies.”
