AI Job Fears Drive IIT Aspirants Toward Core Engineering Branches
On June 16, 2026, academic data revealed that IIT aspirants in Hyderabad and across India are increasingly shifting their preferences from Computer Science to core engineering branches. This change, highlighted in the first-round Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) seat allotment, is driven by growing concerns over artificial intelligence-led job losses and quarterly layoffs in the IT sector.
While Computer Science and Engineering continues to dominate admissions, an increasing number of top-ranked JEE Advanced students have opted for traditional branches like Civil and Mechanical Engineering.
At IIT Delhi, the opening rank for Civil Engineering improved dramatically from 3,030 in 2025 to 179 in 2026. Similarly, at IIT Bombay, the opening rank for the same branch jumped from 2,666 to 385.
Mechanical engineering also saw significant gains in opening ranks. The opening rank improved from 490 to 380 at IIT Bombay, from 1,156 to 861 at IIT Delhi, and from 762 to 543 at IIT Madras.
Osmania University Vice Chancellor and senior Civil Engineering professor Kumar Molugaram noted that the trend is slowly returning to core branches. He explained that while some students choose civil engineering out of passion, others are prioritizing premier IITs. He added that massive infrastructure projects, such as tunnels, flyovers, and high-rise buildings, are creating strong opportunities for civil engineers.
Prof. Vijaya Kumar Reddy, the TG EAPCET 2026 convener and senior faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering department at JNTU-Hyderabad, stated that mechanical engineering now extends far beyond traditional manufacturing. The field offers opportunities in design, automation, materials, and thermal systems, as industries seek to reduce costs and improve efficiency. He noted that a similar trend is expected in the upcoming TG EAPCET admission counselling.
Students who received a seat in the first round of JoSAA allotment must complete online reporting and pay their tuition fee by 5 p.m. on June 26.
The second round of seat allocation is scheduled for June 30, followed by the third round on July 6. The fifth and final round of seat allocation for IITs and IISc will take place on July 16, with the final payment deadline set for July 20.
