Once popular and considered to be the “Evergreen Subject” of the Mechanical Engineering Branch has now taken a back seat with the fading away of its popularity. Once considered to be the gateway for Government jobs, the Civil Engineering stream has also lost its charm with fewer takers now.
These are the common questions that arise in the minds of students who intend to pursue Undergraduate Programmes in Mechanical or Civil Engineering after the 10+2 or 12th Class in India.
This article deals with the key factors responsible for such a major shift from “Popular” to “Unpopular” of Mechanical and Civil Engineering branches over the last two decades and the prospects of the students who intend to pursue these Programs in India.
Mechanical Engineering deals with the design and analysis of structures, and the development of devices, machines, and mechanical systems using the principles of thermodynamics, Physics, Material Science, etc. while Civil Engineering is a branch of Engineering Science that deals with the Planning, Design, and Construction of Buildings, Roads, Bridges, and many other infrastructures.
Many Academicians in India opined that the diminishing trend of demand for Mechanical and Civil Engineering Courses during the last decade is a worrying factor.
Several students coming out of Colleges/Universities with an Engineering degree in hand, in the discipline of Mechanical and Civil Engineering are finding it difficult to get suitable placement. Even if a job is secured, the salary package offered to these Graduates does not commensurate with their qualifications. It has been observed that the majority of Mechanical and Civil Engineers are lacking technical and Engineering skills in their respective disciplines due to the depleted quality of education with inappropriate/obsolete/outdated Laboratories and the non-availability of experienced Faculties to impart relevant knowledge and training. Another reason being quoted by Academicians is that the syllabi are outdated and are not in conformity with the changed industry and the current market scenario. This is causing the unemployable situation of the qualified graduates of the Mechanical and Civil Engineering streams.
On the other hand, the construction and manufacturing Sectors in India are growing rapidly. This requirement of manpower in the field of Mechanical and Civil Engineering is being met mostly by Diploma Holders by offering much fewer annual packages.
Another important factor for the depleted demand for Mechanical and Civil Engineering streams is the craze for Computer-oriented undergraduate and Management Programmes. There is a great demand in the job market for Computer and Management candidates and hence most students are choosing these programs. Even students who pass out from Mechanical and Civil Engineering are choosing to study MBA with the intention to join white-collar jobs, instead of working in the field and factory/workshop environment.
It is a fact that there is no dearth of opportunities for Mechanical and Civil Engineering in India. The need of the hour is to revamp the syllabi of Civil and Mechanical Engineering to meet the growing needs of the current industry moving towards automation. All the Universities and Colleges offering Mechanical and Civil Engineering must upgrade their infrastructure facilities, including laboratories, and appoint well-qualified Faculty Members with adequate knowledge and skills of the current market and industry scenario.
Digitization is fast changing the Mechanical Engineering Sector in India. From Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) to Big Data, these Technologies are transforming Engineers to develop and design new equipment/machines. Internet of Things ((IoT) driven intelligent devices helps Mechanical Engineers to identify and potentially solve common issues and make improvements remotely. Researchers have estimated that the number of IoT devices online shall increase to 75 billion by 2025, which undoubtedly hints that the opportunities for Mechanical Engineers shall raise in the years to come.
There is always a constant demand for infrastructure development in Developing countries like India requiring continuous Projects for Civil Engineers all over the Country.
The Construction Sector in India is the second largest Industry employing above 35 million people across the country and is all set to achieve strong growth in the future in view of the initiatives of the Government to develop roads, railways, and housing.
Such positive indications of the construction sector shall enhance the opportunities for students to make a choice to pursue Civil Engineering as their dream Programme/course after the 10+2 or 12th Class.
No doubt there is a slump in the Mechanical and Civil Engineering branches in India over the last two decades due to a variety of reasons. However, students with high skills and knowledge do get fair opportunities in the job market. Hence, it is necessary to exercise due diligence before selecting the right College/University for pursuing their dream Engineering Degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering.
There will be a wide range of opportunities for Degree holders of Mechanical and Civil Engineering in the years to come, keeping in view the development in the Government and Private Sectors in India in the field of Mechanical and Civil Engineering.