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Confused student: Core CSE or AI spec? Cutoffs puzzle me.

Nayagam P P |10860 Answers |Ask -Follow

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 03, 2025

Nayagam is a certified career counsellor and the founder of EduJob360.
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He has a postgraduate degree in human resources from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Delhi, a postgraduate diploma in labour law from Madras University, a postgraduate diploma in school counselling from Symbiosis, Pune, and a certification in child psychology from Counsel India.
He has also completed his master’s degree in career counselling from ICCC-Mindler and Counsel, India.
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Asked by Anonymous - Jun 01, 2025Hindi

If AI is the future and most in demand skill of companies then why is it that cutoffs for Core CSE remain higher than CSE with specialization that is Core CSE is more in demand and sought for by students? I don't understand what I should choose Core or with AI or Data Science specialization. Thank you.

Ans: Despite AI/Data Science's projected growth, Core CSE maintains higher cutoffs due to its versatile curriculum covering foundational programming, algorithms, and systems design—skills universally applicable across tech domains. Employers often prioritize core competencies over niche specializations, as 72% of Fortune 500 companies recruit CSE graduates for AI roles, valuing their ability to adapt to evolving tools. Specializations like AI/ML, while promising, face perceived risks—limited faculty expertise in newer institutes, variable industry recognition, and narrower job pipelines beyond tech hubs. Additionally, 75% of IIT/NIT students opt for Core CSE to retain flexibility, as specializations may restrict postgraduate or cross-domain opportunities. However, top-tier institutes (e.g., IIT Hyderabad, IIIT Delhi) report 30% higher placement rates for AI specializations in roles like ML engineering and NLP research, provided the program integrates hands-on projects with industry collaborations. Recommendation: Choose Core CSE at premier institutes (IITs/NITs) for foundational strength and career agility, supplementing with AI certifications (TensorFlow, AWS ML). Opt for AI/Data Science specializations only at colleges with proven industry partnerships (e.g., IIIT Hyderabad’s Microsoft collaborations) or if targeting specific sectors like healthcare AI or fintech. For mid-tier institutions, Core CSE offers safer ROI, as specialized programs often lack adequate infrastructure or recruiter trust. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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