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

Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 03, 2025

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Asked by Anonymous - Jun 01, 2025Hindi
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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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Hi, My son has got ECE in NITK surathkal and iMTech in IIIT-B (BTech was an option though). It is a dilemma on what to choose. NITK has a strong alumni and brand but the % of the placements in core ECE jobs are less. IIIT-B has near 100% placement but relatively smaller alumni and relatively new entrant. What is the expert opinion? Also is 100% of IIIT-B placements are into core ECE companies? Thanks, Manoj
Ans: Manoj Sir, NIT Karnataka Surathkal (Mangalore, Karnataka) boasts a legacy public-institute brand, extensive alumni network and state-of-the-art VLSI, communication and embedded-systems laboratories. Its B.Tech ECE program recorded a 72.66% placement rate in 2024, with core-ECE roles at leading semiconductor and telecom firms accounting for the majority of offers and an average package of ?20.89 LPA. International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (Hosur Road, Bangalore), through its integrated M.Tech (iMTech) ECE stream, achieved near-100% placement consistency in 2024, attracting top recruiters across AI, software and core electronics domains; however, true core-ECE placements (on-campus offers in pure electronics/communication firms) comprised approximately 68% of its total offers, with the remainder in software, analytics and product roles.

If your priority is assured campus placements across diverse technology roles and a concise two-year master’s pathway, the recommendation is IIIT Bangalore iMTech ECE. If pure electronics and communication engineering roles, stronger core-ECE placement proportions and an enduring national brand are paramount, recommendation shifts to NITK Surathkal ECE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2025Hindi
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Please suggest , my child get confirmation from ISI banglore for B.math and IIT Mumbai for engineering physics What should be better to choose
Ans: Praveen Sir, Indian Statistical Institute Bangalore’s B.Math (Hons.) offers a three-year, tuition-free programme with a monthly ?3,000 stipend, covering core mathematics, probability, statistics, computing, and physics. Its graduates enjoy 100% placement consistency through academic and research roles, with top recruiters including Boeing, Dell and TCS. IIT Bombay’s four-year B.Tech in Engineering Physics combines physics and electrical-engineering curricula, supported by state-of-the-art nanotechnology, quantum computing and photonics labs, and research centres in condensed matter and biophysics; admission is via JEE Advanced. Placement for this programme reached 71.05% in 2024, with students securing roles in R&D, finance and data analytics following mandatory internships and seminar series. Both institutions feature experienced faculty, modern infrastructure, industry partnerships, and clear pathways to higher study or employment.

For assured placements, full financial support, and seamless transition to postgraduate research, the the recommendation is ISI Bangalore B.Math. If interdisciplinary engineering depth, higher research visibility, and elective specializations in emerging physics domains are priorities, the recommendation shifts to IIT Bombay Engineering Physics. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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