Traditional engineering courses losing popularity in Karnataka as students flock to AI, ML: Report
Bengaluru: Traditional engineering disciplines such as mechanical and civil engineering are reportedly losing popularity among students in Karnataka, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) courses see a surge in demand.
Several engineering colleges have approached the state’s Higher Education Department seeking either a reduction in intake or complete closure of conventional engineering programmes, The New Indian Express quoted officials as saying.
This year, colleges had anticipated a revival in mechanical engineering admissions, particularly under the management quota, due to increasing opportunities in sectors like manufacturing and defence. Similar interest was also expected for government quota seats. However, the interest has reportedly not materialised as expected.
A senior official, quoted by TNIE, said that the popularity of AI-related courses has continued to rise from last year. “This is largely due to the increasing number of job opportunities in AI-related fields, strong demand from the IT industry, and a growing awareness among students about the future potential of emerging technologies like ML and data science,” the official said.
For the academic year 2025–26, a total of 1,35,969 engineering seats have been made available across 217 colleges in Karnataka, including 64,047 under the government quota. This marks a reduction of 5,313 seats compared to 2024–25, when 1,41,009 seats were offered across 245 institutions, with 66,663 in the government quota, the report added.
The final seat matrix for the upcoming year has not yet been released. Officials confirmed that decision to reduce or close certain courses has already been made. Any increase in seats, especially for AI, ML, and related disciplines, will be reflected once all colleges update and submit their data.
Despite an earlier proposal to freeze Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) seats, a substantial number are still available this year. A total of 33,813 CSE seats have been offered, including 15,754 under the government quota. Last year, there were 35,013 CSE seats, of which 16,280 were in the government quota. Additionally, 18,492 seats are available in Electronics and Communication Engineering, and 8,538 in Information Science and Engineering.
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Army operationalises 3D concrete printing tech for quick construction of bunkers, sentry posts
Gangtok (PTI): The Indian Army, in collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, has operationalised on-site 3D concrete printing technology for quick construction of bunkers, sentry posts and protective structures in forward areas of Sikkim, a Defence statement said.
The capability -- already proven in other operational areas earlier -- has been effectively employed by the Trishakti Corps in the Himalayan state, it said.
"The indigenous robotic 3D concrete printer, equipped with a robotic arm, circular mixer, piston pump and generator, is fully vehicle-portable and optimised for rapid movement in mountainous terrain," the statement said.
The printed structures have undergone live ballistic trials, validating their strength and protective performance.
The 3D concrete printing provides major operational advantages, including customised designs, enhanced blast and ballistic resistance, higher compressive strength, improved quality control, efficient use of local materials and rapid construction in tactically acceptable timelines.
It also supports terrain-specific designs and advanced camouflage needs.
The continued adoption of on-site 3D printing represents a significant leap in the Army's engineering and operational readiness, enabling fast, sustainable, and mission-oriented infrastructure development in challenging environments, it added.
