Mangaluru: After years of waning interest, mechanical and civil engineering programs in coastal Karnataka colleges are once again gaining popularity. Engineering institutes are witnessing renewed enthusiasm, especially for mechanical courses, where management quota seats are already filled. Civil engineering is also picking up momentum, say college heads.
N Chiplunkar, principal of NMAM Institute of Technology, Karkala, noted that both NRI and lateral entry seats are filled this year—unlike previous years when mechanical intake barely crossed 70 out of 120. Civil engineering, with a smaller intake of 60, is seeing steady but slower progress in admissions.
At St Joseph Engineering College, Mangaluru, principal Rio D’Souza confirmed that the civil engineering management seats have been completely booked. He also pointed to an encouraging trend: a rise in female enrollment in core engineering fields.
Narendra U P, dean of training and placement at MITE, Moodbidri, stated that mechanical engineering graduates from the recent batch are already placed, while many computer science graduates are still searching. This is due to changing job market dynamics, where demand has unexpectedly favored core branches.
Supporting this, a placement officer from a reputed Mangaluru institution added that aspirants for civil services are now opting for civil and mechanical streams. These students prioritize holistic learning over high-paying tech roles, choosing stress-free academic paths aligned with their long-term goals.
The resurgence reflects a broader shift in student choices and industry needs.
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