What will be the future of core engineering(B.E./B.Tech.) programs in Tamilnadu | Computer allied programs dominates the market

In the academic year 2021-22, the admission enquiries to various B.E./B.Tech. programs offered by technical institutions in Tamilnadu were completely dominated by computer allied programs like Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences, Information Technology, Computer Science and Business Systems, among others.


Though there was a steady decline in the number of students preferring the core engineering programs like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering, etc in the past few years. But, this year students have entirely sidelined almost all the core engineering programs. Except for a few students really passionate about having a career in the core industry and a few willing to compromise their preferences for the reputation of the college.


Student preference at this juncture is really worrying as they are only looking at the present scenario and not considering the future.
Eg: Opportunities in Electric Mobility in the next 4-5 Years look promising but the takers for programs like Electrical Engineering and Automobile Engineering are very limited.


The students who have secured good marks in class 12 exams are not preferring the core programs (the majority of them). Most of them are under the perception that only IT jobs can pay them well. They also strongly believe that IT jobs haven't been affected much in the pandemic ( Which may be the fact).


On the other hand, some of the students who have secured less think that they can fit into disciplines like Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, etc.  Their lack of interest forces the admission team to pick candidates among the limited applications. Which might have a lot of consequences and challenges in Training and Placement. This may also lead to the Demand and Supply gap in the near future.


There are some good trustworthy sources like www.ibef.org (Trust established by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India) and  https://www.investindia.gov.in/ ( An initiative by GoI) provides information for business professionals seeking updated, accurate, and comprehensive information on the investment opportunities, Present market scenario, etc. But these portal serves also acts  as a knowledge centre to furnish Job Opportunities, Expected growth of various sectors, etc. However, awareness levels about these websites are very limited.


Positive Impact:
The competitive environment may force the technical institutions to adapt/ enhance the effectiveness of interdisciplinary learning through a Major-Minor program structure/ Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), Upgrade the curriculum, etc with Industry- Institute collaboration. Provide access or authorization to online learning through credit transfer. 
 
Negative Impact:
The situation has led some of the colleges to close/ reduce the intake of core engineering programs. Worried about the future of the 1,00,000 + faculty and staff members working in core engineering programs in Tamilnadu from 480+ Engineering colleges. Not sure whether re-skilling is possible in the higher education industry. Hence, it may pave the way for layoff, underpay, etc.  


My Question: Whether it is the responsibility of only the technical institutions to keep educating the engineering aspirants about the possibilities in the core industry/ Career options in core programs? 


Why can't Schools/ Media/ Industrial bodies/ others educate the kids on the same?


Share your thoughts.....