EAPCET Counselling 2025: Shift from Core Engineering to Computer Science – IT Sector Facing AI Disruption

Over the past decade, a large number of engineering aspirants have abandoned core branches such as Mechanical, Civil, and Electrical Engineering in favor of Computer Science and IT courses, lured by the promise of high-paying jobs and a better lifestyle. However, the reality in 2025 is starkly different—IT layoffs, reduced salaries, and AI-driven automation are leaving many Computer Science graduates struggling to secure even entry-level jobs.

The IT industry is going through major turbulence, with increasing layoffs targeting even senior professionals for lacking updated skills. Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic, is transforming data centers and reducing manpower requirements. This has created a gap between technological advancements and workforce readiness, which experts attribute to the neglect of core engineering branches.

Massive Job Cuts Since Late 2024

Leading IT companies such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, and Accenture have been downsizing since late 2024. TCS alone laid off 12,000 employees, while Infosys and others followed similar patterns. Although hiring in these firms grew significantly between 2010 and 2025—Infosys (+153%), TCS (+278%), Wipro (+116%), Cognizant (+223%), Accenture (+291%)—the rise of automation and AI has reduced employee demand. By 2025, around 15% of employees in major IT companies have already been let go.

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Declining Salaries and Campus Placements

A decade ago, an IT job was considered a “hotcake” with attractive salaries and quick hikes when switching companies. Now, campus placements are limited, off-campus recruitment involves lengthy selection processes, and offer letters often come without confirmed joining dates.

• In 2010, Infosys offered ₹3.25 lakh annual salary to freshers; adjusting for 49% inflation, it should be ₹6.40 lakh today, but freshers get only ₹3.60 lakh.
• In TCS, the 2007 fresher salary was ₹3.15 lakh; with 60% inflation, it should be ₹4.73 lakh, yet the offer is just ₹3.36 lakh.

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This shows a sharp decline in fresher packages compared to inflation-adjusted salaries.

Experts Warn Against Ignoring Core Engineering

Professor V. Balakishtareddy, Chairman of the Higher Education Council, warns that blindly chasing Computer Science courses is an “unhealthy trend” and that core engineering branches will see increased demand in the future. He suggests launching awareness programs to educate students and parents that IT is not the only career path.

Skills Are the Key to Survival in IT

Bhatnagar Tripathi, an HR manager at an MNC, emphasizes that basic coding skills are no longer enough in the AI era. Employees must continuously upgrade themselves to keep pace with technological advancements. Even core engineering graduates can succeed in IT if they acquire relevant skills.

Computer Science Obsession in Numbers

The fascination with IT jobs has reshaped engineering education in India. In 2010–11, 4,75,870 students pursued Computer Science courses nationwide. By 2023–24, that number surged to 21,62,266, a 354% increase in just 14 years. Meanwhile, interest in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical engineering has steadily declined, despite available job opportunities in those sectors.

Experts believe that neglecting core branches in favor of IT courses—combined with AI-driven automation—is a major reason for the current IT job crisis.

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Published date : 13 Aug 2025 02:55PM