NEW DELHI: Rakesh M, a 38-year-old automation manager employed at a Bengaluru-based automation firm, holds a postgraduate diploma in electrical and electronics communication, earned in 2004. Rakesh initially enrolled in a traditional college to pursue his engineering degree but was compelled to discontinue due to personal challenges. He subsequently found employment in a petroleum company and later transitioned to an automation company to support his family.
Fast forward two decades, Rakesh is among numerous candidates poised to reap the benefits of the All India Council for Technical Education's (AICTE) reintroduction of three-year engineering programs for professionals in October 2023.
"I presently serve as a manager in the automation division, overseeing processes such as cement, gas, and food and beverages. These operations necessitate machine intervention, and achieving automated control without human involvement necessitates the application of computer technology. With this degree, I can pursue advanced roles within my current organization or explore opportunities in other firms for enhanced compensation," remarked Rakesh, who has enrolled in the electronics and communication engineering (BTech ECE) program at HKBK College of Engineering in Bengaluru.
However, despite the eagerness exhibited by professionals like Rakesh, many institutions offering these programs continue to grapple with low student enrollment. Educators attribute this challenge to the sudden AICTE announcement regarding the reinstatement of these courses and the limited awareness among prospective students regarding available vacancies. Some institutions are adopting a wait-and-watch approach. In Karnataka, for instance, while twelve institutes previously offered three-year evening college programs, only eight have sought and obtained AICTE endorsement following the reinstatement.
Evening to flexible BTech courses
In 2019, AICTE, the foremost regulatory authority for technical education, opted to terminate evening and part-time BTech programs for employed professionals as part of its efforts "to enhance the quality of engineering education".
The discontinuation of evening and part-time BTech offerings stirred opposition, given their popularity among students and professionals alike.
To address the demands of industry professionals advocating for the reinstatement of these courses, AICTE permitted institutions to offer them under a new guise as "flexible courses" termed 3-year BTech programs for employed professionals in India. These programs now feature engineering courses with adaptable scheduling, effectively shedding the "evening" and "part-time" labels while maintaining their essence.
During this four-year hiatus, numerous engineering professionals explored alternative professional pathways to bolster their career prospects. The reversal of the decision brought significant relief.
"I had been contemplating pursuing BCA [Bachelor of Computer Application] and similar fields. At that time, engineering programs in evening colleges were off-limits. The recent allowance for engineering studies made it an appealing choice. Additionally, the emphasis on in-person classes here is notable. I attend college daily, and the instructors are incredibly supportive," remarked Santhosh, a 40-year-old IT professional in Bengaluru, currently enrolled in computer science engineering with a focus on AI and ML at JSS Academy of Technical Education.
In total, the AICTE-endorsed courses encompass computer science engineering, computer science engineering specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electronics and electrical engineering.
BTech: Late announcement, few admissions
However, the decision to reintroduce these courses came relatively late in the year, in October 2023. Consequently, even in sought-after programs like BTech with a focus on AI and ML, most institutions are witnessing a considerable number of empty seats.
"We've struggled to attract sufficient students this year. The total intake for the program is approximately 13, spanning both the regular computer science engineering and AI and ML departments," noted Anil BC, head of the computer science and engineering (AI and ML) department at JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru.
Admissions for working professionals are facilitated through lateral entry, enabling diploma holders to directly join the engineering courses in the second semester. In Karnataka, candidates secured admission through the Diploma Common Entrance Test (DCET), with applications closing by November 2023.
"Professionals from various industries are submitting applications. We have a total of 30 seats available. Presently, 11 students are enrolled through the government quota, while we endeavor to fill the remaining seats through the management quota. We remain optimistic that we'll reach full capacity in the weeks ahead," expressed Latha R, head of the electronics and communication engineering department at HKBK College of Engineering. The government quota accounts for 50% of the seats filled based on DCET scores.
Institutions are hopeful that this year's subdued demand is an anomaly and anticipate a resurgence in admissions in the upcoming academic year.
Promotions and upskilling
The courses have thus far attracted applicants from various industry sectors and hierarchical levels.
"All our candidates hail from industry backgrounds. Some occupy positions in advanced services, such as managerial roles, while others serve as system administrators. The common thread among them is their pursuit of advancement within their respective companies. Another motivation is the desire for upskilling. Given that AI and ML have become integral across all sectors, proficiency in these domains is now a prerequisite. Many of these students have completed one-year diploma programs and lack prior knowledge of AI. Hence, this opportunity enables them to enhance their skill set for better career prospects," explained Anil.
For employed professionals, acquiring degrees serves not only as a means of securing promotions but also as a pathway to bolstering confidence and mastering the fundamentals of cutting-edge technologies in their field. Moreover, despite the IT industry's reliance on candidates' practical experience for recruitment, professionals emphasize the significant advantages conferred by having an academic degree.
"I'm currently employed in the IT sector, where advancements occur at a rapid pace, making it challenging for us to keep up. Enrolling in engineering courses like these provides us with a foundational understanding, which proves invaluable when navigating complex projects independently...AI has emerged as the forefront of technological innovation. In IT, AI permeates virtually every aspect of operations. Thus, investing in engineering education that encompasses this burgeoning technology is a logical step," remarked Santhosh. "While a college degree may not be mandatory in the IT realm, possessing one from a reputable institution undoubtedly boosts our confidence. Furthermore, for certain clients and projects, a degree serves as a basic eligibility criterion. While some clients may not prioritize academic credentials, others do, underscoring the importance of having a recognized degree in such scenarios."
