It is yet another year in which students from Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts are showing a strong inclination towards engineering courses, particularly computer science and Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (AI&DS).
At the same time conventional choices such as commerce degrees and core engineering streams, including EEE and ECE, continue to attract interest.
With the announcement of higher secondary examination results in the second week of May, the rush to secure seats in Arts and Science Colleges in the districts began immediately. As of May 22nd, over 2.3 lakh have registered for counselling for various engineering courses, as part of Tamil Nadu Engineering Admissions (TNEA).
However, many students are also locking seats in their preferred engineering courses through direct admissions to the college, indicating strong demand for AI&DS and computer science engineering. The booming tech sector has influenced many students to lean towards career oriented courses, rather than them focusing on doing another degree for jobs.
Zahariya Gabriel, professor, Francis Xavier Engineering College said that due to increasing demand for AI&DS, the number of seats for courses was increased by 60 seats in the last academic year, adding, “Both AI&DS and computer science engineering continue to dominate management quota admissions.”
He added that the management quota seats for AI&DS were already sold for this year in Francis Xavier College, and filling up fast in its sister institution St. Mother Theresa Engineering College in Vagaikulam.
An employee from Norrul Islam Centre for Higher Education also echoed the similar demand for AI&DS and computer science engineering.
He added that there has been a visible increase in interest in aeronautical and aeroscience related courses, with many students from other districts such as Tirunelveli and Madurai are approaching the university.
Sam, a student from Suchindram, who completed higher secondary education with around 60% marks said that he was planning to enrol in BE (EEE). He added that despite evolving trends, core engineering courses would continue to remain relevant.
On other hand many students are still unaware of the full scope of courses and tend to follow prevailing trends without adequate information.
To assist such students and parents of government and aided schools, Tirunelveli district administration has set up a career guidance centre help desk, where students can reach out through contact numbers 95003 24417 and 95005 24417.
An official from the district administration said at least 20 students call the desk daily, while many others visit in person with their families seeking guidance in choosing suitable careers.
Austin, a parent from Nagercoil observed that most of the students from Kanniyakumari district inclined towards engineering courses, particularly preferring colleges in Coimbatore or Chennai. “As there are limited job opportunities in the district, students prefer to move for higher education and continue their careers there,” he said.
D. Henry Raja, principal (in-charge), Scott Christian College (autonomous) explained that the demand for traditional courses such as B.com and B.A (English literature) were still in demand. He added that many students were applying for BCA and B.Sc courses.
Meanwhile, law courses are also witnessing interest among students in the region. Integrated programmes such as B.A LLB and B.com LLB are gaining popularity, particularly those aiming for career litigation, corporate law and public service.