Traditional Engineering Branches See Rise In Polytechnic Admissions

This year, students opting for diploma engineering courses after Class 10 have shown a renewed preference for traditional engineering branches. Mechanical, electrical and civil engineering together recorded 57,154 admissions in the 2026-27 diploma engineering admission cycle, marking an increase of 4,940 admissions over the previous year.

The admissions included 6,799 students who had scored more than 90% in Class 10. Across 449 polytechnic institutes in Maharashtra, 1,39,147 seats were available this year. Of these, 1,14,561 seats were filled, while 31,945 seats remained vacant.

Mechanical engineering emerged as the most preferred branch, with 23,047 admissions. It was followed by computer engineering with 19,366 admissions, electrical engineering with 17,835 and civil engineering with 16,272 admissions. Mechanical engineering recorded 20,423 male and 2,624 female admissions.

The preference for newer technology-oriented courses has also remained strong. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning recorded 6,815 admissions, while Information Technology saw 4,294 admissions. Computer Technology recorded 3,078 admissions and Computer Science and Engineering registered 2,528 admissions.

Girls also showed a significant presence in emerging technology courses. Of the 6,815 students admitted to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, 3,508 were girls and 3,307 were boys. Girls also outnumbered boys in computer engineering, indicating growing female participation in technology-related diploma courses.

The Pune division recorded the highest number of admissions among the six divisions in the state. Of the 42,111 seats available across 129 polytechnic institutes, 35,054 students secured admission, leaving 7,057 seats vacant.

The number of admissions is reportedly the highest recorded in the last decade. This trend suggests that traditional engineering branches are regaining popularity among students. The increase in admissions to these branches may be due to the growing demand for skilled engineers in these fields.

In contrast, admissions to computer engineering declined by 1,539 compared with last year. This decline may be attributed to the increasing competition for jobs in the computer and IT sector.

The growing female participation in technology-related diploma courses is a positive trend. It indicates that more girls are taking up careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The rise in admissions to traditional engineering branches is significant for the state's economy. It may lead to an increase in the number of skilled engineers in these fields, which can contribute to the state's infrastructure development and economic growth.

In conclusion, the trend of students opting for traditional engineering branches is a significant development in the state's education sector. It may have a positive impact on the state's economy and infrastructure development.