Shiksha Poll Findings Spark Debate: Is AI Ready to Take Over Computer Science Engineering at DYPCOE?

In recent years, B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) has remained a marquee discipline across India’s engineering colleges. However, with the rise of AI - Data Science/ AI ‑ML specialisations and evolving industry demands, a burning question emerges: Is AI Ready to Take Over CSE at DYPCOE?

 Let’s dig deep, exploring curriculum, campus life, placements, student sentiment, and future outlook.

Shiksha Poll Results Reveal Student Preferences at DYPCOE

To gauge what current and prospective students actually prefer, Shiksha conducted a poll, and the results tell:

Total Votes: 657 Votes

These numbers highlight a crucial insight: AI and Data Science have carved out a strong second-place finish, surpassing traditional IT and ETC branches. Yet CSE retains the top spot, with 41% of respondents still favoring it. The 13% gap reflects that while AI is growing rapidly, CSE still enjoys broader trust and recognition among students.

A Glance at DYPCOE: CSE and AI ‑ Data Science

Traditional CSE at DYPCOE Akurdi Pune is a well-established, NBA-accredited program with a current annual intake of 180 students, dating back to its foundation in 1984. B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science with an intake of 180, was launched in 2020, and is approved by AICTE, and aligned to Savitribai Phule Pune University. DYPCOE Akurdi also offers a CSE (AI and ML) specialisation, tightly integrated into the CSE umbrella but with a focus on machine learning and AI domains.

Curriculum and Learning Experience: Depth vs Breadth

CSE programmes deliver a solid foundation, covering data structures, operating systems, networks, theory of computation, system architecture, web technologies, software engineering, and more. In contrast, AI Data Science or CSE (AI and ML) streamlines core CSE content and embeds math-heavy subjects like probability, matrix theory, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and big data analytics. These programs tend to be more hands-on, cementing knowledge via projects, real-world datasets, competitions, hackathons, and intensive learning modules.

Placements and Salary: Real‑World Outcomes

According to Shiksha’s data, overall placement rates at DYPCOE’s Computer Science branch in 2021 exceeded 95%, with the median package ranging between INR 4 LPA to INR 4.8 LPA. The highest packages in AI Data Science and related streams reached as high as INR 27 LPA in 2023. Nationally, AI and Data Science roles command slightly higher fresher salaries, typically INR 6 LPA to INR 12 LPA, compared to INR 4 LPA to INR 10 LPA for core CSE. Mid-career specialists in AI can command INR 15 LPA to INR 30 LPA+, especially in focused roles like ML Engineer or Data Scientist. However, it is critical to note that at DYPCOE Pune, AI Data Science is newer (since 2020) compared to the well-established CSE. That means fewer historical placement data and smaller alumni networks in AI Data Science, but those early results are promising.

Student Trends Data Science and Demand: What’s Driving the Shift?

Across Maharashtra, AI and Data Science have surged ahead of traditional computer engineering in terms of new seat intake, from 9,030 to 11,940 seats, making it the most in-demand discipline in 2025. This mirrors a national and global trend: students increasingly chase AI-driven roles, believing these areas offer faster growth and superior starting salaries.

Campus Sentiment: Why Choose One Over the Other?

Reasons to choose CSE at DYPCOE:

• Broad foundation offers flexibility across different roles.
• Strong alumni network and campus reputation.
• No restrictions on campus placements for either core or product-based companies.

 Reasons to choose AI and Data Science:

• More specialised curriculum in hot AI domains.
• Increase in industry demand for data analytics, predictive modelling, and smart systems.
• College offers strong infrastructure: AI Centre of Excellence, CoE labs, industry collaborations, certifications.
• Emerging events like hackathons and bootcamps provide early exposure to real-world AI learning.

Is AI Ready to Take Over CSE at DYPCOE?

Let’s break this question into key factors:

Should AI take over CSE at DYPCOE?

While the AI and Data Science programs are growing fast and attracting considerable attention, they are not yet ready to fully replace the flagship CSE program at DYPCOE Akurdi Pune. Both have distinct strengths, so which one fits you? Choose CSE if you want foundational flexibility, proven placement support, and the ability to pivot across tech domains. Choose AI Data Science or CSE (AI and ML) if you have a strong passion for machine learning, Data Science, AI  technologies, and want early exposure via labs, internships, and project-led learning.

At DYPCOE, AI programs are building momentum, but CSE remains the backbone. For many students, a smart path is to enroll in CSE and pursue AI /ML via electives, internships, or a master’s later, thus blending the best of both worlds. Students see AI as exciting and high-paying, but also recognise the flexibility and upward mobility CSE offers.

AI is rising, but at DYPCOE Pune, CSE isn’t on its way out anytime soon. Instead, AI complements CSE, offering depth for those who want it without undermining the strong foundation that a traditional computer engineering degree provides. Your decision should hinge on:

• Your interest: Love coding broadly, building apps and systems - CSE. Fascinated by AI /ML applications and predictive analytics - AI.
• Your risk appetite: CSE is proven; AI is adventurous, but full of opportunity.
• Your long‑term goals: Research/ Master's? AI ‑ Data Science could be ideal. Flexible tech career? CSE works better.

Ultimately, the AI  ≠ CSE takeover it’s a branching path. At DYPCOE, the choice between AI and CSE comes down to your ambition, interest, and risk-taking, not just what’s trending.

AI at DYPCOE is growing rapidly and building strong infrastructure, but traditional CSE still offers more versatility, broader placement reach, and long-term stability. AI isn't replacing CSE, it's extending and enriching it. Choose the branch that aligns with your career goals, not just industry hype.