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 been high in demand in India’s engineering colleges. With rise of AI - Data Science/ AI ‑ ML specialisations and evolving industry demands, a question arises Is AI Ready to Take Over CSE at DYPCOE?

Shiksha Poll Results Reveal Student Choices at DYPCOE

To know what current and prospective students actually prefer, Shiksha conducted poll, and results tell

Total Votes: 657 Votes

AI and Data Science , was at second postion and it left behind traditional IT and ETC branches. CSE holds on to top spot, with 41% of respondents still going for it. 13% gap shows that AI is growing rapidly but CSE still has more trust amid students.

A Look at DYPCOE: CSE and AI (Data Science)

Traditional CSE at DYPCOE Akurdi Pune is well established. It is NBA accredited programme with current annual intake of 180 students. It was launched in 1984. B.Tech in AI and Data Science with intake of 180, was launched in 2020, and is approved by AICTE. DYPCOE Akurdi also offers a CSE (AI and ML) specialisation, tightly integrated into CSE but with focus on machine learning and AI domains.

Curriculum and Learning Experience: Depth vs Breadth

CSE programmes deliver solid foundation. It covers 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 includes Maths subjects like probability, matrix theory, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and big data analytics. These programs tend to be more hands on, and provides knowledge through projects, real world datasets, competitions, hackathons, and intensive learning modules.

Placements and Salary: Real‑World Outcomes

As per Shiksha overall placement rates at DYPCOE’s Computer Science branch in 2021 increased 95%, with median package between INR 4 LPA to INR 4.8 LPA. Highest packages in AI Data Science and related streams reached as high as INR 27 LPA in 2023. In India, 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 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 most in demand discipline in 2025. This mirrors 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.
• Best alumni network
• 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?

See table below

Should AI take over CSE at DYPCOE

While AI and Data Science programs are growing fast and attracting considerable attention, they are not yet ready to fully replace 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 ability to pivot across tech domains. Choose AI Data Science or CSE (AI and ML) if you have 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 gaining popularity, but CSE remains the backbone. For many students smart path is to enroll in CSE and pursue AI /ML via electives, internships, or master’s later, thus blending 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 to those who want it without undermining strong foundation that traditional computer engineering degree offers. Your decision should depend on

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

In conclusion, AI  is not equal to CSE takeover is branching path. At DYPCOE choice between AI and CSE narrows down to your interest, ambition, and risk taking, not just on trends.

AI at DYPCOE is growing rapidly and building strong infrastructure, but CSE offers larger placement scope, and stability. AI isn't replacing CSE.  Choose branch that is according to your career goals, not just industry hype.