60 per cent engineering seats in West Bengal lay vacant

More than 60 per cent seats in engineering colleges in West Bengal lay vacant this year. Is it due to low salary and high fees, low takers for traditional courses, higher supply than demand? Read further to know…

Engineering as a career option has been seen losing its charm lately. Over 60 per cent of engineering seats in West Bengal lay vacant this year after the end of West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) counselling process. Of the total engineering seats in the state of 32,700, only 10,525 seats were filled while 22,175 had no takers. Last year, the number of vacant seats was 16,000. What could be the reason for engineering losing on its sheen?

According to WBJEEB official, “The middle-rung engineering colleges had hardly any admissions this year. Over 18,000 seats went vacant in private engineering colleges, which is a 30 per cent increase against last year’s 13,375.”

Causes

Low takers for core engineering streams

According to Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, head of the engineering department, Jadavpur University, “The number of students opting for core engineering courses has decreased. More students have been opting for IT and computer science engineering these days. This is due to an inadequate generation of jobs in electrical, mechanical and chemical streams.” “Not only private colleges, but the recession has hit the reputed government colleges too. There are 197 seats still vacant in various departments in Jadavpur University which may go up to 250 after the closure of the admission process,” he added.

High fee and low salary

Another reason why students are not opting for engineering programmes is the contrast between the high fees of institutes and the starting salaries. This has led to many students dropping out of the admission process despite clearing the entrance exam. Apart from the BTech/ B.E courses, students prefer to enroll in newer fields that offer better job prospects.

More seats than takers

As stated by AICTE chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe, “Out of 14 lakh engineering seats available across the country, only 10 lakh students take admission. The number of seats available outnumbers the demand.” “The syllabus can be modernised, but it is up to the college to adopt it. Students should put the focus on the faculties and placement cell,” the chairman said further.