Beyond engineering: Why students are opting for AI, healthcare and humanities

By: Manvi Vyas
HYDERABAD: Across Telangana, students are increasingly prioritising employability, career flexibility and long-term opportunities over conventional prestige while choosing courses this admission season.

From vocational healthcare programmes and allied sciences to humanities, management studies and core engineering branches, students are reassessing academic choices based on industry demand, affordability and future career prospects.

Educators say this marks a gradual shift from the earlier trend where students often followed conventional paths shaped by family, peer pressure or social perception.

Y Rama Krishna, general secretary of the Telangana Private Degree Colleges Managements Association, said the trend was visible across streams and was no longer limited to professional courses such as BTech.

Vocational healthcare courses

In Telangana’s districts, students are increasingly opting for vocational healthcare programmes such as Multi-Purpose Health Worker (MPHW), Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) and Medical Lab Technician courses, particularly in areas such as Warangal and Khammam.

Educators said these programmes are drawing first-generation learners and financially constrained students because they offer shorter course durations, lower fees and quicker access to employment opportunities.

“The best part is many get jobs immediately after completing these courses. Some even start working while pursuing graduation because they need financial support,” said A Hari Gopal, junior lecturer and member of the Telangana Accredited Junior Lecturers Association.

Despite offering practical skills and employability, vocational education continues to face social stigma in urban areas, educators said.

“There is still a huge stigma attached to vocational education in cities. But in rural areas, with proper industry alignment and hands-on lab experience, vocational education can genuinely transform lives,” said Jyotsana Racha, principal of Short-term Integrated Vocational Education (SIVE) department.

Two years ago, the state government introduced six vocational courses in emerging tech on a pilot basis, including AI, cloud computing and biomedical technology.

Six additional programmes, including semiconductor technology, interior design and aircraft maintenance, have also been proposed and are awaiting government approval.

However, faculty members said enrolment growth remains limited because of outdated lab equipment, shortage of trained lecturers and lack of awareness among students and parents.

“The department is working on apprenticeship programmes offering stipends between Rs 7,500 and Rs 12,000 along with a central government proficiency certificate. Efforts are underway to secure NCVET affiliation, which could help students access opportunities in countries such as Germany and Japan,” Racha added.

Allied sciences and pharmacy gaining traction

Alongside vocational diplomas, students are also increasingly opting for professional degree courses in pharmacy and allied sciences, including nursing, medical lab technology, veterinary sciences, fisheries and horticulture.

“Students are choosing courses where they can complete their degree and immediately get a job. Nobody wants to study for four or five years and then struggle for placements. Medical allied courses provide that direct path,” said Dr K Ramdas, president of Telangana Private Pharmacy Colleges Management Association.

Ramdas added that pharmacy and agriculture-related courses, including veterinary sciences, fisheries and horticulture, are increasingly preferred by students who qualify through EAPCET but choose not to pursue engineering.

Urban students opting for BBA, humanities

In urban areas, BBA has emerged as a preferred alternative for students seeking employability, placements and management careers, including opportunities abroad. Many students also see the programme as a pathway toward MBA and corporate careers.

Likewise, BA programmes continue to attract students interested in governance, public policy, social sciences and civil services preparation.

To tap into this growing interest and align higher education with rural governance and agri-development needs, the Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) is introducing a new undergraduate programme this academic year: BA in Land, Agriculture and Rural Development.

“A majority of India’s population still relies on farms and villages for livelihood. This course will initially be offered in six colleges with 60 seats each, and intake may expand based on student response,” said TGCHE chairman V Balakista Reddy.

Students reassessing choices

While demand for AI, machine learning and data science courses remains high, perceptions are slowly changing amid increasing competition and slower hiring trends in the technology sector.

“Core computer science is still the most preferred branch, but courses alone aren’t enough. We need greater focus on skills, internships and the reputation of institutions,” said Mohd Akif Ur Rahman, a young engineering graduate.

Students also pointed out that many specialised engineering programmes share similar foundational subjects, prompting some to reconsider broader courses that offer greater flexibility.

“The IT and digital sectors expanded rapidly, making computer science-related courses more attractive. Campus recruitment is heavily concentrated in computer science, with students from other branches often preparing for software jobs anyway,” said T Lakshman, an education consultant.

However, the slowdown in the IT sector over the past two years has contributed to changing perceptions around engineering choices.

“The IT hiring boom has slowed, entry-level opportunities have become more competitive and many companies have reduced hiring,” said G Bhagat, director for training and placements at Siddhartha Institute of Engineering and Technology.

“Many institutions have significantly reduced focus on core branches,” said SFI general secretary Nagaraju.

Faculty members in mechanical and civil engineering are also facing job insecurity because of falling enrolment, said A Santosh Kumar, state president of the Telangana Technical Colleges Employees Association.