‘Not much difference between CSE and AI, ML’: Core curriculum overlaps, say experts; urge students to choose based on interest, not trends

Responding to students’ and parents’ queries, Vikram Pudi, chair of admissions at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH), says there is no harm in seeking inputs from friends, relatives, and parents. He adds that the aspirant must look at and explore all options and determine his/her own interests.

Given the current state of the IT industry, what might be the prospects for computer science graduates in specialised fields—AI, Data Science, IoT, and Cybersecurity? — Sunil B Reddy
The world saw tremendous shocks in the last five years—pandemics, political uncertainties, and economic recessions. With the aid of modern technology and AI, we solved some of these challenges and continue to address the remaining ones.

Therefore, the need and demand for talented and passionate computer science graduates will continue in the foreseeable future. They will drive innovative solutions in all domains and will be key contributors to the progress of our nation and human civilisation in general. There cannot be a better time to enter a career in technology and/or computer science.

If a student is interested in technology but not in core coding or programming, what alternative career options exist? Which course should they consider? — Karthikeya M
Several career options in the CS/IT industry do not require programming as such: User Interface Designer, Cloud Architect, System Administrator, Network Administrator, Technical Writer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Analyst, Business Analyst, etc.

The number of career options increases dramatically when we widen the scope to other technology domains like Electronics and Communications, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, etc.

There are innumerable companies and public sector units working in all these areas, providing billions of us with devices that help us be comfortable in our homes and workplaces, get our media content through communication channels, and even get our homes built using modern technologies, in addition to roads, bridges, and so on. There is no lack of work for those keen to work, especially when they pick up the right skills at the right age.

My son wants to pursue CSE because everyone else is opting for it. He is good at maths and analytical skills. Could you guide us on which course he should opt for? — Roopak Sawhney
Being good at maths and analytical skills is a good indicator of doing well in computer science and related disciplines, as well as in other technology specialisations.

There is no harm in taking inputs from friends, relatives, and parents, as long as the aspirant looks at and explores all options and determines their own interest. As parents, we can ensure that they are exposed to other options.

Several course options exist, and each has innumerable career opportunities. Those who study with interest will explore the breadth and depth of their field, gain indispensable skills, and get good opportunities.

If I do not have a specific stream in mind, would a specialisation in AI or ML with Computer Science limit my opportunities in the future? — Mahi Chaudhari
Consider your own interests and determine branches that you feel you can develop a passion for. All other factors will fall into place if this is done, as there are sufficient opportunities in all technologies.

Computer Science has applications in all other domains, and it becomes even more applicable, effective, and efficient with AI/ML. So, Computer Science-related disciplines do not limit your opportunities in the future.

Should my son opt for CSE at the undergraduate level and later specialise in AI or ML at the master’s level, or directly choose these specialisations in BTech? — Sanjay Bommireddipalli
There is not much difference between general CSE and CSE specialisations. The difference can be as little as just an additional 2–3 elective subjects, according to the AICTE model curriculum that is adapted by most universities.

Interested students who study core CSE subjects well can always pick up additional topics with ease at any time, during or after their UG programme.

Is the demand for computer science and artificial intelligence the same, or is AI expected to see a spike in demand in the coming years? — Harshavardhan
At this stage, do not worry about the differences between Computer Science and its specialisations like those you mentioned. The difference between core CSE and CSE specialisations can be as little as just an additional 2–3 elective subjects, according to the AICTE model curriculum that is adapted by most universities. Whichever course you choose, you will have plenty of scope to explore them all and have fun doing so.

Can a student interested in AI, Data Science, or Cybersecurity pursue these fields without an engineering degree, such as through a BSc in Data Science or IT? — P Charan
In principle, yes. However, it is good to consider other factors like the reputation of the college offering the programme, the profile of faculty members, where they did their education, infrastructure, placements, prospects for higher studies, etc.

You may choose to not care about one or more of these factors, but it is better to make an informed choice. You can find most of these objective measures publicly in NIRF data. While you may or may not agree with the overall NIRF ranking, you can use this data and rank colleges based on your personal preferences of these measures.

As a parent, I want to know what key factors should be considered when selecting a specialisation. — Rakesh Peeshwa
Well asked! There is no harm in taking inputs from friends, relatives, and parents, as long as the aspirant looks at and explores all options and determines their own interest. As parents, we can ensure that they are exposed to all options that we feel match their inclination.

The Japanese concept of Ikigai is a good framework to consider: In short, you must choose a career based on what you love to do (what you’d rather do than stay idle— how many of us would prefer to not work at all?), what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you will be paid for.

Is there an evergreen undergraduate course that students can opt for, which will always be in demand in the industry? — Venkat Rudra
This is a natural question at a time when the future of work itself is uncertain. All fields seem vulnerable to automation. However, the era of AI has just begun, and it will take several decades before it is fully applied in each field to achieve the high degree of automation needed to dispense with skilled human work.

In the foreseeable near future, automation will only aid skilled people to carry out their tasks easier and faster. Every substantial field that you can get an engineering degree for is vast with several sub-areas, tasks, techniques, creative views, and applications.

Skilled human hands are needed to ensure that they are applied in ways that make the world more comfortable for all. So, those who invest in such broad skills will be needed and in evergreen demand!

My son wants to pursue higher studies abroad after his BTech. Which specialisation provides the strongest foundation for advanced studies in prestigious institutions? — Keerthana K
For every specialisation, there are prestigious institutions that offer advanced studies, both in India and abroad. So, the specialisation that your son is most interested in and joyfully explores the breadth and depth of will be the strongest foundation.

Can you shed light on how the CSE curriculum and industry requirements might evolve over the next four years? How can my son best prepare for these changes? — Shashank Kumar
Much happened in the last few years in AI, which will eventually impact every other subject. Improvements in quantum computing will also affect some subjects like information security and high-performance computing.

In the coming years, we can expect a more structured and efficient coverage of these topics, and how they affect the rest of computer science, and also how they affect other disciplines as well. Computer science achieves its magic by being applied to other domains.

So, we can expect a lot of interdisciplinary activity as well. I wouldn’t worry about how current students get prepared for all this. They are usually on top of the game before us!

Which specialisations might offer the best career opportunities in the coming years, both in India and internationally? — T Chandana
I do not see any of the broad technology specialisations failing to offer great career opportunities in the coming years. You should consider CSE and related disciplines if you are looking for specialisations that can be applied in all other fields.

With AI automating many tasks, will core programming and traditional software engineering jobs still be in demand in the coming decade? — Tejaswi N
Only routine and low-intelligence tasks are being automated. There will still remain many tasks that are not routine, where human oversight and effort are needed.

So, core programming and software engineering jobs will continue to be in demand for such cases, as will all other disciplines that are sufficiently vast, complex, and involve many creative angles.

Consider, for instance: If you want to repair your television, an LLM will automatically give you a long and complex sequence of steps to follow. Would you prefer to follow that or to hire professional help? Do you expect this to change any time soon?

Given the current situation of the software industry, what would be the best choice for our son—BBA (Data Science and AI) or BTech (Data Science and AI)? — Sreedhar MV
If your son has no interest or aptitude for technology, then BBA would be the right path. Otherwise, and if he is anyway going to do an MBA afterwards, consider BTech. He would get exposure to technology as well with only one year of ‘additional investment’ in studies.

My child is an average student who scored 70 in the recent JEE exams. Please suggest which course would be best for him and also recommend colleges. — Anitha
Even though your son scored better than 70% of students, it can be hard to get into a good college with a 70 percentile due to the immense competition. If your son is keen and interested, let him try other exams to get a better college.

He can also definitely do well in any college as college life is an opportunity to restart one’s approach to studies. The subjects will be relatively different and new for all students. With dedication to limit distractions and by following the right resources, which are very accessible these days, it is possible to do very well.

It is hard to predict which courses will be best for individual students. For example, a few students with even 99 percentile and above struggle in programming-related subjects, while some students with far less percentile do them well.

These subjects require a different kind of thinking—to come up with our own procedures—a skill that is not typically taught up to class 12. In branches like civil and mechanical, students are typically trained in existing procedures, which can be simpler for many. You could also explore if your son has other interests and talents, and consult a good career counsellor for other paths that he may shine in.

I am a parent of a BTech ECE student and would like to know how to shortlist MS or PG courses in international universities. — Cinni Seetama
Determine the countries you would like to study in. Hopefully, you would include India as well! Then, look at the university rankings in those countries and internationally.

You may want to look at several factors like programmes available, profile of faculty members, where they did their education, their research publications, infrastructure, placements, campus safety, cost, etc. If your son is interested in computer science programmes and in research, consider relatively objective criteria like csrankings.org.