IIT Madras has released the report of the Joint Implementation Committee. According to the report, the BTech program in artificial intelligence and data analytics, launched in June 2024 by the institute, has rapidly gained popularity. It is the third most popular choice among first year candidates at IIT Madras.
Artificial intelligence and data science have become two of the fastest-growing and fastest-growing areas in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field in recent years. The need for technology that can analyze large volumes of data, automate complex operations and create intelligent systems is driving their global rise and driving innovation across various industries.
AI and data science are among the most promising and in-demand specializations in engineering, which remains one of the most popular academic fields in India. Many prestigious universities have launched or expanded their AI and data science programs in response to the growing need for specialists in these fields.
AI education is gaining popularity
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras attracted a lot of attention after the program was launched. The BTech in AI and Data Analytics program is where emerging technologies and foundations meet. One of the institute’s top picks for 20,323 prospective students this year, it emphasizes practical skills in application development and responsible technology design while providing foundational learning in mathematics, data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The program is just behind the well-established computer science and engineering, with 23,741 interested students, and electrical engineering, with 20,350 interested students. This statistic unequivocally demonstrates the growing demand for specialized training in data-driven technologies and the emergence of AI capabilities in many fields.
AI and data analytics lead the way at IIT Madras
Mechanical engineering accounted for 17,922, aerospace engineering 14,165 and civil engineering 13,901, which are other important programs at IIT Madras. Chemical engineering and metallurgical and materials engineering, which each have more than 10,000 interested students, made the list. Thus, all these numbers indicate a significant trend across all engineering specialties at IIT Madras, with a notable increase in AI and data analytics, indicating a clear shift towards the data-driven field.
It appears that other sectors have also reported changes in their preferences. Interest in the physics program increased from 4,308 in 2023 to 5,443 in 2024, representing a significant increase of 26%. Biological sciences, engineering design, biological engineering, naval architecture, and ocean engineering continued to attract interest.
The success of this AI and data analytics program shows how IIT Madras is prepared to offer cutting-edge, industry-relevant training to its students. As the demand for skilled AI professionals increases globally, IIT Madras’ new program places its graduates in a strong position to meet the changing demands of the technology industry.
