Data Science and Engineering Tops Growth Charts at IIT Palakkad
Student interest in undergraduate engineering programs at IIT Palakkad has surged dramatically in 2025. An analysis of choice count data reveals uniform growth across all branches, with Data Science and Engineering leading the pack.
Record-Breaking Growth for Data Science
Data Science and Engineering recorded the highest percentage increase among all programs. The branch saw its choice count jump by nearly 24 percent, rising from 10,134 selections in 2024 to 12,560 in 2025. This remarkable growth highlights students' strong preference for specialized, industry-aligned courses that match emerging technology trends.
Computer Science Maintains Top Position
Computer Science and Engineering continues as the most preferred program at IIT Palakkad. Choice counts for CSE increased by over 21.2 percent, climbing from 12,851 in 2024 to 15,581 in 2025. The program remains the clear favorite among aspiring engineers.
Core Engineering Branches Show Strong Performance
Traditional engineering disciplines also posted impressive gains:
- Electrical Engineering saw a 21.4 percent increase, with choices rising from 10,173 to 12,354
- Mechanical Engineering recorded a 20.7 percent growth, moving from 9,534 to 11,504 choices
- Civil Engineering, often considered less popular at newer institutes, achieved a healthy 20.4 percent growth and crossed the 10,000-choice mark this year
IIT Palakkad Choice Count Comparison 2024-2025
- Computer Science and Engineering: 15,581 choices (21.24% increase)
- Data Science and Engineering: 12,560 choices (23.94% increase)
- Electrical Engineering: 12,354 choices (21.44% increase)
- Mechanical Engineering: 11,504 choices (20.66% increase)
- Civil Engineering: 10,005 choices (20.38% increase)
Rising Confidence in Newer IITs
The across-the-board increase suggests more than just branch-specific demand. It indicates growing student confidence in IIT Palakkad as an institution. This trend aligns with the Union government's broader expansion push in higher education.
In 2025, the Centre announced a phased increase in student intake across five third-generation IITs. These include Palakkad, Dharwad, Jammu, Bhilai, and Tirupati. The expansion will unfold over the next five years.
Infrastructure Expansion Underway
Infrastructure strengthening is already in progress to accommodate approximately 6,500 additional students. Most of these new seats will be at the undergraduate BTech level. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that the expansion would proceed gradually. Seat additions will spread across academic sessions to maintain educational quality.
This expansion follows the recent completion of permanent campuses at these institutes. Operational permanent campuses have significantly improved academic facilities, hostel accommodations, and research infrastructure.
Meeting Growing Demand for Quality Education
Officials state the expansion aims to meet increasing demand for quality technical education. Newer IITs are attracting more interest during counselling sessions each year. The intake increase represents part of a larger trend within the IIT system.
Over the past decade, total student strength across all 23 IITs has more than doubled. The numbers have risen from about 65,000 to 1.35 lakh students. This growth reflects sustained efforts to scale up capacity while broadening access to premier engineering education in India.
