The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has witnessed a significant surge in popularity for its undergraduate engineering programs, with newly released 2025 data revealing a powerful debut for its artificial intelligence-focused curriculum and consistent double-digit growth across nearly all disciplines.
AI and Data Science Make a Blockbuster Entry
The standout story of the 2025 admissions cycle is the spectacular launch of the BTech in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. In its very first year, this cutting-edge program garnered an impressive 15,951 candidate choices, instantly securing the position of the second-most sought-after branch at the institute. This immediate popularity underscores a massive shift in student aspirations towards data-centric and machine-learning technologies.
This new program replaces the older BTech in Data Science and Engineering, which itself was a popular choice, attracting 12,676 and 10,717 student preferences in 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Computer Science Continues Its Dominance
Reigning supreme once again is the classic Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) program. It solidified its top position by receiving 19,202 choices in 2025, a notable increase from 16,569 in 2024 and 14,724 in 2023. This represents a growth of 12.53% last year and a steeper 15.89% this year, confirming the unwavering demand for expertise in software systems, AI, and data analytics.
Steady Growth for Core and Specialized Engineering
The 2025 data from the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC) paints a picture of robust health for both traditional and emerging fields.
Core engineering branches showed remarkable momentum. Electrical Engineering climbed to 14,892 choices in 2025, up from 13,139 in 2024. Mechanical Engineering also maintained its upward trajectory, reaching 13,486 choices this year.
Among the interdisciplinary and specialized courses, the trend was equally positive. The BTech in Mathematics and Computing program advanced to 13,040 choices, while Microelectronics and VLSI saw a sharp jump to 11,078 choices, reflecting the expansion of India's semiconductor and chip-design ecosystem.
Other programs demonstrating healthy growth include:
- Civil Engineering: 11,125 choices in 2025.
- Engineering Physics: 8,185 choices.
- Materials Science and Engineering: 8,015 choices.
- General Engineering: 7,077 choices.
A Balanced Outlook for Future Engineers
The overall trend at IIT Mandi highlights a healthy balance in student preferences. While the tech-centric fields of Computer Science, Mathematics and Computing, and the new AI-Data Science course dominate the top spots, the consistent rise in applications for core branches like Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering signals that these foundational disciplines remain strong and attractive career paths for the next generation of innovators in India.
