An analysis of the choice count data for IIT Palakkad shows a sharp and uniform rise in student interest across all undergraduate engineering programmes in 2025 compared to the previous year. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) continues to be the most preferred programme, with the choice count rising from 12,851 in 2024 to 15,581 in 2025 — an increase of over 21.2 per cent.
Notably, Data Science and Engineering recorded the highest percentage growth among all branches, registering a nearly 24 per cent jump in choice count. The programme saw its numbers increase from 10,134 last year to 12,560 in 2025, underlining students’ growing inclination towards specialised, industry-oriented courses aligned with emerging technology trends.
Core engineering branches also witnessed robust growth. Electrical Engineering saw a 21.4 per cent increase, with choice counts rising from 10,173 to 12,354, while Mechanical Engineering recorded a 20.7 per cent rise, moving from 9,534 to 11,504 choices.
Civil Engineering, traditionally considered less preferred at newer institutes, also posted a healthy 20.4 per cent growth, crossing the 10,000-choice mark this year.
| Civil Engineering | 10,005 | 8,311 | +20.38% |
| Computer Science and Engineering | 15,581 | 12,851 | +21.24% |
| Electrical Engineering | 12,354 | 10,173 | +21.44% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 11,504 | 9,534 | +20.66% |
| Data Science and Engineering | 12,560 | 10,134 | +23.94% |
Express InfoGenIE
The across-the-board increase suggests not just branch-specific demand, but also rising confidence in IIT Palakkad as an institution.
The rising interest in newer IITs such as Palakkad also 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 — Palakkad, Dharwad, Jammu, Bhilai, and Tirupati — over the next five years.
As part of this plan, infrastructure is being strengthened to accommodate around 6,500 additional students, primarily at the undergraduate (BTech) level. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had said the expansion would be implemented gradually, with seat additions spread across academic sessions to ensure quality is maintained.
Story continues below this ad
The announcement followed the completion and operationalisation of permanent campuses at these institutes in recent years, a move that has helped improve academic facilities, hostels, and research infrastructure. Officials have said the expansion is aimed at meeting growing demand for quality technical education, particularly at newer IITs that are increasingly drawing interest during counselling.
The intake increase is part of a larger trend within the IIT system. Over the past decade, the total student strength across 23 IITs has more than doubled, rising from about 65,000 to 1.35 lakh, reflecting sustained efforts to scale up capacity while broadening access to premier engineering education.
