JEE Main 2026: CSE, AI Lead Course Preferences at IIT Patna

Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) continued to dominate course preferences at the Indian Institute of Technology Patna in 2025, reflecting a sustained tilt towards computing-led disciplines among engineering aspirants appearing for JEE Main 2026. According to institute-level choice filling data, CSE recorded 17,579 preferences in 2025, up from 15,482 in 2024, marking a 13.54 per cent year-on-year increase. The rise highlights growing student interest in software-centric roles and emerging technology domains. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science emerged as one of the fastest-growing programmes. The course registered 15,108 choices in 2025, compared to 13,175 in 2024, reflecting a 14.67 per cent growth. The sharp increase aligns with industry demand for AI-driven skill sets. Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) also remained among the top choices. Preferences for ECE rose from 13,055 in 2024 to 14,784 in 2025, recording a 13.24 per cent increase. Electrical and Electronics Engineering followed a similar trend, with choices rising by 12.72 per cent to reach 12,850.

Core Engineering Branches Show Steady Growth

Traditional engineering disciplines continued to see consistent demand at IIT Patna. Civil Engineering choices increased from 9,439 to 10,605, reflecting a 12.35 per cent rise. Mechanical Engineering recorded 12,158 choices, up from 10,989, marking a 10.64 per cent increase. Chemical Engineering and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering posted moderate yet stable growth of 8.75 per cent and 8.79 per cent, respectively. Engineering Physics and Mathematics and Computing also saw double-digit growth, indicating balanced interest across foundational branches.

Integrated and Dual Degree Programmes Gain Momentum

Integrated and interdisciplinary programmes witnessed strong traction during the 2025 admission cycle. The BTech (CSE) – MTech (CSE) programme received 8,891 preferences, an 11.04 per cent increase over the previous year. Other integrated programmes such as BTech (ECE) – MTech (VLSI), BTech (ME) – MTech (Mechatronics), and BTech Mathematics and Computing – MTech Mathematics and Computing recorded growth between 8 and 11 per cent, indicating rising preference for extended technical specialisation.

Engineering–MBA Collaborations See Higher Demand

Programmes combining engineering with management education, offered in collaboration with IIM Bodh Gaya and IIM Mumbai, also reported higher preference counts. The BTech Chemical Engineering – MBA programme recorded the highest growth in this segment at 15.14 per cent. BTech Civil Engineering – MBA and BTech Metallurgical and Materials Engineering – MBA each saw increases exceeding 14 per cent. The BS in Economics – MBA programme received 4,364 choices in 2025, up from 3,978 in 2024, registering a 9.7 per cent increase. These trends suggest growing student interest in blended technical and managerial career pathways.