Engineering Colleges Record Nine-Year-High Admissions As Local Students Prefer Gujarat To Other States, Reports Bharat Yagnik
A generation ago, engineering aspirants from Gujarat ventured out of state by default. The annual exodus to colleges in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu was as much a rite of passage as getting an engineering degree itself. That tide is now turning. Students like Abhay Pisharodi exemplify this shift — unlike his father, who had to go to Kerala for his engineering diploma years ago, he chose to stay put in Gujarat to pursue his MTech in artificial intelligence studies. The pull extends beyond state borders. Kanishka Yadav made the journey from Alwar in Rajasthan, breaking into the male bastion of mechanical engineering, attracted by the opportunities and urban safety that Gujarat offers. From Bihar’s Champaran district, Tausif Alam travelled 1,500 km, drawn by the state’s booming chemical sector. These journeys mark a striking reversal: a state that once saw its engineering hopefuls drift away in search of better prospects is now a magnet for technical education.
THE WINNING COMBINATION
The numbers validate this transformation. With 41,574 seats filled this year — the highest in nine years since 47,000 in 2015 — Gujarat’s engineering colleges are seeing renewed interest. At Nirma University alone, 40% of technology students come from other states, drawn by what the university’s director general Anup Singh describes as “reasonable fees” and “promising job opportunities” in the state’s growing manufacturing sector. Two decades ago, this scene was unimaginable. Admission agents camped in Gujarat for four to six weeks after Class 12 Science results, earning huge commissions by channelling students to institutions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh. These states accepted students from Gujarat through donation-based admissions or premium fee structures.
RISE OF SELF-FINANCED INSTITUTIONS
A new chapter in Gujarat’s technical education began in 1994-95 with Nirma launching the state’s first private engineering college. The momentum intensified after 1998 with the rise of self-financed institutions. Post-2007, the state witnessed a substantial increase in engineering colleges, but this period also saw declining student enrolment, creating a surplus of seats. This vacuum gradually began attracting students from other states. What started with just 67 self-financed colleges alongside 19 govt institutions in 2009 has now expanded to 120 private colleges offering 66,574 seats and 19 govt colleges with 10,957 seats.Govt engineering colleges have seen particularly impressive growth, with 9,233 seats filled this year compared to 7,857 in 2023. Technical education director Banchhanidhi Pani credits this surge to strategic restructuring: undersubscribed branches were relocated from rural areas to metropolitan colleges, while capacity in sought-after disciplines like computer and information technology (IT) was expanded. Improved performance in board examinations has also sparked greater interest among students in pursuing engineering.
REALITY CHECK: WHAT INDUSTRIES NEED
The growth story comes with challenges too. Despite rising occupancy, 35,957 seats still remain vacant. While govt and grant-in-aid colleges maintain a healthy 84.3% occupancy rate, self-financed institutions lag at 48%. The overall state occupancy stands at 54%, suggesting room for improvement.The chemical industry, despite its robust growth, struggles with talent acquisition. “We do not get industry-ready engineers,” says Natu Patel, vice chairman of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Gujarat. “Companies must spend at least two years mentoring and training each new recruit to make them industry-ready.” The disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical skills remains a persistent challenge, he says. Emerging sectors face similar hurdles. The electronics sector, growing at 10-15% annually, projects 30,000 new jobs over the next decade. The telecom sector anticipates creating 15,000-20,000 roles. However, Manwendrasinh Jadeja, who heads a skill development firm affiliated to National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), points to a critical gap: while the industry has entered the 5G era, educational curricula remain outdated.
“The govt aims to train 10,000 electronics and communication engineers annually, but it is difficult,” he says.Student preferences are evolving too. “There’s a clear migration toward new-age technologies,” observes N N Bhuptani, principal of L D Engineering College. “Students mainly want to enter computer IT or artificial intelligence branches, while interest in core branches like electrical, mechanical and civil has decreased.” Yet, he notes that placements remain strong across all specialisations.Notably, the IT industry in Gujarat presents an interesting paradox. While the sector has attracted more students to computer and software engineering programmes, industry leaders point to a persistent challenge: fresh graduates need significant time — anywhere from six months to two years — to become industry-ready. According to Tejinder Oberoi, ex-chairman of GESIA IT association, colleges have made strides in updating their IT engineering curricula. However, the missing piece is real-world industry exposure.
BRIDGING THE GAP
“Although new graduates often have more advanced technical knowledge than our current teams, it takes them between six months and two years to fully adapt to industry requirements. They have strong theoretical foundations but struggle with practical applications, mainly because many don’t get adequate internship experience for various reasons. With AI gradually entering the picture, we expect to see some changes in the coming years,” Oberoi says. Despite these challenges, Gujarat’s engineering ecosystem continues to grow alongside its industrial expansion. “In the last 25 years, Gujarat has made a big name for itself in the manufacturing sector,” says Anup Singh of Nirma University. This industrial growth, combined with state-regulated fee structures that keep education affordable, has made Gujarat increasingly attractive to engineering aspirants, he believes.The affordability factor resonates with students like Hitesh Suthar. “Coming to Gujarat from Jhalod in Rajasthan was a practical choice. My father works in the construction sector here, and staying with my uncle keeps costs down compared to other states,” says the civil engineering student.
THE EXCELLENCE CHALLENGE
GTU vice chancellor Rajul Gajjar sees an interesting trend: mechanical engineering students pivoting to artificial intelligence, while computer science students explore civil engineering. This cross-disciplinary movement reflects the dynamic nature of both education and industry demands. Former Gujarat University vice-chancellor M N Patel says, “Today, the situation is different, with students from other states coming to Gujarat to study engineering. However, they are drawn primarily to colleges known for academic excellence, which points to teaching quality issues in many institutions.” For Gujarat, the challenge now shifts from expanding access to ensuring excellence. With twice as many seats as students, the focus must be on bridging the academia-industry gap and preparing graduates for an increasingly dynamic technological landscape. The state has successfully stemmed its engineering exodus, but it still has a long road ahead for excellence.
— With inputs from Parag Dave
DEGREE ENGINEERING ADMISSIONS
| Year | Available Seats | Occupied Seats | % Occupied |
| 2020 | 64,087 | 27,261 | 42.54% |
| 2021 | 66,328 | 35,499 | 53.52% |
| 2022 | 69,410 | 30,050 | 43.29% |
| 2023 | 71,759 | 32,818 | 45.73% |
| 2024 | 77,531 | 41,574 | 53.62% |
TRACKING TRANSITION: WHAT ACADEMICIANS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS HAVE TO SAY
The past two years have shown marked improvement in Gujarat’s engineering education landscape. While earlier we struggled to fill seats, this year we’ve achieved over 50% occupancy in self-financed colleges, thanks to improved results. Though only quality institutions will thrive in the future, colleges are experiencing a welcome respite for now
— Janak Khandwala | President, Association of Self-Financed Colleges
Gujarat’s industrial growth over the past 25 years has been remarkable, particularly in the manufacturing sector. We’ve also developed world-class engineering institutions. The regulated fee structure keeps education affordable. That explains why 40% of Nirma’s technology students come from outside Gujarat
— Anup Singh | DG, Nirma University
Amid the uptick in engineering admissions, what is also truly fascinating is the cross-disciplinary movement we are witnessing — mechanical engineering students pivoting to artificial intelligence and computer science students exploring civil engineering. This reflects Gujarat’s innovative spirit
— Rajul Gajjar | VC, GTU
The chemical industry has grown enormously over decades, but quality engineers are in short supply. The best students choose foreign universities or civil services. Here, students excel in theory but need exposure to modern manufacturing practices. At least two years are required to train a new recruit
— Natu Patel | Vice- chairman, FICCI (Gujarat)
WHY THESE STUDENTS CHOSE GUJARAT
Years ago, my father had to go to Kerala to study engineering, but I have chosen to stay back in Gujarat and pursue MTech in artificial intelligence at IIT Gandhinagar. The state now offers quality education, and with its industrial hub, there are plenty of job opportunities. When you get good education, the fees are not a major concern
— Abhay Pisharodi | Student, AI engineering
My interest in automobiles drew me to mechanical engineering. I am from Rajasthan and what attracted me to Gujarat was the safety factor. I can work late hours without worry. I was the only woman on my college team in a recently held competition
— Kanishka Yadav | Student, Mechanical engineering
I came all the way from Champaran in Bihar drawn by Gujarat’s chemical industry. The quality of education here, combined with the opportunities, provides excellent prospects for chemical engineers. I did not have to think twice before making the decision
— Tausif Alam | Student, Chemical engineering
A generation ago, engineering aspirants from Gujarat ventured out of state by default. The annual exodus to colleges in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu was as much a rite of passage as getting an engineering degree itself. That tide is now turning. Students like Abhay Pisharodi exemplify this shift — unlike his father, who had to go to Kerala for his engineering diploma years ago, he chose to stay put in Gujarat to pursue his MTech in artificial intelligence studies. The pull extends beyond state borders. Kanishka Yadav made the journey from Alwar in Rajasthan, breaking into the male bastion of mechanical engineering, attracted by the opportunities and urban safety that Gujarat offers. From Bihar’s Champaran district, Tausif Alam travelled 1,500 km, drawn by the state’s booming chemical sector. These journeys mark a striking reversal: a state that once saw its engineering hopefuls drift away in search of better prospects is now a magnet for technical education.
THE WINNING COMBINATION
The numbers validate this transformation. With 41,574 seats filled this year — the highest in nine years since 47,000 in 2015 — Gujarat’s engineering colleges are seeing renewed interest. At Nirma University alone, 40% of technology students come from other states, drawn by what the university’s director general Anup Singh describes as “reasonable fees” and “promising job opportunities” in the state’s growing manufacturing sector. Two decades ago, this scene was unimaginable. Admission agents camped in Gujarat for four to six weeks after Class 12 Science results, earning huge commissions by channelling students to institutions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh. These states accepted students from Gujarat through donation-based admissions or premium fee structures.
RISE OF SELF-FINANCED INSTITUTIONS
A new chapter in Gujarat’s technical education began in 1994-95 with Nirma launching the state’s first private engineering college. The momentum intensified after 1998 with the rise of self-financed institutions. Post-2007, the state witnessed a substantial increase in engineering colleges, but this period also saw declining student enrolment, creating a surplus of seats. This vacuum gradually began attracting students from other states. What started with just 67 self-financed colleges alongside 19 govt institutions in 2009 has now expanded to 120 private colleges offering 66,574 seats and 19 govt colleges with 10,957 seats.Govt engineering colleges have seen particularly impressive growth, with 9,233 seats filled this year compared to 7,857 in 2023. Technical education director Banchhanidhi Pani credits this surge to strategic restructuring: undersubscribed branches were relocated from rural areas to metropolitan colleges, while capacity in sought-after disciplines like computer and information technology (IT) was expanded. Improved performance in board examinations has also sparked greater interest among students in pursuing engineering.
REALITY CHECK: WHAT INDUSTRIES NEED
The growth story comes with challenges too. Despite rising occupancy, 35,957 seats still remain vacant. While govt and grant-in-aid colleges maintain a healthy 84.3% occupancy rate, self-financed institutions lag at 48%. The overall state occupancy stands at 54%, suggesting room for improvement.The chemical industry, despite its robust growth, struggles with talent acquisition. “We do not get industry-ready engineers,” says Natu Patel, vice chairman of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Gujarat. “Companies must spend at least two years mentoring and training each new recruit to make them industry-ready.” The disconnect between theoretical knowledge and practical skills remains a persistent challenge, he says. Emerging sectors face similar hurdles. The electronics sector, growing at 10-15% annually, projects 30,000 new jobs over the next decade. The telecom sector anticipates creating 15,000-20,000 roles. However, Manwendrasinh Jadeja, who heads a skill development firm affiliated to National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), points to a critical gap: while the industry has entered the 5G era, educational curricula remain outdated.
“The govt aims to train 10,000 electronics and communication engineers annually, but it is difficult,” he says.Student preferences are evolving too. “There’s a clear migration toward new-age technologies,” observes N N Bhuptani, principal of L D Engineering College. “Students mainly want to enter computer IT or artificial intelligence branches, while interest in core branches like electrical, mechanical and civil has decreased.” Yet, he notes that placements remain strong across all specialisations.Notably, the IT industry in Gujarat presents an interesting paradox. While the sector has attracted more students to computer and software engineering programmes, industry leaders point to a persistent challenge: fresh graduates need significant time — anywhere from six months to two years — to become industry-ready. According to Tejinder Oberoi, ex-chairman of GESIA IT association, colleges have made strides in updating their IT engineering curricula. However, the missing piece is real-world industry exposure.
BRIDGING THE GAP
“Although new graduates often have more advanced technical knowledge than our current teams, it takes them between six months and two years to fully adapt to industry requirements. They have strong theoretical foundations but struggle with practical applications, mainly because many don’t get adequate internship experience for various reasons. With AI gradually entering the picture, we expect to see some changes in the coming years,” Oberoi says. Despite these challenges, Gujarat’s engineering ecosystem continues to grow alongside its industrial expansion. “In the last 25 years, Gujarat has made a big name for itself in the manufacturing sector,” says Anup Singh of Nirma University. This industrial growth, combined with state-regulated fee structures that keep education affordable, has made Gujarat increasingly attractive to engineering aspirants, he believes.The affordability factor resonates with students like Hitesh Suthar. “Coming to Gujarat from Jhalod in Rajasthan was a practical choice. My father works in the construction sector here, and staying with my uncle keeps costs down compared to other states,” says the civil engineering student.
THE EXCELLENCE CHALLENGE
GTU vice chancellor Rajul Gajjar sees an interesting trend: mechanical engineering students pivoting to artificial intelligence, while computer science students explore civil engineering. This cross-disciplinary movement reflects the dynamic nature of both education and industry demands. Former Gujarat University vice-chancellor M N Patel says, “Today, the situation is different, with students from other states coming to Gujarat to study engineering. However, they are drawn primarily to colleges known for academic excellence, which points to teaching quality issues in many institutions.” For Gujarat, the challenge now shifts from expanding access to ensuring excellence. With twice as many seats as students, the focus must be on bridging the academia-industry gap and preparing graduates for an increasingly dynamic technological landscape. The state has successfully stemmed its engineering exodus, but it still has a long road ahead for excellence.
— With inputs from Parag Dave
DEGREE ENGINEERING ADMISSIONS
| Year | Available Seats | Occupied Seats | % Occupied |
| 2020 | 64,087 | 27,261 | 42.54% |
| 2021 | 66,328 | 35,499 | 53.52% |
| 2022 | 69,410 | 30,050 | 43.29% |
| 2023 | 71,759 | 32,818 | 45.73% |
| 2024 | 77,531 | 41,574 | 53.62% |
TRACKING TRANSITION: WHAT ACADEMICIANS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS HAVE TO SAY
The past two years have shown marked improvement in Gujarat’s engineering education landscape. While earlier we struggled to fill seats, this year we’ve achieved over 50% occupancy in self-financed colleges, thanks to improved results. Though only quality institutions will thrive in the future, colleges are experiencing a welcome respite for now
— Janak Khandwala | President, Association of Self-Financed Colleges
Gujarat’s industrial growth over the past 25 years has been remarkable, particularly in the manufacturing sector. We’ve also developed world-class engineering institutions. The regulated fee structure keeps education affordable. That explains why 40% of Nirma’s technology students come from outside Gujarat
— Anup Singh | DG, Nirma University
Amid the uptick in engineering admissions, what is also truly fascinating is the cross-disciplinary movement we are witnessing — mechanical engineering students pivoting to artificial intelligence and computer science students exploring civil engineering. This reflects Gujarat’s innovative spirit
— Rajul Gajjar | VC, GTU
The chemical industry has grown enormously over decades, but quality engineers are in short supply. The best students choose foreign universities or civil services. Here, students excel in theory but need exposure to modern manufacturing practices. At least two years are required to train a new recruit
— Natu Patel | Vice- chairman, FICCI (Gujarat)
WHY THESE STUDENTS CHOSE GUJARAT
Years ago, my father had to go to Kerala to study engineering, but I have chosen to stay back in Gujarat and pursue MTech in artificial intelligence at IIT Gandhinagar. The state now offers quality education, and with its industrial hub, there are plenty of job opportunities. When you get good education, the fees are not a major concern
— Abhay Pisharodi | Student, AI engineering
My interest in automobiles drew me to mechanical engineering. I am from Rajasthan and what attracted me to Gujarat was the safety factor. I can work late hours without worry. I was the only woman on my college team in a recently held competition
— Kanishka Yadav | Student, Mechanical engineering
I came all the way from Champaran in Bihar drawn by Gujarat’s chemical industry. The quality of education here, combined with the opportunities, provides excellent prospects for chemical engineers. I did not have to think twice before making the decision
— Tausif Alam | Student, Chemical engineering