Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) remains a top choice for students aiming for the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). However, data from last year's JoSAA counselling shows many other engineering courses are also very popular. This information helps students preparing for JEE Advanced 2026 understand current trends in course selection beyond CSE.
Last year, BTech Computer Science Engineering at IIT Bombay was the most popular course choice. A total of 28,705 candidates picked this option. This number made up over half ( 52.78% ) of all students who qualified for JEE Advanced and chose an IIT course during admissions. CSE courses at IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Roorkee, and IIT Hyderabad also ranked among the top five most desired options.
Top 10 IIT Courses Students Chose Beyond CSE
Apart from CSE, students showed strong interest in a variety of other engineering branches. The following table lists the top 10 courses, along with their respective IITs, that received the highest number of choices in the JoSAA counselling process last year:
| Electronics and Communication Engineering at IIT Roorkee | 24,904 |
| Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay | 24,123 |
| Artificial Intelligence at IIT Hyderabad | 23,632 |
| Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at IIT Roorkee | 22,618 |
| Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering at IIT Kharagpur | 21,889 |
| Mechanical Engineering at IIT Bombay | 21,412 |
| Mathematics and Computing at IIT Delhi | 20,087 |
| Electronics and Electrical Engineering at IIT Guwahati | 18,985 |
| Electrical Engineering (Power and Automation) at IIT Delhi | 17,722 |
| Aerospace Engineering at IIT Bombay | 17,209 |
Changes in Student Preferences for Engineering Fields
These choices highlight important shifts in student preferences. Historically, core engineering branches like Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering were highly sought after. Now, these fields see less interest compared to newer, fast-growing areas. For example, Artificial Intelligence focuses on making machines think like humans. Data Science involves working with large datasets to find useful information. Mathematics and Computing applies advanced math skills to solve computer-related problems.
However, some established core engineering branches continue to attract many students. Electrical Engineering, which deals with designing and maintaining electrical systems, remains popular. Electronics and Communication Engineering, focusing on how electronic devices send and receive information, also sees high demand. Mechanical Engineering, which involves designing, building, and operating machines, is another strong choice for many students.
For instance, Electrical Engineering at IIT Bombay received more than 24,000 choices. Electronics and Communication Engineering at IIT Roorkee was picked by almost 25,000 students. Mechanical Engineering at IIT Bombay also saw over 21,000 choices. This shows that while new technology-driven fields are gaining popularity, traditional engineering areas related to electronics and machinery still have strong appeal.
Important Information for JEE Advanced 2026 Aspirants
Students who plan to take the JEE Advanced 2026 exam should use this information to their benefit. Knowing which courses and IITs are most in demand helps them understand the competition. This knowledge can guide them in making smart decisions about their preparation and course choices during the counselling process.
The JEE Advanced 2026 exam is scheduled for May 2026 . The official exam date and other details will be announced next month on the website **jeeadv.ac.in**. Only the top 2.5 lakh candidates who qualify in the JEE Main 2026 exam will be eligible to appear for JEE Advanced 2026. Therefore, performing well in JEE Main is the first crucial step towards securing admission to these popular IIT courses.
