BTech Cybersecurity & AI vs BTech CSE: Industry demand, who should choose?

Engineering has long been one of the most popular career choices within the Indian industry. Earlier, there used to be only a few career programmes to choose from; today, students can opt from over 40 specialised engineering streams. Of these, BTech in Computer Science Engineering and BTech in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence are two of the most popular disciplines that offer strong industry relevance with future-readiness in career opportunities.

As automation, smart systems, and data-driven innovation increasingly become a part of industries nowadays, it is essential for students to make well-informed choices. Knowledge of these significant programmes, requirements of skill, focus areas, and careers will definitely guide the aspiring engineers in their long-term professional objectives.

The core curriculum of BTech in Computer Engineering includes computing basics, software, system design, and networking, integrated with hardware and software. The course prepares students for practical applications that help with technologically related problems.

BTech in Cyber Security and AI is an emerging area of study that combines cyber security, data analytics, machine learning, and AI. The course is aptly suited for someone who is passionate about innovations related to AI, robotics, sophisticated algorithms, and protection of critical digital infrastructure.

CSE provides a comprehensive foundation for software, hardware, and information technology systems. It allows students to explore multiple areas across various technology domains. Cybersecurity and AI delves into the specifics of a particular domain and is concerned with intelligent systems and decision support driven by data as well as cybersecurity. CSE provides you with versatility. Cybersecurity & AI provides you with technical expertise in the fastest-growing sectors of technology.

The work areas for the graduates in CSE are software development, design of systems, IT consulting, database management, and networking. Additionally, they can have specializations such as AI, security, cloud technology, and technical management.

Cybersecurity and AI graduates are in huge demand for jobs such as AI Engineers, Machine Learning Specialists, Robotics Developers, Data Scientists, and Cybersecurity Analysts. Areas like fintech, healthcare tech, smart infrastructure development, automation, and digital security hire professionals with such skills and are good options for future job prospects.

The CSE graduates can be placed in leading IT companies, product-based tech companies, and consultancies for software development, IT infrastructure, and system management.

The demand for students from the fields of Cybersecurity & AI is quite high in AI startups and MNCs in technology, as well as in cybersecurity firms, with an increased salary package because of this unique skill set. This course also offers great placements.

– You are passionate about mathematics, algorithms, and intricate data analysis.

– You are excited about robotics, artificial intelligence innovation, and the future of research.

– You would like to create intelligent systems.

– Computer programming, software development, and designing systems are things that you like.

– You want a holistic foundation in IT and Computing.

– You are interested in pursuing a broad career path, but you would like the flexibility to maybe consider AI or cyber later.

Although CSE builds a broad and versatile platform to pursue any tech-related career, Cybersecurity and AI will better prepare you for important tech-related jobs. At the end of the day, it is up to the interests, abilities, and long-term career strategy of the student that will determine which is the best choice.

(Dr. Shilpa Shailesh Joshi, Dean – Academics, Universal Ai University)