The Karnataka government has constituted a 10-member expert committee, headed by Prof. S. Sadagopan, former director of the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIITB), to make appropriate recommendations for reforming technical education.
Prof. Jagadish, Prof. S. Gopalakrishna and Prof. Y. Narahari of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Shyam S. Rao, CTO of Carborundum Ltd., S. Vidyashankar, Vice-Chancellor of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi, director of University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), Administrator of Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA), Deputy Secretary of Higher Education Department and Executive Director of Karnataka State Higher Education Council are members of the committee.
The government has directed the committee to conduct a study and review the intake of computer science and related courses, revise the curriculum of basic engineering courses as per the current industrial and employment requirements, take measures to attract students to basic engineering courses and other aspects and submit a report within a month.
Declining demand
During the admission process for professional undergraduate engineering courses through the KEA in the State for the academic year 2025-26, more than 9,000 seats in Computer Science and related disciplines will remain unallocated.
In addition, in recent years, a large number of students who have passed Computer Science and related disciplines have remained unemployed.
On the other hand, the admission rate in basic engineering courses such as mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering, and others, is decreasing significantly. These courses in some private universities and engineering colleges in the State have reached the stage of closure, according to officials.
Employability
“Earlier, the engineering colleges functioning under the jurisdiction of the State’s Higher Education Department were renowned at the national and international levels for providing high-quality technical education. It is worrying that only 17% of engineering graduates in the State are getting jobs,” reads the order, emphasising the need for a review and remedial measures.
Published – February 04, 2026 08:13 pm IST
