A major trend is evolving among Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States. According to the latest Open Doors report, engineering is no longer the top choice of Indian students flocking to the US for higher education. Instead, mathematics and computer science have become the most popular fields, with 42.9% of Indian students pursuing these subjects in 2023-24.
This shift in preference is attributed to the growing demand for skilled professionals in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. The US has a growing demand for professionals in these fields, which continues to draw Indian students and researchers. Sachin Jain, country manager, Educational Testing Service (ETS) India and South Asia, noted that even according to the TOEFL insights data, Computing and Information Technology has consistently been a top choice among Indian test-takers in recent years, surpassing conventional engineering preferences.
Dr Sridevi Sarma, vice dean for Graduate Education and Lifelong Learning at Johns Hopkins University, explained that engineering is not losing popularity in absolute terms, but it is evolving. “Engineering now interacts with and indeed is transforming fields once thought of as not amenable to ‘quantitative’ analysis and description. This includes the interaction with biology, medicine, and healthcare…that are all being transformed by data science, AI, machine learning, and the like,” she said. The integration of AI into core engineering fields like mechanical and electrical is reshaping modern engineering. The job trend has shifted to the global market, especially in bigger countries like the US and the UK.
Kshitij Pathak, who studied MSc Data Science at the University of Sussex (2022-23), said his core branch was Mechanical Engineering (ME) during graduation but there are fewer options in India or even abroad. “From ME, you can switch to data science. Maths is the core of data science. If you are a good mathematician, you can easily become a programmer. Looking at the global market, there are more opportunities in maths or CS,” he said. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (US), the number of jobs related to maths occupations is growing. The figures show that positions that use arithmetic and apply advanced techniques to make calculations, analyse data and solve problems will increase by more than 30,000 per year through the end of this decade. The median annual wage for mathematicians was $116,440 in May 2023.
The US continues to dominate Indian students’ choices due to its top universities, flexible curriculum, and attractive career opportunities. The F-1 visa and Optional Practical Training (OPT) allow STEM graduates to stay and work in the country for up to three years post-graduation, giving them ample time to gain valuable industry experience and explore career opportunities. Raj Echambadi, president of Illinois Institute of Technology, cited two fundamental reasons for Indians’ trust in the US education system. “Because our undergraduate infrastructure in India is phenomenal and most of these students are in STEM fields, so there is a natural fit… That fit is what is driving a lot of admissions towards Indian students,” Echambadi said.
The oversupply of BTech graduates in conventional fields and the growing demand for specialised skills in niche domains are key drivers of this shift. According to Graduate Record Examination (GRE) data, international student aspirants are showing a clear preference for physical sciences over traditional engineering courses.
As the demand for skilled professionals in emerging areas continues to grow, Indian students are increasingly opting for programmes that align with these fields. The US, with its top universities and attractive career opportunities, remains a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.
