New Delhi, September 16, 2026

Key Takeaways

●        Enrolments in B.Tech grew 53% from 2023-24 to 2025-26.

●        Core engineering accounts for 76% of enrolments, led by Civil at 29%.

●        Computer Science makes up just 8% of enrolments in the programme.

●        59% of learners are aged 26–35, with average work experience of 3-3.5 years.

●        More than 60% come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, while enquiries have risen 60–65%.

On the occasion of National Engineer’s Day, College Vidya, India’s trusted platform for navigating, comparing, and selecting UGC-approved online and distance education programmes, has released new insights highlighting the growing demand for formal engineering education among working diploma holders. The findings show that enrolments in B.Tech have grown 53% between 2023-24 and 2025-26, with growing interest from professionals looking to strengthen their qualifications and advance within their existing careers. The programme is designed for diploma holders with at least one year of relevant work experience.

The biggest shift is visible in the strong preference for traditional engineering disciplines. Core engineering accounts for 76% of enrolments, with Civil leading at 29%, followed by Mechanical at 23%, Electronics at 16%, Electrical at 12%, Mechanical and Automobile at 12%. Civil has also grown from 21% of enrolments in 2023-24 to 29% currently, while Mechanical and Automobile has increased from 7% to 12%.

Rohit Gupta, COO, College Vidya, said: “These numbers highlight how India’s working engineers are navigating a changing technology landscape while continuing to value core engineering skills. For many diploma holders, flexible higher education has become a practical route to pursue a B.Tech while continuing to work, helping them with promotions, higher roles and the next stage of their careers. Through this study every year, we aim to highlight how working professionals are using online degrees to keep pace with a changing world of work.”

India’s Engineering Workforce: Qualification Becomes a Career Gate

The trend is particularly interesting against the broader engineering landscape. AICTE reported 12.53 lakh B.Tech enrolments in 2024-25, led by Computer Science with 3,90,245 enrolments. Among College Vidya’s diploma engineers, however, Computer Science accounts for only 8%, while Civil is the largest choice at 29%.

The reasons behind this preference are largely career-led. According to advisor interactions, promotion is the top motivation, followed by broader career growth and role requirements, with many engineering positions requiring a B.Tech qualification regardless of prior work experience. Enquiries from learners seeking guidance on choosing the right online university for B.Tech for Working Professionals have also risen by 60–65%.

From Workplace to Classroom

The learner profile shows that most professionals are pursuing the degree at an important stage in their careers. 59% are aged 26–35, while average work experience stands at 3–3.5 years. The cohort also includes professionals with more than 15 years of experience returning to formal engineering education.

More than 60% of learners come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar contributing the highest shares. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are also showing particularly strong diploma-to-degree enrolment.

Overall, the findings point to a cohort that is not looking to leave engineering, but to move ahead within it. Working professionals in construction, manufacturing, automotive and power are using B.Tech to formalise their existing experience and strengthen their pathway to the next stage of their careers.